tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42034837843423160082024-03-13T15:08:16.373-07:00Break Open the WordA Study of the Lectionary, Sunday by Sunday
Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.comBlogger642125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-87261345677085097952021-06-02T18:00:00.003-07:002021-06-02T18:00:48.633-07:00The Second Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5, 6 June 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Pentecost/BProp5_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Second Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 5, 6 June 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 50%px;"><tbody><tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 174.625px;" width="46%"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Track 1</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">or</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 174.625px;" width="46%"><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Track 2</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="padding: 0.75pt; width: 174.625px;" width="46%"><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)<br />Psalm 138<br />2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1<br />Mark 3:20-35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style="padding: 0.75pt;"><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Genesis 3:8-15<br />Psalm 130<br />2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1<br />Mark 3:20-35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgzNdosG4di2koTQ5LijIltSAxWcGAn5Z1jxgJKoaWy582lMDWN0AcZWR2J528CvN1_-5GhNDg46R8_Fm_H-FXyM0CKU7w_nlb2tHWeeNEoaSNeomE4OvlRNaHuw4bB_yEr0hYEn1d6U/s800/serpentssurprise_0.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgzNdosG4di2koTQ5LijIltSAxWcGAn5Z1jxgJKoaWy582lMDWN0AcZWR2J528CvN1_-5GhNDg46R8_Fm_H-FXyM0CKU7w_nlb2tHWeeNEoaSNeomE4OvlRNaHuw4bB_yEr0hYEn1d6U/s320/serpentssurprise_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Serpents<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino;">It is not surprising to find frequent mentions of serpents in the Hebrew Scriptures (</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><a href="applewebdata://9C401D70-809B-4B26-9CE3-64D80C83A22E#First"><span style="color: #954f72;">see the Track Two First Reading</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">). They were a common and ubiquitous part of the culture and mythology of the Ancient Near East. It was both a symbol of fertility (</span><a href="http://mythologian.net/ouroboros-symbol-of-infinity/"><span style="color: #954f72;">see the image of the snake eating itself</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">) </span> <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">but of evil and chaos as well. The name in Hebrew is </span><i>nachash</i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">a word that is associated with divination. Serpents are surreptitious as well, and not just in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the </span><a href="https://archive.org/stream/TheEpicofGilgamesh_201606/eog_djvu.txt"><span style="color: #954f72;">Gilgamesh Epic</span></a><span style="background-color: white;">, the hero loses his immortality when it is stolen by a serpent. Images of serpents have been found at pre-Israelite sites in Palestine, and in Jewish settlements as well, most notably Shechem. If you are interested in delving into the various interpretations of the presence of the serpent in the Eden story, you may want to consult Gerhard von Rad’s commentary on Genesis<a href="applewebdata://7E1CEB86-8B1A-4D1F-AED8-18AE66146D1F#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a>, where he aligns the serpent’s presence with temptation rather the demonic power of Satan.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Track One:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: I Samuel 8:4-11, (12-15), 16-20, (11:14-15)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">All the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.” But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to govern us.” Samuel prayed to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, and the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only—you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">So Samuel reported all the words of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, “These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; [and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his courtiers. He will take one-tenth of your grain and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and his courtiers.] He will take your male and female slaves, and the best of your cattle and donkeys, and put them to his work. He will take one-tenth of your flocks, and you shall be his slaves. And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves; but the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will not answer you in that day.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel; they said, “No! but we are determined to have a king over us, so that we also may be like other nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">[Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” So all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> in Gilgal. There they sacrificed offerings of well-being before the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, and there Saul and all the Israelites rejoiced greatly.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlonJIhatUjNprhpfZIB9G28cIa1fS1kfs21SIif0cmSpdWZBdEfc3nluS2Pg8JbwWwCCe3fSKzJjnYa8FWx_ByBGJb62sXkXVnFLdr5uFzmesJ6ViAK3yIvQxrT8ArgGOxCQiI7Y4w2Q/s600/saul.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlonJIhatUjNprhpfZIB9G28cIa1fS1kfs21SIif0cmSpdWZBdEfc3nluS2Pg8JbwWwCCe3fSKzJjnYa8FWx_ByBGJb62sXkXVnFLdr5uFzmesJ6ViAK3yIvQxrT8ArgGOxCQiI7Y4w2Q/s320/saul.jpg" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Lectionary sets us in the midst of an argument – shall there be a theocracy or a monarchy in Israel? The time of Judges is coming to an end. The first verses of the reading note that even the sons of the prophet are not meeting the test of serving God and people. This reading cuts a broad swath from this notice to the renewal of kingship in the last verses of the reading. You may want to read through the elided chapters <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/9"><span style="color: #954f72;">9</span></a>,<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/10"><span style="color: #954f72;">10</span></a>, and <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/11"><span style="color: #954f72;">11:1-13</span></a>. Once Samuel has succumbed to the argument that Israel needs a king, we meet Saul in these elided chapters. What Samuel does, however, prior to giving in, is to make certain that the people really understand what it is for which they are asking. Taxation, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corv%C3%A9e"><span style="color: #954f72;">corvée</span></a>, other forms of slavery and service. This is especially seen in <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1kings/5"><span style="color: #954f72;">I Kings 5</span></a>, where the <a href="https://claudemariottini.com/2014/02/18/forced-labor-under-solomon/"><span style="color: #954f72;">corvée under Solomon</span></a>is mentioned. It must have been a difficult conversation, with the people seeing what they concluded was the success of the monarchies that surrounded them. Kingship was the model in the Ancient Near East and Israel was outside of that culture. It is a good lesson to study as we continue into the life of Saul and David and all that follow them.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Samuel:<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the dangers of a theocracy?<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the dangers of a monarchy?<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do the people of God best govern themselves?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 138<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Confitebor tibi<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 I will give thanks to you, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, with my whole heart; *<br />before the gods I will sing your praise.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 I will bow down toward your holy temple<br />and praise your Name, *<br />because of your love and faithfulness;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 For you have glorified your Name *<br />and your word above all things.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 When I called, you answered me; *<br />you increased my strength within me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 All the kings of the earth will praise you, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />when they have heard the words of your mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 They will sing of the ways of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />that great is the glory of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 Though the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> be high, he cares for the lowly; *<br />he perceives the haughty from afar.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *<br />you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;<br />your right hand shall save me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will make good his purpose for me; *<br />O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, your love endures for ever;<br />do not abandon the works of your hands.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29KKqpfD9PzAGz5FiSIwQWDa9rDhgp30npinAgBKVKcouqZwgMgOkf_cMa7-zR-BiH6muuZwhiNq3NmqJ0Som2Mv2WfDu8YQHNqkDqo5-Mw1leLI5waoRzNqc-zoY3iT-fJIekxSILRs/s340/prayer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29KKqpfD9PzAGz5FiSIwQWDa9rDhgp30npinAgBKVKcouqZwgMgOkf_cMa7-zR-BiH6muuZwhiNq3NmqJ0Som2Mv2WfDu8YQHNqkDqo5-Mw1leLI5waoRzNqc-zoY3iT-fJIekxSILRs/s320/prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Track Two<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Genesis 3:8-15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">They heard the sound of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God among the trees of the garden. But the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” Then the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God said to the serpent,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 60pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“Because you have done this,</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">cursed are you among all animals <br />and among all wild creatures;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 60pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">upon your belly you shall go,<br />and dust you shall eat <br />all the days of your life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 60pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I will put enmity between you and the woman,<br />and between your offspring and hers;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 60pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">he will strike your head,<br />and you will strike his heel.