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.
2:4 What is the meaning of
“hear”? Am I hearing echoes of The
Shema? What is the difference, if any, between house of Jacob and house of
Israel? Perhaps this is just a Hebraic poetic device?
2:5 One becomes what one
desires? Is the LORD asking a rhetorical
question?
2:6 They did not say this,
but they should have. What is the LORD getting at?
2:7 What is the relationship
between the land and the LORD’s heritage? Is the LORD espousing an
environmental ethic?
2:8 None of these things
would ever happen today, would they?
2:9 This language sounds
like it is from a court of law. I can understand the people being accused, but
their grandchildren. Why must later
generations suffer for the action or inaction of people generations before
them?
2:10 Why Cyprus and Kedar?
Such a thing as what?
2:11 Have the people sold
their birthright for a bowl of porridge?
2:12 Why are the heavens
brought into this?
2:13 A double whammy! You do know what a cistern is, don’t
you? Why would one need a cistern when
one has a fountain?z Why am I thinking of John 4:5-26?
81:1 Sing aloud. Sing ALOUD!
Sing with gusto and spirit.
Shout. SHOUT! Don’t mumble or
whisper. Let the people passing by the outside
of the church hear what is happening inside.
81:10 See Jeremiah 2:6. If
we open our mouths wide, what will the LORD fill them with?
81:11 Must listening
involve submission?
81:12 So it is God’s fault?
81:13 What does it mean to
walk in God’s ways?
81:11-13 This reads like a
restatement of the Jeremiah Reading, nothing less than God’s indictment of the
people.
81:14 But until then . . .
?
81:15 What is the
difference between hating the LORD and not listening to the LORD’s voice?
81:16 What do the finest
wheat and honey from the rock symbolize? Since when did honey come from a rock?
This finest wheat and honey from the rock sounds tastier than bland communion
wafers.
81:14-16 God does not speak
of pending punishment but rather promised rewards. It is easier to attract flies with honey
(from the rock) than vinegar.
13:1 What mutual love is
being referred to?
13:2 Does this allude to
anything in the Hebrew Scriptures? Have
you ever entertained angels without be aware of it until later?
13:3 What does it mean to
“remember”? Why am I feeling guilty for
not having renewed my membership in Amnesty International?
13:4 How might this verse
inform debates about same sex marriage, if at all?
13:5 How can a capitalist
read this with a straight face? Where has God said this?
13:6 Who or what is being
quoted?
13:7 Does this refer only
to leaders of religious communities or all leaders?
13:8 Are you the same
yesterday, today and forever? What is
the meaning and purpose of this verse in this context?
13:15 Verbal praise is a
sacrifice pleasing to God, but is any other sacrifice needed?
13:16 Is “sharing” the only
good work or just one among many?
14:1 This sounds like a
memory but the author cannot place the time or location. I have such momentary lapses of recall, why
shouldn’t Luke? Or could this be a
fictional account? Who were watching Jesus, the Pharaisses? The other guests?
14:7 Where are the places
of honor?
14:8 Thus sit down at the
place where you find your name card and don’t go exchanging name cards.
14:9 Who would want to
experience such ignominious disgrace?
14:10 Why is it that when
people go to concerts and plays they want to sit near the front, but when they
go to worship they want to sit in the back? Are down and up only location
physical location descriptions or do they mean something more?
14:11 This sounds like one
of the Gospel’s formulaic reversal of fortunes sayings.
14:12 Is “luncheon” really
the best translation? Who do you invite into your home for meals or
entertaining and why?
14:13 Why would anyone give
a banquet and invite total strangers?
14:14 So payment is
deferred, but there is still a payment?
14:12-14 Is this a mere
parable or a metaphorical interpretation and application of a later Eucharistic
theology and the placement of that theology back into the text?
ADDENDUM
I am currently a Member at Large of Upper Ohio
Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I am a trained and
experienced Interim Pastor currently available to supply as a fill-in
occasional guest preacher and worship leader or serve in a half-time to
full-time position.
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