Conflict as prelude

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Ott's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

Matthew invites us into a whole variety of experiences this Sunday. Verses 10 through 20, considered optional, center around a conflict about tradition and authority followed by a parable about the truth of the actions of the heart. This is followed by healings and feedings. The next chapter begins with more conflict.

In my experience, this Sunday's texts and those that surround them are the life of ministry. Acts 2:44-47, in which "all who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their goods and distribute proceeds to all," reflects a sensibility that is fleeting at best. It is often misleading to people who are just beginning to get involved in congregational life.