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeseAblTlqsklCavsMOFLyjJhHORl9Z3ddwcIdKg34Po4mDttZS7fJ0ofqqPpnWPNRjxg9PyGjD3_GCdQjT0H4pjH4cnba3c2w1YXh53IuwRQi-N9UikVJ5FdPBmkSksk7xsgM-h23pyg/s982/Adameve.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeseAblTlqsklCavsMOFLyjJhHORl9Z3ddwcIdKg34Po4mDttZS7fJ0ofqqPpnWPNRjxg9PyGjD3_GCdQjT0H4pjH4cnba3c2w1YXh53IuwRQi-N9UikVJ5FdPBmkSksk7xsgM-h23pyg/s320/Adameve.jpg" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The reading elides the initial verses of the pericope in which we meet the serpent, and his words that lure Even, and Adam into temptation. It is important to understand this conversation so that we can enter the scene of our reading – the consequences of their act. The two characters reaction is of hiding from what they have done and denying its consequence. It is a calm introduction, the quiet walk in the evening breezes, and yet there is lying beneath a fear of what is to come. There is finger pointing, the man to the woman, the woman to the serpent. What follows is a reversal of the finger-pointing. First the serpent is cursed, then the woman, then the man (although the latter two are left out of the reading). You may want to look at <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/genesis/3/16"><span style="color: #954f72;">these curses</span></a>as well. What needs to be proclaimed here? Is the focus on the serpent, or should it be on the behavior of the man and the woman? Were we to focus only on the serpent we would have missed the opportunity to confront our own responsibility and sinfulness. That seems to be an attitude given in our time, of placing blame elsewhere and not acknowledging our own falling short.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Genesis:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom have you pointed the finger at rather than examining yourself?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How has the curse of Adam or of Eve been evident in your life?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you blame on the Serpent?</span><o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 130 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">De profundis<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>;<br /><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, hear my voice; *<br />let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 If you, <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, were to note what is done amiss, *<br />O Lord, who could stand?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 For there is forgiveness with you; *<br />therefore you shall be feared.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 I wait for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; my soul waits for him; *<br />in his word is my hope.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 My soul waits for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,<br />more than watchmen for the morning, *<br />more than watchmen for the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 O Israel, wait for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />for with the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> there is mercy;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *<br />and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cu_rAQ_YhtMvcGloC9NR3ljPuXR4wQZ4lEutOifrI3ALcoSWeYDabvDeLhYOz_ja2_oyPNViEPDp4iViZIgdipgILMLJyf6UB4lklQDRNoy5UFejH-HaWhGs7NvyBIgJrvayYe9ZoXM/s320/deprofundis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2cu_rAQ_YhtMvcGloC9NR3ljPuXR4wQZ4lEutOifrI3ALcoSWeYDabvDeLhYOz_ja2_oyPNViEPDp4iViZIgdipgILMLJyf6UB4lklQDRNoy5UFejH-HaWhGs7NvyBIgJrvayYe9ZoXM/s0/deprofundis.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The psalter describes this as a psalm of ascents, but it is really a penitential psalm. It does describe an ascension from the depths to forgiveness. The depths symbolize to us the depths of the sea, in other words death – the death that results from our sinning. Here God is depicted as one who watches upon the wall – looking for the enemy. The psalmist moves from the individual sinner who might be noted by God to a more universal prospect, <i>“O Lord, who could stand?” </i>At this question, the psalmist moves to the opposite point – to the forgiveness which rests in God. Thus, we wait, just as the watcher on the wall waits (and just as God waits, looking upon the people God has called). In verse 6 we move from an individual penitence to a more general penitence, <i>“O Israel, wait for the Lord.”</i>There are reasons given for such a stance and patience, <i>‘for with the Lord there is mercy.” </i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 81:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What depths have you known?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How did you rise above them?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you do when you confront them again?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: II Corinthians 4:13-5:1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—“I believed, and so I spoke” —we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExu2Ig1LgzzgUBZHzIutZy90J7KeyiSPuIP370vrDT1t5qrT7nuIOnb50vc_-FwuObgCYvojkh446inwU7aDO2lPB9alFBPLNs22h9VbrsZFOQycsv0lqKiAJmauC7lQpP-zWIrPFJ9Q/s488/tabernacle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExu2Ig1LgzzgUBZHzIutZy90J7KeyiSPuIP370vrDT1t5qrT7nuIOnb50vc_-FwuObgCYvojkh446inwU7aDO2lPB9alFBPLNs22h9VbrsZFOQycsv0lqKiAJmauC7lQpP-zWIrPFJ9Q/s320/tabernacle.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul begins this pericope with a quotation from <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/116/10"><span color="windowtext">Psalm 116:10</span></a>. Here we meet Paul as a sufferer, who sees in his own difficulties the sufferings for the Church, modelled by the Lord of the Church. There is the usual Pauline contrast, <i>“Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” </i>The final verses are echoes of what Paul writes in the eighth chapter of Romans, <a name="53008022"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><i><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none;">“</span></i><span color="windowtext" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;</span></a><a name="53008023"> </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span color="windowtext" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.</span></a> <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">For<a name="53008024"> </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none;">in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.</span><span color="windowtext"> </span></a>For who hopes for what one sees? </span>The hope that Paul hints at is the resurrection of Christ that his own body will experience, and that is the hope that is given to all the church.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open: II Corinthians:</span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you suffering today?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What kinds of suffering do you see around you?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">How does a suffering Christ challenge you?</span></span><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 3:20-35</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The crowd came together again, so that Jesus and his disciples could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.” And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons.” And he called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Then his mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you.” And he replied, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJqaTRWfV7mN99dFBkL0ZGbX_G2IWvI8XuuxX292jly3zjDHUeQsF2AN8kTrVmt_4Px-0lll4utxHb7JKsV-gkR8rMznj4II55VQtWmkQpMHQZPhoAjKh5kX-qnq427CxMz7qcXxhFxs/s1166/Jesus-Papyrus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="1166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJqaTRWfV7mN99dFBkL0ZGbX_G2IWvI8XuuxX292jly3zjDHUeQsF2AN8kTrVmt_4Px-0lll4utxHb7JKsV-gkR8rMznj4II55VQtWmkQpMHQZPhoAjKh5kX-qnq427CxMz7qcXxhFxs/s320/Jesus-Papyrus.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></i></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There are multiple images here. The first is interesting, although it is elided from the reading, “He came home.” We are so tied to the notion of a “homeless Jesus” that this passage makes us sit up. The notion of home brings with it so many other images, rest, comfort, shelter, and finally family. But the home that Mark describes here is not a restful place; it is so crowded that even the ordinary things of daily life, such as eating a meal, is not possible. So, against this scene of Jesus at home Mark paints the real contest. We have a family who think that Jesus is crazy, and scribes coming up from Jerusalem who think that Jesus is possessed by a demon. The stage is set for parabolic teaching and Jesus does not disappoint. Jesus paints mind images for those who cannot fathom what Jesus is. Is it a house divided against itself? That image plays two ways – the relatives who despise him, and the demon in Jesus seen by the Scribes as casting out demons. What the critics of Jesus want is to bind up Jesus. What Jesus implies is that Satan must be bound up, <i>“No one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man.” </i>The charge that Jesus is “out of his mind” is a charge that is familiar to those who would be prophets. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The saying of Jesus regarding “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” is about the testimony that the Spirit brings, the witness that she makes. If one were not to believe this witness, then the possibility of separation from God becomes possible. If there is a possession on the part of Jesus, then it is a possession of him by the Holy Spirit – for that is the witness that he gives. The family and the scribes recognize a spirit, but they do not see that one as the Holy Spirit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who then lives in the house in which Jesus seeks rest? The final verses relate the visitation of <i>“his mother and his brothers.” </i>Their presence provides Jesus with a teaching about who belongs with him in his home. Conventional wisdom would award the comfort of that home to the family from which Jesus comes. Rather it is the family which Jesus calls, that is welcomed to that home and fellowship. In the scene they are already gathered, <i>“And looking at those who sat around him.” </i>With this, Mark’s parentheses close. The family and followers are gathered with their teacher and their Lord.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who is your family?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Are there outsiders in your family?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is Jesus a part of your family?