Lectionary Ruminations 2.0 for Sunday, November 2, 2014, the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

Lectionary Ruminations 2.0 is a revised continuation of Lectionary Ruminations.  Focusing on The Revised Common Lectionary Readings for the upcoming Sunday from New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible, Lectionary Ruminations 2.0 draws on nearly thirty years of pastoral experience.  Believing that the questions we ask are often more important than any answers we find, without overreliance on commentaries I intend with comments and questions to encourage reflection and rumination for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged.  All lectionary links are to the via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website.

FOR AN UPDATED AND REVISED VERSION, GO TO THIS LINK

First Reading- Joshua 3:7-17

3:7 Moses’ body is barely cold in the grave and God is already promoting Joshua. How might we apply this to pastoral transitions?

3:8 Indiana Jones, where are you? Why should Joshua stand still in the Jordan?

3:9 How might this verse be used liturgically?

3:10 By “this” refers to what? Joshua seems to tell the people something a little different than what God told him. Who will do the driving out?

3:11 “the LORD of all the earth” is an interesting phrase.  What about “heaven”? Listen for a refrain in verse 13. It sounds like the ark will lead the way and the people will follow.

3:12 I wonder how these men were selected. Why were only men selected?

3:13 How will this be different than the parting of the sea?

3:14-17 Is the Ark taking the place of Moses’ rod?  Is the purpose of this narrative to establish Joshua being equal to Moses? How could the people cross on dry ground if the water had only recently stopped flowing? Wouldn’t the bottom of the Jordan be muddy? I wonder how deep and wide the Jordan would have been at the place of crossing.

3:16 It sounds like the waters were heaped up far off in the distance. Does this make a difference?

3:17 It sounds like the ark first led the way and then brought up the rear.

Psalm - Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37

107:1 Is it not redundant to say that steadfast love endures forever?  Then again, this is poetry.

107:2 This is sounding like a call and response.

107:3 Note the four cardinal directions. When where the people gathered in?

107:4 If “some” wandered in desert wastes, what did others do?  Is this a reference to the Exodus, or something else?

107:5 I wonder if this verse influenced any New Testament authors, such as the author of John?

107:7 Is the straight way always the most direct and best way?

107:33-37 Is this an example of the first being last and the last being first, or rather the topsy-turvy world of Divine judgment and grace.

107:35 This is sounding antithetical to the imagery of the First Reading.

Second Reading - 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

2:9 Is Paul bragging? Do you think the Thessalonians really remembered?  Would have they have remembered without Paul reminding them? By the way, I have never charged you a single cent, or asked you for any donation to help support Lectionary Ruminations 2.0.

2:10 Would Paul be defending his conduct if they had not been some accusation(s)?

2:11 In what other letters does Paul seem to take upon himself the parental function?

2:12 What does a life worthy of God look like?

2:13 Is “constantly” hyperbole?

this emphatic or interrogative? 

2:10

Gospel - Matthew 23:1-12

23:1 What does it mean when a Gospel tells us that Jesus is speaking to both the crowds and to his disciples?

23:2 What and where is “Moses’ seat”?

23:3 Can you think of any current day examples of people whose teachings we should follow but not follow their actions?

23:4 What do you know about phylacteries and fringe?  Are there any Christian comparisons? What burdens to preacher and minister types place on others?

23:5 Would a current example be the size of the cross one wears? The bumper stickers on one’s vehicle?

23:6 Where the best seats in Synagogues in the back? Where are the best seats today? Where is the place of honor at banquets?

23:7 If you happen to be ordained and/or serving in a pastoral position, how do people address you and how do you want them to address you?

23:8 So what shall the PC(USA) do with the designation “Teaching Elder”. I prefer we go back to “Minister of Word and Sacrament”.,

23:9 What can Hallmark do with this on Father’s Day? Has this ever been used against Roman Catholics?

23:10 Ouch! There goes my five years as an adjunct faculty instructor down the toilet.

23:11-12 Where have we heard this before? See my rumination on Psalm 107:33-37.

ADDENDUM

I am currently serving at the Interim Pastor of The Presbyterian Churchof Cadiz, worshiping at 154 West Market Street, Cadiz, Ohio, every Sunday at 11:00 AM.