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
61:10 How does one’s whole
being exult? Most Presbyterians only exult with the mind. I find it interesting that both bridegroom
and bride imagery is employed.
61:11 It seems
righteousness must take root and grow and does not materialize out of thin air.I
like the organic imagery.
62:1 How can vindication be
like the dawn and a burning torch?
62:2 What is the
significance of being called a new name? What could this new name be?
62:3 What is a diadem? Why are
the crown and diadem in God’s hand rather than on God’s head?
148:1-2 These
verses could easily be adapted for use as a Call to Worship. Note, however, that it is the angels and the
heavenly host, not humans, being called to worship.
149:3 The Hubble
Telescope might offer us images of shining stars praising the LORD.
149:4 What waters
are above the heavens?
149:5 Which
creation story does this allude to?
149:6 Where are the
bounds?
149:7 What comes to
your mind when you think of sea monsters?
149:8 Shall we
think of tornadoes and hurricanes as praising God even as they leave death and
destruction behind?
149:9 How can the
mountains and hils praise the Lord when they are being removed for the coal
beneath them?
149:10 The Pope
recently said that animals go to heaven so they should indeed be praising the
Lord.
149:11 After
numerous physical features and living creatures are named, humans finally
appear.
149:12 How does the
presence of both “men” and “women” speak to patriarchy? How does the presence of both “old” and
“young” speak to a church that is graying and which has more or less failed to
attract the younger generation?
149:13 What is the
name of the Lord and how can n it be praised if it is not pronounced?
149:14 What is a
horn and why would the Lord raise one up for the people?
4:4 What is”full”
time? Is this kairos time or the
eschaton? John Shelby Spong used a
phrase from this verse as the title of his book about the birth of Jesus. Why would Paul refer to Jesus being born of a
woman rather than of the Virgin Mary?
4:5 Who were under the law?
4:6 What do you think about
translating “Abba” as “Daddy”?
4:4-7 These verses seem to
base adoption as God’s children upon Jesus’ birth. So why did he have to die?
22:22 What time was this?
What is this referring to?
22:23 Where is this
written?
22:24 Why two turtledoves
but no partridge in a pear tree or three French hens?
22:25 Is there anything
special about the name Simeon? What is
the consolation of Israel?
22:27 What was customary
under the law?
22:28 The child’s father
and mother simply let Simeon take the child in his arms?
22:32 Gentiles? I think Luke might be the only Gospel that
could say this.
22:35 What is the meaning
of “a sword will pierce your own soul too.”? Mary is named, but why not the
father?
22:36 Do we know anything else
about Anna?
22:37 She never ate? She
never went home?
22:40 Luke is long on prose
but short on detail. We have learned more about Simeon and Anna than about this
unnamed child.
ADDENDUM
I am currently serving at the Interim Pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Cadiz, worshiping at 154 West Market Street, Cadiz, Ohio, every Sunday at 11:00 AM.
This is the
second to the last Lectionary Ruminations 2.0 to be posted before Christmas so
I wish you a Christ filled merry Christmas and peace, happiness and wholeness in
the New Year.
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