</span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZzaM3AN9dWj9ET3KfS-mAx1GY7P6wxB_WdpnIkA2SLEnr531VGDTiixs8LTVqvwTwc0RQvoC-qCcZ6bu-FaLl8oV79y1j0bYOlhzS2TDpZdd4USz4A87BJKSbgpToB9Q7jiDfl42eMA/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZzaM3AN9dWj9ET3KfS-mAx1GY7P6wxB_WdpnIkA2SLEnr531VGDTiixs8LTVqvwTwc0RQvoC-qCcZ6bu-FaLl8oV79y1j0bYOlhzS2TDpZdd4USz4A87BJKSbgpToB9Q7jiDfl42eMA/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For Discussion: What is the focus, when we talk about sin?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Possibility 1: We look at the ‘serpent’, rather than ourselves. First Reading</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Possibility 2: We look at the “other”, rather than ourselves. First Reading</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Possibility 3: We don’t see in our hopes, that which might separate us from God. Second Reading</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Possibility 4: We don’t see the spirit in ourselves which blinds us to Jesus’ presence. (Gospel)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Possibility 5: We are fearful of the Spirit who witnesses to us a different way of living. (Gospel)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Possibility 6: We are blind to the other members of our family. (Gospel)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://7E1CEB86-8B1A-4D1F-AED8-18AE66146D1F#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span></a> <span style="font-family: Palatino;">Gerhard </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino;">Von Rad. (1973), </span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Genesis: A Commentary, </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Philadelphia: <span style="background-color: white;">The Westminster Press, 1973, p. 87-88.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-15026377314056327042021-05-20T12:13:00.001-07:002021-05-20T12:13:13.956-07:00The Day of Pentecost, Whitsunday, 23 May 2021<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Pentecost/BPentDay_RCL.html">The Day of Pentecost, 23 May 2021</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Acts 2:1-21<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">or </span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Ezekiel 37:1-14<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm 104:25-35, 37<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Romans 8:22-27<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">or </span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Acts 2:1-21<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Almighty God, on this day you opened the way of eternal life to every race and nation by the promised gift of your Holy Spirit: Shed abroad this gift throughout the world by the preaching of the Gospel, that it may reach to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. <i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">or this<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i>Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="A picture containing text, posing
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Description automatically generated" src="file:////Users/Kitchen2/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image001.jpg"></v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDuJzWT97AuJjKdwYqZlyjY3ATpg9LfyT3NzNPS78f0NllWhUEthgAX9r287zbNG87TICXL68Fi8BJoE1d8_cOyfY9FguqMQHcJRNWDIUcIU8wL2aMJAraVyVekndwcZm-1ywtKuwqnE/s800/whitsun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDuJzWT97AuJjKdwYqZlyjY3ATpg9LfyT3NzNPS78f0NllWhUEthgAX9r287zbNG87TICXL68Fi8BJoE1d8_cOyfY9FguqMQHcJRNWDIUcIU8wL2aMJAraVyVekndwcZm-1ywtKuwqnE/s320/whitsun.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Background: Whitsunday</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is another name for the Day of Pentecost, the last Sunday after Easter, which celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. The variation of Whitsun, or Whitsunday is largely seen in Britain and Northern Ireland. It seems to have descended from the word “wyt” which signified wisdom, and used in this context referred to the wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit. It also may refer to the white garments worn by baptismal candidates or catechumens who would have been baptized on Pentecost. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">First Reading: Acts 2:1-21<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">When the day of Pentecost had come, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs-- in our own languages we hear them speaking about God's deeds of power." All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others sneered and said, "They are filled with new wine."<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, "Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">`In the last days it will be, God declares,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,<br />and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">and your young men shall see visions,<br />and your old men shall dream dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even upon my slaves, both men and women,<br />in those days I will pour out my Spirit;<br />and they shall prophesy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I will show portents in the heaven above<br />and signs on the earth below,<br />blood, and fire, and smoky mist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sun shall be turned to darkness<br />and the moon to blood,<br />before the coming of the Lord's great and glorious day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' "<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><v:shape alt="A picture containing text, book, posing, people
Description automatically generated" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" style="height: 122pt; visibility: visible; width: 93pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="A picture containing text, book, posing, people
Description automatically generated" src="file:////Users/Kitchen2/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image002.jpg"></v:imagedata></v:shape></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ1mNtidQ4813DB5ekOkrlOw6_D0du-7GMild9z07wIZmGsI1_DpjgqLJg2G5V3Y6tKKAOPmriL_09mwTRONqO8qoLgvvXlYSUSFwxY_VhzIUCz3D7brIluAomX3gMF5k3ejSfa5sOxg/s1024/pentecost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ1mNtidQ4813DB5ekOkrlOw6_D0du-7GMild9z07wIZmGsI1_DpjgqLJg2G5V3Y6tKKAOPmriL_09mwTRONqO8qoLgvvXlYSUSFwxY_VhzIUCz3D7brIluAomX3gMF5k3ejSfa5sOxg/s320/pentecost.jpg" /></a></span></i></b></div><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is not the account of a day, but rather of the fulfilling of God’s plan. Our translation blunts this important meaning and might be better rendered as, “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled.” We can see the same usage in <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/9/51"><span style="color: #954f72;">Luke 9:51</span></a>, where the time for Jesus’ role in the plan is fulfilled in his being “taken up”. Just as Jesus had journeyed to Jerusalem for the final days, so many come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Weeks, but are drawn into a new plan – a new Pentecost. The people are gathered, and the disciples are gathered as well, in once place. There are signs given to them there: noise, wind, and fire. We are reminded of the Baptist’s prophecy, “(he) will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire.” <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">One of the gifts of the Spirit is understanding. Here, the gathered people begin to understand what the disciples are saying – they heard in their own language the message, they were given the gift of understanding. In some segments of Christianity, the emphasis has been on the speaking in tongues, but here the emphasis truly is the hearing and understanding of the message spoken by the disciples. Luke takes this gathering of peoples from the Diaspora, as a sign that the Gospel will be opened to both Jew and Gentile. It is a divided audience. Some are amazed (Luke’s code word for believing) and others are simply perplexed. <u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Peter offers an explanation. He does not apologize for their unusual speech, but rather offers up the new wine of Jesus. “These people are not drunk, as you suppose.” He then quotes from Joel who describes the wonders of a new day which is to be created by the spirit that will “come upon all flesh.” Joel does not describe a certain few, but rather a great many that will witness the coming of the spirit. This is part and parcel of Luke’s agendum – the giving of God’s good grace upon any who would seek God. That is the wonder of this day.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Acts:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Jewish Pentecost celebrated the harvest and the Law, what is celebrated in the Christian Pentecost?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What gifts of the Spirit do you count in your life?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What new words have you been given by the Spirit?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ezekiel 37:1-14<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">The hand of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span>, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>. Thus says the Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span> to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span>: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span>: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, have spoken and will act,” says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabQhhlGIa1NCX67qDj2BqWYgdnuQF3BvrylbbTlNBWsoS6sQ2g1V2ePljr15VC724-BNphVPaSUGo65FxvI8IfLK68p5LMq_3OTwu9wtRXt9NiWl364_qiWL1ubxCSv5t4s_lX9uqRWE/s1500/Dry%252BBones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabQhhlGIa1NCX67qDj2BqWYgdnuQF3BvrylbbTlNBWsoS6sQ2g1V2ePljr15VC724-BNphVPaSUGo65FxvI8IfLK68p5LMq_3OTwu9wtRXt9NiWl364_qiWL1ubxCSv5t4s_lX9uqRWE/s320/Dry%252BBones.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This pericope is one of four vision narratives, each introduced with the words, “The hand of YHWH was on me.” The location of this vision, or trance is the same as the first vision in <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/3/22"><span style="color: #954f72;">3:22-27</span></a>, a valley close to the settlement of the exiles, a place of separation and seclusion. Here he hears a call to come out of the valley of the shadow of death <i>“it was full of bones”</i>and into a place of life. The bones are called back into life by the breath. The prophet would have us remember the spirit <i>ru’ah</i>hovering over the wasted deep, and the breath with which God calls the whole of the cosmos into being. The prophet is asked to transcend his traditional spiritual life and to walk into something new. He walks through the bones, which threaten his spiritual purity. God inquires of him, <i>“Mortal, can these bones live?” </i>He is then called upon to speak to the dead.