Lectionary Ruminations 2.0 for Sunday, June 28, 2015, the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

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 - 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27

1:1 Why Ziklag and why two days?

1:17 What does “intoned” mean?

1:18 I envision an Indiana Jones sequel entitled “Cataloging the Book of Jashar”.

1:19 Note that in the NRSV verses 19-27 are formatted as poetry, not prose. What does “high places” refer to?

1:20 Why not in Gath and Ashkelon?

1:21 Where is Gilboa?

1:22 Why did Jonathan have a bow when Saul had a sword?

1:23 Where else do we find eagle and lion imagery?

1:24 Who are the daughters of Zion?

1:25 Note the refrain of 1:19. Is David lamenting and praising Jonathan more than Saul?

1:26 What does David me when he says “passing the love of women.”?

1:27 How many times have we now heard the refrain “How the mighty have fallen”?  Why is it repeated?

Psalm - Psalm 130

130:1 Where are the depths and how deep are they?

130:2 How do we deal with Psalms that anthropomorphize God?

130:3 Does God mark, or not mark, iniquities?

130:4 Keep in mind that this “forgiveness” proceeds the ministry of Jesus.

130:5-6 What does it mean to “wait for the LORD”?  I am inclined to think of contemplative prayer.

130:7 This psalm already introduced forgiveness in 130:4.  Now it introduces love and redemption.  To me this sounds like New Testament Christian theology.

130:8 What wee Israel’s iniquities?

Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

8:7 What generous undertaking would that be?

8:8 In other words, I do not have the power to command you, but I can embarrass you.

8:9 Let’s pour on the guilt.  Is this Paul’s idea of a Stewardship sermon?

8:10-11 Is Paul reminding the Corinthians of a previous but unfulfilled financial pledge?

8:13-14 This is beginning to sound like a sermon to the 1% about helping the 99%.

8:15 Some inequality is ok, but not extreme wealth in the midst of extreme poverty? Where is this written?

Gospel - Mark 5:21-43

5:21 When had Jesus crossed before? The other side of what?

5:22 Why would Jairus fall at the feet of Jesus?

5:23 What is so special about the laying on of hands?  Why do Presbyterians not usually associate prayer for healing with the laying on of hands when it is so biblical?

5:24 When does a crowd become large?

5:25-34 Why does this account interrupt the story?

5:25 Is there anything special about “twelve years”?

5:26 It seems medical care for the poor has not progressed much.

5:27 What had she heard?  Why did she touch his cloak?

5:28 What would lead the women to think and believe this?

5:29 What do you make of “immediately”?

5:30 What might power going forth from oneself feel like?

5:34 Is this not an after the fact proclamation?

5:35 As I was saying … back to the main story.

5:36 Are the words “Do not fear, only believe” meant for Jairus or for someone else?

5:37 An example of the inner three being given an inside track. Why are we told who John’s brother was?

5:38 The people are in mourning. Why do westerners, especially we Presbyterians, not mourn like this?

5:39 What is the difference between death and sleep?  I hate the euphemism putting pets “to sleep” and prefer the verb “euthanize”.

5:40 Weeping and wailing turn to laughter but for all the wrong reasons.

5:41 Why take her by the hand?  Why might the gospel preserve the original Aramaic?

5:42 When was the last time you, or anyone you know, were overcome with amazement?

5:43 Why would Jesus order that “no one should know this”?  Know what?

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.