Thursday, December 10, 2015

Lectionary Ruminations 2.0 for Sunday, December 20, 2015, the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year C)

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

PREFACE: There are a couple of options this week. You could use the Canticle (Luke 1:46b-55) rather than the Psalm (80:1-7) and the shorter Gospel Reading (Luke 1:39-45) or you could use the Psalm (80:1-7) rather than the Canticle (Luke 1:46b-55) and not use the Canticle at all or include it as part of the Gospel Reading (Luke 1:39-55)

5:2 What is the meaning of “Bethlehem”?  What is the significance, or insignificance, of Ehhpratah?  What sort of origin is from of old? When were ancient days?
5:3 Who is giving whom up?  Who is in labor?  Whose kindred shall return?
5:4 What does it mean to feed a flock in the strength of the LORD?
5:5a What does it mean to be “the one of peace”?

1:46b What is the first word in the Latin Vulgate translation of this verse?  How does one’s soul magnify the LORD?
1:47 When and why does your spirit rejoice?
1:48 What is the nature of this lowliness?  What does it mean to be called blessed?
1:49 What great things has the Mighty One done?
1:50 What is the nature of this fear? Is there no mercy for those who do not fear?
1:51 What does “in the thoughts of their hearts” mean? Do we think with our hearts or minds? Do we feel with our hearts or minds?
1:52 What powerful have been brought down from their thrones?
1:53 This reads like a 99% passage. What good things have been fed to the hungry? What does it mean to be rich but empty?
1:54 What is the meaning of “in remembrance of his mercy”?
1:55 What promise is being referred to?

80:1 What does it mean to “give ear”? How can one person be led like a flock? What are cherubim and where might one find them?
80:2 Why are only these three tribes mentioned?
80:3 What does it mean for God’s face to shine?
80:4 Have you ever felt like God was angry with your prayers?
80:5 Could Christians read this as “anti-Eucharistic” imagery?
80:6 How would the psalmist now if enemies were laughing among themselves?
80:7  This sounds like a refrain. See 80:3.

10:5 What came before this “consequently”?  Is it not essential to the argument?  Where did Christ say this?  What body has been prepared? 
10:6 What is the difference between a burnt offering and a sin offering?
10:7 What, or where is the scroll of the book?
10:8 I find the use of “above” interesting. It sounds so modern.
10:9 The “first” and the “second” refers to what?
10:10 Does this verse presume, or require, any specific theory of the atonement?

1:39 What days?  Why did Mary set out and go with haste? What Judean town? Why is it not named?
1:40 Why did Mary not greet Zechariah?
1:41 What is the meaning of the child’s leaping?  Was it the child’s leaping that filled Elizabeth with the Holy Spirit?  If not, when was she filled?
1:42 I wonder how loud her cry was.
1:43 And we too wonder?
1:44 How did Elizabeth know it was joy and not some other emotion?
1:45 Which of the two women is blessed?
1:(46-55)  See my ruminations on the Canticle.

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. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Presbyterian-Church-of-Cadiz/731499276885960

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