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is a poignant message in our time – speaking to the dead. If we look at the deeds and behavior of our time, we might think that it is indeed dead, spiritually dead. What might make it alive? Our message? The breath of our message? I’ve always wanted to use the Acts passage as the initial reading for the Day of Pentecost. Reviewing this text, however, leads me to wish that I had chosen this one more often.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Ezekiel:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What in your life are “dry bones”?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Which need to be resurrected?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How will God’s breath make them live again?</span><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 104:25-35, 37 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Benedic, anima mea<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">25 O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, how manifold are your works! *<br />in wisdom you have made them all;<br />the earth is full of your creatures.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">26 Yonder is the great and wide sea<br />with its living things too many to number, *<br />creatures both small and great.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">27 There move the ships,<br />and there is that Leviathan, *<br />which you have made for the sport of it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">28 All of them look to you *<br />to give them their food in due season.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">29 You give it to them; they gather it; *<br />you open your hand, and they are filled with good things.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">30 You hide your face, and they are terrified; *<br />you take away their breath,<br />and they die and return to their dust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">31 You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; *<br />and so you renew the face of the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">32 May the glory of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> endure for ever; *<br />may the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> rejoice in all his works.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">33 He looks at the earth and it trembles; *<br />he touches the mountains and they smoke.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">34 I will sing to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> as long as I live; *<br />I will praise my God while I have my being.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">35 May these words of mine please him; *<br />I will rejoice in the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">37 Bless the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, O my soul. *<br />Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; 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Description automatically generated" src="file:////Users/Kitchen2/Library/Group%20Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/TemporaryItems/msohtmlclip/clip_image004.jpg"></v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi18WVl3Ijr-iCRHo-XYNCqmXMClg2bW_kTKEfMc61usw7kowhHB80dYCFuWsvPdVxkzuZ-Y3sDT1mQ-dKQDfd_pG8li3axu3IpFafuGp8NXwRHvtltWZptbpMm49i43MoGxgL1zpE1rc/s304/220px-Behemoth3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi18WVl3Ijr-iCRHo-XYNCqmXMClg2bW_kTKEfMc61usw7kowhHB80dYCFuWsvPdVxkzuZ-Y3sDT1mQ-dKQDfd_pG8li3axu3IpFafuGp8NXwRHvtltWZptbpMm49i43MoGxgL1zpE1rc/s0/220px-Behemoth3.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The prior two reading choices are evocative of Creation and the presence of the Spirit. So it is in this psalm as well. The locale speaks of it, <i>“Yonder is the great and wide sea.” </i>The psalmist wants us to be aware of all the creatures in the wide sea, but we are also aware of God’s ordering of the sea, of being victorious over the chaos of the sea, of conquering Leviathan, <i>“which you have made for the sport of it.” </i>For most Hebrews, the sea was the very stuff of death. The sea is often used as a symbol of death. Here, however, the sea is a sign of God’s hand at work in creation. There are ships and beasts all for the good of humankind. One verse could be the antiphon for this Day of Pentecost, <i>“You send forth your Spirit, and they are created; and so you renew the face of the earth.” </i>The psalm reminds us that this is a day not just of words and language, but of deeds and breath – of recreation. Given that vision, the psalmist enjoins us to praise God – the Creator – the life-giver.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 104:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you understand water as death?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is it life for you?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you renewed in your living day by day?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Romans 8:22-27<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV5gMec_TzJfI_iRFIPt0uCfymQjLpcDT0p3VGE2KpVJ_xVyKCbi1Ayd_9ajvZpZVOK4wMdJWxW0mjUzp82FU_yPAUHiruh3hEmhJ88hYvuDcNIiWjvQPzpo5ocQ29zymvvPQ95G5S7g/s1800/13LUNGS1-mediumSquareAt3X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtV5gMec_TzJfI_iRFIPt0uCfymQjLpcDT0p3VGE2KpVJ_xVyKCbi1Ayd_9ajvZpZVOK4wMdJWxW0mjUzp82FU_yPAUHiruh3hEmhJ88hYvuDcNIiWjvQPzpo5ocQ29zymvvPQ95G5S7g/s320/13LUNGS1-mediumSquareAt3X.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The subtext of creation and breath comes to the front again in this reading from Paul. Looking back on creation we suddenly realize that it is not a task accomplished but rather an on-going process, <i>“the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now.” </i>I hope we see the pun in Paul’s text. The <i>first fruits</i>of the Hebrew Pentecost is no longer the grain of the field, but it is us – we are the first fruits yearning for adoption and redemption. Paul sees us hoping for that which is yet to be revealed to us. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Words – what words do we use when we pray? Here the concern with language is what shall be our language of prayer if not the words and language that the Spirit gives to us. The stuff of life is beyond words and beyond knowing at times. Here the Paraclete stands beside us to comfort and to speak so that God might know our true intent. So let us be in the mind of the Spirit.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Romans:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When do you have difficulty praying?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you find the words?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For what are you yearning in your spiritual life?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Acts 2:1-21<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">[See above]<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jesus said to his disciples, ”When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><v:shape alt="A picture containing text
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He prepares those who wish to follow him with gifts that allow them to stay in the world, and to deal with the world’s dismissal of him. The promise and the gift are that of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, the witness with them of the ministry of Jesus. <i>“(the Holy Spirit) will testify to me.” </i>Jesus’ coming absence becomes the cause of the Spirit’s presence and action. It is almost like the first day of school in which the teacher welcomes but warns that much more will be given and required as the students are taught and guided.<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is Jesus your teacher?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What have learned in the last week?<u1:p></u1:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you teach others?</span><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47gNetsgGSFbVrq_PXwHfiO9iCQHylS6BbQUjIujDsSMFkBkHVl26Ym1ZjRaHmBqnC2fuNRm3w0FFN3IWktk5Nq3rdmaQ3hmmvCCZPR6EwROiNxHwZaIUilGG0xfIMwCJ7Dvy-6mwA4g/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47gNetsgGSFbVrq_PXwHfiO9iCQHylS6BbQUjIujDsSMFkBkHVl26Ym1ZjRaHmBqnC2fuNRm3w0FFN3IWktk5Nq3rdmaQ3hmmvCCZPR6EwROiNxHwZaIUilGG0xfIMwCJ7Dvy-6mwA4g/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Problem: Where is the breath in my life, in my church, in my neighbor?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 78pt; text-indent: -78pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Observation 1: The mere fact of living, of breathing in and out, is a sign of God’s presence.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Observation 2: What is dried up in our lives, in our parish, that could use the breath of God – what might that breath be?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Observation 3: How might we use our corporate breath to testify to the Risen One?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="font-size: small;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-69641306281801273192021-05-12T15:22:00.003-07:002021-05-12T15:22:40.957-07:00The Seventh Sunday of Easter, 16 May 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Easter/BEaster7_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Seventh Sunday of Easter, 16 May 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 John 5:9-13<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 17:6-19<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01hg1Zf2zgJ4SWx4KXnp1Ov0u2V88eYt3XeZPS55_vOVHPDJSK_JdQDo8Z9VD78nyEIFDowW7-QgVI0g3YsSyISfrSeXQkYrKcIyFyc0UJzrZhahescsQiZSXYcDW_JZATytO1nlxZSE/s620/53e458e5b8506.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01hg1Zf2zgJ4SWx4KXnp1Ov0u2V88eYt3XeZPS55_vOVHPDJSK_JdQDo8Z9VD78nyEIFDowW7-QgVI0g3YsSyISfrSeXQkYrKcIyFyc0UJzrZhahescsQiZSXYcDW_JZATytO1nlxZSE/s320/53e458e5b8506.image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This prayer which ends the Entrance Rite of the Liturgy has both ancient and modern roots. In the Anglican and Lutheran liturgies, the collects are translations of the ancient Roman texts. Over time, however, the Romans have added new texts, and the Lutherans have added collects to match the increased number of lectionary readings in the three-year lectionary. Collects are also used in the Orthodox, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches as well. Their value to those preaching and proclaiming is the clues that they give to the theme of the readings in general. In the Huguenot churches, as well as in the Scottish Presbyterian churches, these initial prayers are based on the psalms.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The structure of the prayer is described in five parts: 1) An invocation or address, 2) An acknowledgement of a divine grace or attribute that relates to the theme for the day, 3) The petiti0on, 4) Hoped for results, and 5) Conclusion in the name of Jesus. The people respond with an “Amen.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus-- for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry. So, one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So, they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv0dkdW1GDf2hhA7iZdFxB8NKbzfPcKNKC415Tqyb9EK94wAcIITaJm_VGOjxqHZYk9yMtE-YPGeeXG3KvTWqhbQf0-dV7iUiJYel_pByrtLUH-jlH-Jz_XXj53rXVaIqeahq4KLOvbQ/s372/matthias+lots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvv0dkdW1GDf2hhA7iZdFxB8NKbzfPcKNKC415Tqyb9EK94wAcIITaJm_VGOjxqHZYk9yMtE-YPGeeXG3KvTWqhbQf0-dV7iUiJYel_pByrtLUH-jlH-Jz_XXj53rXVaIqeahq4KLOvbQ/s320/matthias+lots.