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
FOR AN UPDATED AND REVISED VERSION, GO TO THIS LINK
3:12 When Peter saw what?
3:13 What about Sarah,
Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, Zilpa and Bilha?
3:14 How often do we make
liturgical use of “the Holy and Righteous One”?
3:15 Is this the only
occurrence of “Author of life”? How often do use that phrase liturgically? What
had Peter and the others (who were the others) witnessed the killing, the
rising, or both?
3:16 Whose faith, Peter’s
or the man’s? What is faith in a name?
Could this verse lead to using the name of Jesus simply as part of an
incantation? What is faith that is through Jesus?
3:17 Why does Peter address
the people as “friends”? Is ignorance any excuse?
3:18 Is “all the prophets”
hyperbole?
3:19 Repent of or from
what? Does “wiped” suggest any sense of washing or cleansing?
4:1 God of my right? What about God of my left? What does the Psalmist mean by “You gave me
room”?
4:2 Are vain words the same
as lies?
4:3 What does it mean to be
set apart by the LORD?
4:4 Sin only when you are
not disturbed? Doe being disturbed
promote sin? Ponder what? Can this verse be used in support of contemplative
prayer or even mindfulness meditation?
4:5 What are “right
sacrifices”? How can right sacrifices be offered after the destruction of the
Second Temple?
4:6 Who were these “many”?
Is there a difference between seeing the face of the LORD and the light of the
LORD’s face shining on you?
4:7 Who are the they of
“their”? Is the LORD the generator of our emotions?
4:8 Might this have been a
Psalm associated with evening prayers?
4:1-8 Why was this Psalm
paired with the First Reading? What is
their theological or thematic unity?
3:1 It is one thing to be
called a child of God. It is another thing altogether actually to be one.
3:2 Who is the “he” yet to
be revealed? Does John have another—a second—revelation
in mind?
3:3 Why the emphasis on
purity?
3:4 I though sin was
separation from God. John’s definition
of sin seems more instrumental and less existential than I am comfortable with.
It is, however, one of the shortest definitions I know of.
3:5 John defined “sin” in
the previous verse but writes about “sins” in this verse. What is the
difference between sins (plural) and sin (singular)?
3:6 This reads like pretty
strong language, especially when, as a Reformed Christian, I have been raised
that we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. What does “abide” mean and
what is it all about?
3:7 What is the difference
between being a child and a little child?
Does this verse, especially in light of verse 4, lead to a theology of
works righteousness?
24:36b Where was Jesus
standing and among whom was he standing?
What is the meaning of “peace be with you” and does it mean anything
more than usual when spoken by the resurrected Jesus?
24:37 What is the
difference between being “startled” and being “terrified”? Have you ever
thought you saw a ghost?
24:38 What doubts was Jesus
referring to? Does fear necessarily give rise to doubt?
24:39 The resurrected Jesus
may have had flesh and bones, but resurrected flesh and bones, and therefore
something inherently different than our pre-resurrected flesh and bones.
24:41 How does joy exist in
the midst of disbelief and wonder? Do ghosts hunger?
24:42 Why do we not have
the tradition of serving broiled fish on Easter morning or sometime on Easter.
24:43 Do ghosts eat?
24:44 The fish are Jesus’
words? The actions are his words? What was he talking about? Note the threefold TANAKH.
24:45 How does Jesus open
OUR minds to understand the scriptures?
24:46-47 Where is thusly
written?
24:48 Witnesses of what
things?
24:36b-48 Why does Luke tell us about broiled fish rather than bread. Is the author substituting fish and bones for flesh and blood, bread and wine, or are there no Eucharistic overtones here?
24:36b-48 Why does Luke tell us about broiled fish rather than bread. Is the author substituting fish and bones for flesh and blood, bread and wine, or are there no Eucharistic overtones here?
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. Please
like The Presbyterian Church of Cadiz on facebook.
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