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There is an interesting facet to this reading about the choice of a replacement for Judas that Luke may or may not have intended. The number of people he notes in attendance for Peter’s speech is numbered at one hundred twenty persons. That is also the required number of men to constitute a local Sanhedrin. The commentator Hans Conzelmann notes that there were women involved in Peter’s group, although I don’t understand how he comes to that conclusion. At any rate it gives a context to this important election that is noted here. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The elision of the middle of the pericope, verses <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/1/18">18-20</a>, is understandable since it deals with the gruesome details of Judas’ death. You may, however, want to read it through since it adds to the solemnity of the situation, and includes a quotation from Psalm 69.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It seems necessary to the Twelve to complete the Twelve. And thus, they have an election that is guided by chance, or the Holy Spirit, in the form of casting lots. There were requirements, however, the most notable of which was the necessity that they be eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry. Their sense of the resurrection needed to intimate and personal. The casting of lots is accompanied with prayer which acknowledges that the choice is God’s. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are religious leaders chosen in your community of faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what way are they required to be eyewitnesses?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you pray for your pastoral leadership?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 1 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Beatus vir qui non abiit<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Happy are they who have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, *<br />nor lingered in the way of sinners,<br />nor sat in the seats of the scornful!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Their delight is in the law of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />and they meditate on his law day and night.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 They are like trees planted by streams of water,<br />bearing fruit in due season, with leaves that do not wither; *<br />everything they do shall prosper.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 It is not so with the wicked; *<br />they are like chaff which the wind blows away.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand upright when judgment comes, *<br />nor the sinner in the council of the righteous.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 For the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> knows the way of the righteous, *<br />but the way of the wicked is doomed.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhe0M-GDiZTxOnZsiyiGRtUHH86oWfgXQVZb2AMYE3CHK3_Y6xVUiExE0cJlLyi8KXbYRFZ1qHAEKFeeX77DkFfkX0VePoTlk_PGE1RLF3KJo-Wy6qoAwDAbc_cpiJfEjCTxmb3zT2Fc/s480/trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhe0M-GDiZTxOnZsiyiGRtUHH86oWfgXQVZb2AMYE3CHK3_Y6xVUiExE0cJlLyi8KXbYRFZ1qHAEKFeeX77DkFfkX0VePoTlk_PGE1RLF3KJo-Wy6qoAwDAbc_cpiJfEjCTxmb3zT2Fc/s320/trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Artur Weiser calls this psalm “The Two Ways,” and that is an excellent way to characterize it. It begins, and by default the whole collection begins with a beatitude – a blessing. It becomes a psalm that contrasts negative behavior with positive or righteous acts. The first verse describes what a righteous person is not. The second verse begins, in the New American Bible, with “rather.” There is another way, another choice that is described with the image of a tree planted near abundant water. Such a description is also seen in Jeremiah (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/17/8">17:</a>8): “</span><span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">They are like a tree planted beside the waters</span> </span><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">that stretches out its roots to the stream: It does not fear heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress but still produces fruit.”</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> These are not righteous just “in season,” but also in times of difficulty and stress as well. The food for this tree is the Law of God – a constant joy and meditation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">With verse 4, we see a second part of the psalm, which compares the behavior of the wicked with that of the righteous. Here the image is of the dried-up chaff, the leavings of wheat – driven by a hot wind. These images of trees sumptuously living by living water, and chaff dried up by the wind give an almost proverbial and wisdom-like nature to this psalm. It closes with two ways – that of the just, which exists in the knowledge (read experience) of the Lord, and the wicked, leading to ruin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What aspects of your life are righteous?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What aspects are less than that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you choose your way?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I John 5:9-13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSOkE9hI51kcwf7XmmQMFX-eo6OJQMKw477ppC_E30wCzExa3zf6Yh45UOSyKTMrScIOp_OseX3b-KORlB95y1-YK2naUAjwaRSPooOvgCuaAJ7dG7PUXj6ypDLEwlzK6vcYlios9puM/s1000/jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSOkE9hI51kcwf7XmmQMFX-eo6OJQMKw477ppC_E30wCzExa3zf6Yh45UOSyKTMrScIOp_OseX3b-KORlB95y1-YK2naUAjwaRSPooOvgCuaAJ7dG7PUXj6ypDLEwlzK6vcYlios9puM/s320/jesus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Thinking back on the election of Matthias, and the requirement that both of the candidates be eyewitnesses of Jesus’ ministry and resurrection, this reading from I John likewise underscores the value and necessity of witness and testimony. The Holy Spirit is seen in this guise in verse 6 of the same chapter, “The Spirit is the one that testifies, and the Spirit is truth. Our reading then looks at human testimony as well. The author acknowledges the testimony of men and women but values the testimony of God is being greater. It becomes a part of the human knowledge and experience of Jesus in our faith in him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">That faith is characterized for us in the reading in a simple sentence: “Whoever possesses the Son has life.” And just as in Psalm 1 above, the opposite is expressed as well, finding that not possessing the Son leads to no live.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I John:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you say about Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How has your testimony been informed by God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who needs to hear your testimony?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 17:6-19</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus prayed for his disciples, “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them, and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and I speak these things in the world so that they may have my joy made complete in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL27w4At3p3TaNl0NH8Lj4OiPZPxF0dhSZTZVbZO5pAnSAb3g5nQH6hrdBD5KG-uPFoW2yibAsIAPIy6lvhnUWJFVEpLTT42Feb8ZsKbqcVm8VZ9JSFPQUsfT7aA8U_rryh2sju_BHTs/s1440/teaching.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiL27w4At3p3TaNl0NH8Lj4OiPZPxF0dhSZTZVbZO5pAnSAb3g5nQH6hrdBD5KG-uPFoW2yibAsIAPIy6lvhnUWJFVEpLTT42Feb8ZsKbqcVm8VZ9JSFPQUsfT7aA8U_rryh2sju_BHTs/s320/teaching.png" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel follows the arguments that have been made in the second reading. Here, John, in his recounting “The Last Discourse of Jesus,” reminds us of Jesus’ words which reminded humankind of the relationship of Jesus and the Father. What is foundational here is not only the relationship of Father and Son, but also the subsequent relationship of those who have been given to Jesus by God. Jesus describes a community of mutual concern, a concern that is borne out of the reality that soon Jesus’ will be leaving those whom God has gathered and coming again to the Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There is another aspect to this community. It is the relationship that this community of faith and belief has while it is yet in the world. Jesus acknowledges that the world will not always think well of this gathered community. Jesus wants his own to be protected so that they can continue in the relationship amongst themselves, and with God in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you say to loved ones when you take leave of them?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways are Jesus’ words similar?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you in the world, but not of it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PytagidXccyJhX741ZlBvfcowMiShU93XHVP_XguCBxqqK1V_O-AjDhQE9bErYyxlf1sXL19ySMlptLuJKBnQf4L-HhKH-_cQRrf7fMiCRFB5KGr2wzSKbHDS-Iq12xuqBS20j4YCTM/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PytagidXccyJhX741ZlBvfcowMiShU93XHVP_XguCBxqqK1V_O-AjDhQE9bErYyxlf1sXL19ySMlptLuJKBnQf4L-HhKH-_cQRrf7fMiCRFB5KGr2wzSKbHDS-Iq12xuqBS20j4YCTM/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Being witnesses<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Thought 1: Meditating on the resurrection (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Thought 2: Choosing the right way (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Thought 3: Knowing your own witness about Jesus (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Thought 4: Knowing your relationship with God and the community (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 202, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-4371200452250760982021-05-02T21:14:00.003-07:002021-05-02T21:14:15.862-07:00The Sixth Sunday of Easter, 9 May 2021<p> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Easter/BEaster6_RCL.html">The Sixth Sunday of Easter, 9 May 2021</a></span></b></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 10:44-48<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 98<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 John 5:1-6<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 15:9-17<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4KT5nHI5wkDAB4cTL2flpYoNcVMf_9LZ7-q0cklV_o7i61jax-acKvQCrapYtFOIp92SqO6DH9fenOhqiGkG1tKY_tL-IIwYDceVd_aHLfvSOeBHog1QiljPr45iR4RKkRK8eX9WYKI/s480/tontues.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4KT5nHI5wkDAB4cTL2flpYoNcVMf_9LZ7-q0cklV_o7i61jax-acKvQCrapYtFOIp92SqO6DH9fenOhqiGkG1tKY_tL-IIwYDceVd_aHLfvSOeBHog1QiljPr45iR4RKkRK8eX9WYKI/s320/tontues.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Glossolalia<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Speaking in tongues is not unique to the Christian experience as it was a common notion in the classical world. The thought was that divine beings were capable of languages different from the language that humans spoke. Such speech is also tied to the experience of prophetic ecstatic speech. The Greek philosopher Iamblichus saw a connection between such speech in tongues and prophetic speech, likening it to possession by a divine spirit. Not all classical philosophers honored such speech. Celsus saw it as “meaningless and nonsensical.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The church fathers are mostly mute about such practices with only a comment by Irenaeus, and Tertullian. By the 12<sup>th</sup> century, Bernard of Clairvaux said that the transformed lives of Christians was a greater miracle. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Acts 10:44-48<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" So he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited him to stay for several days.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUryw4gycLD1e1_Q7EdYNmjH8chyphenhyphenRrxIrnrHco0yFSnKhPIxnopVdD95YbbEMSi3Be3gSKbR1sWlNqcD5Ck2TQzvjBtO6OWYqIdx74EN3yOZmHFoyTJINX-zReguSAhmDBftDopB4VUE/s600/Ss.+Peter+and+Cornelius+the+Centurion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUryw4gycLD1e1_Q7EdYNmjH8chyphenhyphenRrxIrnrHco0yFSnKhPIxnopVdD95YbbEMSi3Be3gSKbR1sWlNqcD5Ck2TQzvjBtO6OWYqIdx74EN3yOZmHFoyTJINX-zReguSAhmDBftDopB4VUE/s320/Ss.+Peter+and+Cornelius+the+Centurion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The first reading is an account of the baptism of Cornelius. What is interesting to us is first of all the baptism of Gentiles, but also the role of the Holy Spirit in this Baptism. Apparently the Spirit anticipates the baptism by anointing them with power and with tongues. It makes for an argument that Peter makes clear with his words, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?” Peter’s powerful sermon, which precedes this event, is a convincing speech to the Gentiles, so much so that the Spirit enters the situation with her power and words. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The argument is not only convincing to the Gentiles, but the argument and example of the Spirit allows the believers who witness the scene are astounded (Luke’s code word for “believe”). Later on these gifts, tongues and prophecy will be seen by Paul as “gifts of the Spirit.” (</span><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12/4"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">See I Corinthians 12:4-11</span></a><span style="font-family: Palatino;">). From the rooftop vision in Joppa to the household of Cornelius, Peter has taken a remarkable journey.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What does “speaking in tongues” or “prophecy” mean to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What power has the Holy Spirit given to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom does the Spirit include in her invitation to join the family that you have yet to realize?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 98 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Cantate Domino<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Sing to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> a new song, *<br />for he has done marvelous things.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 With his right hand and his holy arm *<br />has he won for himself the victory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has made known his victory; *<br />his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *<br />and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 Shout with joy to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, all you lands; *<br />lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 Sing to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> with the harp, *<br />with the harp and the voice of song.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *<br />shout with joy before the King, the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *<br />the lands and those who dwell therein.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *<br />and let the hills ring out with joy before the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,<br />when he comes to judge the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *<br />and the peoples with equity.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKF5sJqBAAvdCs49rF4oVzpDbsr-ND-VD3dPhueIAodqoEwih_zsIAsnYWqlOXaiKLTpyVsaov3ZQrySMiV2QY_tlIHRQg0lwgcTwtUV5jTnF_V6cvc0TK2HL9UtCXyzBAppb9qs2fo4/s1000/music.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKF5sJqBAAvdCs49rF4oVzpDbsr-ND-VD3dPhueIAodqoEwih_zsIAsnYWqlOXaiKLTpyVsaov3ZQrySMiV2QY_tlIHRQg0lwgcTwtUV5jTnF_V6cvc0TK2HL9UtCXyzBAppb9qs2fo4/s320/music.jpeg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Just as in Psalm 96, we have the same simple introduction to a new composition which is assembled from elements from other psalms and writing. The sub text in this psalm is of a military nature, God has gotten the victory with the strength of God’s right hand and holy arm. The verses that follow give us a clue as to the enemy that God has conquered. It is not a human enemy, for the wide sweep of the nations and earth indicate something more cosmic. It is perhaps God’s victory over the void and chaos at creation. The wide spectrum of God’s victory indicates the inclusion of many peoples in God’s reign, but the chosen ones are mentioned and not forgotten. Earth itself becomes the instrument of this new song<i>, “Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it.” </i>The rivers are mentioned as well, clapping their hands, and the hills singing their song. All the earth praises the God who rules over all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 98<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is your favorite hymn?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Why? What words or music move you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is this music a comfort to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: I John 5:1-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig73wAHk89YbvnCP_r-nJc9q_rvou4DNQNrg3l1xLdbge_9m0Ry_ZlOMyiz7OE11Vsz-JdDq2pZtZxPYOR-bY09RMRHhnzrz_e2l7LA0aFgptTCtHvA1_skIpUXvaKakIxBCdhMV6MUEA/s2781/IMG_1151.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2781" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig73wAHk89YbvnCP_r-nJc9q_rvou4DNQNrg3l1xLdbge_9m0Ry_ZlOMyiz7OE11Vsz-JdDq2pZtZxPYOR-bY09RMRHhnzrz_e2l7LA0aFgptTCtHvA1_skIpUXvaKakIxBCdhMV6MUEA/s320/IMG_1151.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">These verses from First John describe for us a new humanity modeled by Jesus the Christ. What we notice as well in this reading is the description of relationship, not only that of the Father and the Son, but among ourselves and with God as well. The love we have for God extends to all of the family. There is an interesting thought: <i>“whatever is born of God conquers the world.” </i>In this day and age, and during this time of pandemic the notion of conquering the world seems almost ludicrous. Perhaps however, if we could conquer the suffering and difficulties that our neighbors face, we would have brought God’s love to bear in the lives of others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The “one who came by water and blood” reminds me of Baptism and Eucharist, both connecting us to the God who loves us. Baptism is not an over-the-shoulder glance into our past, but is rather an on-going maturation in our relationship with self, God, and neighbor. The Eucharist feeds such progress. In the midst of all this the Spirit whispers in our ear – reminding us of the truth of the Story.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I John:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Take some time and meditate on being “born of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What did you discover about yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What truth does the Spirit speak to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 15:9-17</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0BSS77tp7tsqBZsHVErwqki1PvroQD8HzxHpVaDvlNk17usXJL2zEyuCJRk-dOxlinleFbD0XiQEwR55xui4Py0pmpE5v0C7mfw48yAs9LCFb99AxOXN51LDvM0ldSj27KNocFmr5vo/s1200/Dios-Padre-God-the-Father-with-Jesus-his-Son-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0BSS77tp7tsqBZsHVErwqki1PvroQD8HzxHpVaDvlNk17usXJL2zEyuCJRk-dOxlinleFbD0XiQEwR55xui4Py0pmpE5v0C7mfw48yAs9LCFb99AxOXN51LDvM0ldSj27KNocFmr5vo/s320/Dios-Padre-God-the-Father-with-Jesus-his-Son-facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This reading is from the second part of the Farewell Discourse (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/15">15:1-16:4a</a>). Jesus talks about the community that is the church by revealing the relationship he has with the Father. It is an interesting follow-on of the second reading for this morning. Last week we saw the community of the church in the image of the vine and the branches. Today it is the relationship that is found and abides in mutual love. The example that Jesus gives about the love that he has for those who follow in his company is the love that the Father has toward him. This, then, ought to be the hallmark of the relationships that we have in the church – a love modeled by God and extended to others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is one thing to be in a community bound by love, but there is more. The challenge is to remain in that community, that love. The individualism of our culture influences our preaching to emphasize the personal relationship we have with Jesus in the Trinity. This, however, misses the mark. The goal is to see, and continue in that communal relationship (born in Baptism) that we have with God and with one another.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are your relationships modeled on?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Is there a relationship that you especially admire?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are its attributes?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwtoUtVBfIcdDKaeqLVXk3Wh3ZD48k-OabyNw9CsV-3qaYcXARkb6HmZWsq6mQc7je_utHkGPfDwfCUcsUo5_4tQzU_6s7snDrvUzeb7nlTFi888CECc9xRZ37OdMPUNrYfCtd53Ufo0/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwtoUtVBfIcdDKaeqLVXk3Wh3ZD48k-OabyNw9CsV-3qaYcXARkb6HmZWsq6mQc7je_utHkGPfDwfCUcsUo5_4tQzU_6s7snDrvUzeb7nlTFi888CECc9xRZ37OdMPUNrYfCtd53Ufo0/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Bound together<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: Bound together in the Spirit (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: Bound together in joy (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: Bound together in love (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 4: Bound together in God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-61517711641653250582021-04-27T17:11:00.001-07:002021-04-27T17:11:13.240-07:00The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 2 May 2021<p> <b style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="color: #212121;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Easter/BEaster5_RCL.html">The Fifth Sunday of Easter, 2 May 2021</a></span></b></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Acts 8:26-40<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 22:24-30<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">I John 4:7-21<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">St. John 15:1-8<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Collect<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0RTLB9ztPbUpmZt_rA1AUd8UuQ-i3UDCmMcb_7u8_pdkYVpwCrh1LSSX-PEmM5NJTjQ9FzgCD3J7XAPAIARW3dyMbzzAsIp4byREFbsr-3KYHDq8IsHKyzD3Xpt8L3emte6v0KYgnP0/s225/eunuch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0RTLB9ztPbUpmZt_rA1AUd8UuQ-i3UDCmMcb_7u8_pdkYVpwCrh1LSSX-PEmM5NJTjQ9FzgCD3J7XAPAIARW3dyMbzzAsIp4byREFbsr-3KYHDq8IsHKyzD3Xpt8L3emte6v0KYgnP0/s0/eunuch.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b>Background: Eunuchs</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;">Eunuchs were known throughout the ancient world, and well into the modern world. Some were neutered to diminish their influence with higher ups, to render them less of threat in the harem, or to give them that child-like voice that was so beloved in the Baroque era. In the political sense, these men were seen as more trustworthy, not bound by family ties. In ancient Greece, the eunuch was not always the function of the removal of organs but could be one who abstained from procreation. Some have seen the origin of the term in the phrase, “guarding the bed” <i>(to ten eunen ekhein) </i>or from “good mind” <i>(eu nous). </i>Eunuchs were known in the Ancient Near Eastern cultures, Assyria, Egypt, Persia, and amongst the Hittites. There are instances of the use of the word “eunuch” in various translations of the Hebrew Scriptures, but often it is better translated with “chamberlain” or “officer.” Likewise, there is mention of men who have been castrated either by accident or by intent who were not allowed into the assembly of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b>First Reading: Acts 8:26-40</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i>An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) So, he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” So, Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm;"><i>“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,<br />and like a lamb silent before its shearer,<br />so he does not open his mouth.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm;"><i>In his humiliation justice was denied him.<br />Who can describe his generation?<br />For his life is taken away from the earth.”</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i>The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUt1pgkf0IBVYJ1f1TCRnAza311W4GF2VbBqxsyrA1mec4v0q-aAE1qqR1ddCQYowsJq9y4P96cu_aCR67WSQy9COrgnPISsuSaxXMlxxWIvI-OU82wXCQn0prGQFNf17lRzOfNgnLuQ/s400/Ethiopian+Eunuch+and+Philip%252C+Menologion_of_Basil_006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUt1pgkf0IBVYJ1f1TCRnAza311W4GF2VbBqxsyrA1mec4v0q-aAE1qqR1ddCQYowsJq9y4P96cu_aCR67WSQy9COrgnPISsuSaxXMlxxWIvI-OU82wXCQn0prGQFNf17lRzOfNgnLuQ/s320/Ethiopian+Eunuch+and+Philip%252C+Menologion_of_Basil_006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">The dreams of the Isaiahs and of Jeremiah that the entire world would be drawn to YHWH is seen as a realization in this story of the eunuch (a believer) and Philip. The prophet Zephaniah (3:9-10) comments, “From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, they shall bring me offerings.” In Luke/Acts we see an active agenda of the inclusion of gentiles – this pericope being a primary example. The story not only lifts up a ministry amongst the Gentiles, but also promotes a theology of the Holy Spirit. That Spirit is the actor that urges Philip to participate in the eunuch’s brief catechumenate. That he should be reading from Isaiah completes the circle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">There is a model program here – the initiate who is desirous of knowing and experiencing more, and the one who leads them into the truth and understanding. The model example is Jesus and the disciples at Emmaus, “Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures.” Thus, Philip leads the eunuch into a more complete understanding of not only Isaiah, but the Jesus who fulfills the message of <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/53/7"><span style="color: #954f72;">Isaiah 53:7-8</span></a>. There is a double meaning in the quotation, <i>“For his life is taken away from the earth.”</i>The meaning of “taken away” can either indicate “being lifted up”, as either on the cross or at the Ascension, or “done away with” as at the crucifixion. There is an economy here of the verse chosen from Isaiah, and Philip’s explication of the text.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">The desire for baptism and its execution in a nearby body of water also completes a text from <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/56/3"><span style="color: #954f72;">Isaiah 56:3-7</span></a>: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 36pt;">“To the eunuchs who keep my sabbaths, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 36pt;">who choose what pleases me, <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 36pt;">and who hold fast to my covenant, I will give . . . <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 36pt;">a monument and a name.”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: 36pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">In a time when baptism is being characterized by some as an exclusive barrier, this passage serves as a corrective. Baptism is the open welcome to any who would come in. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">What does the eunuch represent to you?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Who is a eunuch in your life?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Who has asked you about the meaning of the Bible?<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Psalm 22:24-30 <i>Deus, Deus meus</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *<br />I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,<br />and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *<br />"May your heart live for ever!"</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *<br />and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>27 For kingship belongs to the Lord; *<br />he rules over the nations.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *<br />all who go down to the dust fall before him.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>29 My soul shall live for him;<br />my descendants shall serve him; *<br />they shall be known as the Lord’s for ever.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i>30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *<br />the saving deeds that he has done.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -24pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc_XaD6TY90MLT6f25sGy0u34mGOXQimjjfGBiZDN3uWIgH8347WV1rghadgeqFokC4KFe-Q2wIG19xsrGAYxgHhzO6nKF6fo89BOMmR1YPVZrAXN9OZNK510NJCprHNLLBE5zVx-t2U/s900/mosaics-santapollinare-ravenna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxc_XaD6TY90MLT6f25sGy0u34mGOXQimjjfGBiZDN3uWIgH8347WV1rghadgeqFokC4KFe-Q2wIG19xsrGAYxgHhzO6nKF6fo89BOMmR1YPVZrAXN9OZNK510NJCprHNLLBE5zVx-t2U/s320/mosaics-santapollinare-ravenna.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">There is an inclusiveness in this psalm that matches well the quotes from Isaiah in the first reading, and the story of Philip and the Eunuch. One wonders if the “Great Assembly” that the psalmist refers to in verse 24 is not a pun – the assembly gathered in the Temple and the great assembly of nations called to worship God. The aspects of this assembly of inclusion are repeated throughout the psalm: “those who worship,” “the poor”, “those who seek the Lord”, “all the ends of the earth”, “all the families of the nations”, and so on. There is also a dimension of time noted in the verses, “my descendants shall serve him.” The mission of the church has to be the one noted by the psalmist, “They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn…” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Breaking open Psalm 22:<o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Describe the diversity of your congregation?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Who is missing?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Who needs to be asked?<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Second Reading: I John 4:7-21</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i>Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i>By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i>God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kimQ3Ju2x8kPqGJcItsiRRB0hOsyOpJWdR29tETEKSIlhDDh1VTvlojCfMUN_-f6n8JZ-Iqn-__Ob-75u0JZ7j9yDxo3HbwSpeZLXETkH6OUI3YQ-X1MNQq1k7yBsJVzwkJ1APxG_3Y/s319/inhabited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kimQ3Ju2x8kPqGJcItsiRRB0hOsyOpJWdR29tETEKSIlhDDh1VTvlojCfMUN_-f6n8JZ-Iqn-__Ob-75u0JZ7j9yDxo3HbwSpeZLXETkH6OUI3YQ-X1MNQq1k7yBsJVzwkJ1APxG_3Y/s0/inhabited.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">The author of this epistle continues to teach us about what it means to love. It is an incarnational lesson, for this is not only about how God has loved us in Christ Jesus, and how we are bidden to love the one who has created and redeemed us, but also how we, in turn, are to love one another. The example of God’s love for God’s people impels us to love in a similar way in the world. The inhabited cross needs to hang before our eyes as an example of this manner of loving. There, on the cross hangs the one who loved to the very end, and there also is the mother (Mary) and the son (John) who provide an earthly dimension to what the crucifix teaches us. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Breaking open I John:<o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">How has the cross spoken to you?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Whom have you loved in spite of yourself?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">What gifts have come to you from love?<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b>The Gospel: St. John 15:1-8</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i>Jesus said to his disciples,” I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-joyc9-_5AH8LW9LccO4S1qHinYuYcU8CnepxxB1g2WzQU9VxPAti5Si4Sgwh52hAIeZgQ_1VczYFgSRg1GMGrxkkX_O6rfGHlc6dUcRaQAxGck3MU6q71jox98l1qvfUzYIhT9I_yo/s711/truevine-sadaowatanabe-1979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-joyc9-_5AH8LW9LccO4S1qHinYuYcU8CnepxxB1g2WzQU9VxPAti5Si4Sgwh52hAIeZgQ_1VczYFgSRg1GMGrxkkX_O6rfGHlc6dUcRaQAxGck3MU6q71jox98l1qvfUzYIhT9I_yo/s320/truevine-sadaowatanabe-1979.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">The lectionary enables our continuing mystagogy – our unraveling of the meaning of Easter – here in the Farewell Discourse of Jesus. In this second part, Jesus instructs his disciples about the relationship that they have with him, and with God. It is a lesson for the Church. The first example is that of the vine. We again have an “I am” statement, here, <i>“I am the true vine.” </i>This symbol of the vine was known in the Hebrew Scriptures as a symbol of Israel as the people of God. <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/5"><span style="color: #954f72;">Isaiah 5</span></a>gives us a good example of that imagery:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;">“The vineyard of the L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span> of hosts is the house of Israel,</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;">the people of Judah, his cherished plant” (5:7)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;">Jesus pictures himself as one who is obedient to the Father, just as his disciples must be not only connected to God, but obedient as well. So it is for the vine and the branches. There is an interdependency that is explored here – abiding in one another, bearing fruit, water and soil. The notion of abiding in Jesus is a notion that bears a thorough investigation. Were a psalmist or prophet to explore this, they would see this experience of Jesus as <i>nefesh </i>itself, not just the soul in Jesus but all of existence in Jesus – life itself. What is then implicit is the dependency and connection amongst those who follow and their connection with one another.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal">Who is dependent upon you?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Whom do you depend on?<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">How do you depend on God?<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2PR_MlEe83QcGy9XfeHkSOxUVhR_dv1kFcplTuPYnFpQBtvkPEQVQL6kFU9Wu5zSv4JQiN_jpveXQoLNqHHaI5l2F87SBKTVdGoomTQyAkifsA6-OjZnK1ubPGef8m19ZY8swYrVIaQ/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2PR_MlEe83QcGy9XfeHkSOxUVhR_dv1kFcplTuPYnFpQBtvkPEQVQL6kFU9Wu5zSv4JQiN_jpveXQoLNqHHaI5l2F87SBKTVdGoomTQyAkifsA6-OjZnK1ubPGef8m19ZY8swYrVIaQ/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #333333;">Question: What are the points of connection in our Christian Assembly?</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 106.35pt; text-indent: -106.35pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Connection One: The waters of baptism and the faith that binds us. (Acts)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 106.35pt; text-indent: -106.35pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Connection Two: The desire that God has for all people, all nations (Psalm 22)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 106.35pt; text-indent: -106.35pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Connection Three: The love that binds God to us, and we to one another (I John)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 106.35pt; text-indent: -106.35pt;"><span style="color: #333333;">Connection Four: The Vine – the DNA of life, the life and death of Jesus, the vine that is crushed for us in the Eucharist. (John)</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-69246513125500432012021-04-20T18:25:00.001-07:002021-04-20T18:25:40.582-07:00The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 25 April 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Easter/BEaster4_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Fourth Sunday of Easter, 25 April 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 4:5-12<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 23<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 John 3:16-24<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 10:11-18<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhc94IMuxE8LK9vO0zdkntq5mMyOFPeMK2Z1QOzHIrjhxNN2JQCPfjatutR2-Egf_79GDgksNidwibCFedvSy9-iLSIsxz-jkD_dBcmx6Ivmaz_fzuCTkuWp0Ee30p7kv1RRqSaFcjbk/s259/Cornerstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhc94IMuxE8LK9vO0zdkntq5mMyOFPeMK2Z1QOzHIrjhxNN2JQCPfjatutR2-Egf_79GDgksNidwibCFedvSy9-iLSIsxz-jkD_dBcmx6Ivmaz_fzuCTkuWp0Ee30p7kv1RRqSaFcjbk/s0/Cornerstone.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Cornerstone<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The readings and traditions that surround this particular Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, would have me comment on the office and particularities of being a shepherd. It is, however, the last part of the reading from Acts that grabs my attention this day, <i>“it has become the cornerstone.” </i>The use of stone is known from ancient times, and the why of that gives new meaning, to me at least, about what Peter is trying to say about Jesus in his teaching in Jerusalem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I had always thought that the import of a cornerstone was the support that was afforded to the structure. That may have been, but there was something even more important that was given – placement and orientation. The where of the building and the attitude of the building were fixed at a point. Other items were added to fix the building in a particular context. Foundation deposits, offerings to the gods, and other symbolic items were added to give meaning to the structure and its placement. In some cultures a human being was buried under this point in the building adding to the symbolic gestures afforded to the cornerstone. It becomes the central point at which the building is understood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The First Reading: Acts 4:5-12</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">`the stone that was rejected by you, the builders;<br />it has become the cornerstone.'<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPWP9zbeVf4MgSFDm1CGFTwb5NBg-dbXqbG08mpK7heZmad8WgUqWncK74lZ9D6gk2nhTErJH6Dy-oPJslc37ycLPIxRJ3KRn8wJVIuj1ua4kVI6pwyO1ArUJjZ9FajHCCLR6rm2fOak/s220/Peter+teaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPWP9zbeVf4MgSFDm1CGFTwb5NBg-dbXqbG08mpK7heZmad8WgUqWncK74lZ9D6gk2nhTErJH6Dy-oPJslc37ycLPIxRJ3KRn8wJVIuj1ua4kVI6pwyO1ArUJjZ9FajHCCLR6rm2fOak/s0/Peter+teaching.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">If there is any subtext in Luke’s writing, one is Jesus’ teaching not to fear. It is the greeting that is given by divine messengers to the characters in the Nativity, and it is the message here as well. Having just healed a crippled beggar, the apostles are hauled before the religious authorities to answer for their actions. It is not fear that obstructs Peter’s witness, but a determination that the healing is an example of the orientation and structure (see Background above) that Jesus provides as his followers seek to do God’s will in the world. Peter has the temerity to honor Jesus’ name even above that, as the only name given for salvation. That is faith in spite of fear, in the face of power, and a witness to who and what Jesus is. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you gone beyond social niceties to do good for someone?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What was at risk when you did it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does Jesus orient your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 23 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Dominus regit me<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is my shepherd; *<br />I shall not be in want.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 He makes me lie down in green pastures *<br />and leads me beside still waters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 He revives my soul *<br />and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,<br />I shall fear no evil; *<br />for you are with me;<br />your rod and your staff, they comfort me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *<br />you have anointed my head with oil,<br />and my cup is running over.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *<br />and I will dwell in the house of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> for ever.’<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUo4drYcmb1qOn4PynsYBFphEd5FDyrGt94JAYkpme-kaQTEugPyQ5pEH9xtgpswfXrefyBk0zH9QZcK_uyVPNI4rfMujy5wYlC9aIqyTxTQa0svF4_DISCOBaB_cJNPIHyV5-G9cYjM/s450/cornintheweeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUo4drYcmb1qOn4PynsYBFphEd5FDyrGt94JAYkpme-kaQTEugPyQ5pEH9xtgpswfXrefyBk0zH9QZcK_uyVPNI4rfMujy5wYlC9aIqyTxTQa0svF4_DISCOBaB_cJNPIHyV5-G9cYjM/s320/cornintheweeds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Shepherd and host, these are the metaphors and images that are used to depict the God who cares for Israel. As we move from the shepherd image to the host image the psalm moves third person descriptions of God to the second person prayer to God. The role of shepherd is an odd one in that it seems to be a combination of the most ordinary aspects of life (the young one who is relegated to tending for the flock) to the most exotic (kingship seen as being a shepherd/caregiver). The leadership/shepherd image is seen throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. You might want to check out these two images: <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/22/17">I Kings 22:17-18</a>, or <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/23">Jeremiah 23:1-4</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Then, there is the forgotten side – God as host, God setting the table, God providing abundance. Although even these images can be applied to the shepherd, they can also expand beyond them. There is a eucharistic aspect to be seen here, although that is through purely Christian eyes. Like the Eucharist, the psalmist sees beyond the abundance of the food, and lays hold of the grace, mercy, and goodness that we receive at the hand of God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 23:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where has God been a shepherd in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where has God been a host in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you done this for others?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I John 3:16-24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us-- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjm2T28KXBvSXpIvz4veAucZ2z4SxgjvGwtOfdDRoAP2hDHNL5b4o20eHLINRqWWhe9tegj-n7vlspjHeXQxbWD7Ul_QcppcrXTu2g82cE9zq-ZcHmE2SBrHNor3OQ2zdgFKnLZltsjE/s800/volunteering-hands-in-a-team-huddle-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjm2T28KXBvSXpIvz4veAucZ2z4SxgjvGwtOfdDRoAP2hDHNL5b4o20eHLINRqWWhe9tegj-n7vlspjHeXQxbWD7Ul_QcppcrXTu2g82cE9zq-ZcHmE2SBrHNor3OQ2zdgFKnLZltsjE/s320/volunteering-hands-in-a-team-huddle-picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The message in this section of I John is “love.” If we think this is overly sweet and unrelated to the reality of life, the author quickly sets us straight. <i>“Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” </i> What is important to remember her is that this love that is directed to the other in need, is done in the context of our connection to Jesus. The belief and relationship that we have with Jesus makes possible to connections of love that we have with others. It sets up a habitation, if you will, within which we become God’s agent and hands. In this habitation, Christ dwells with us and we with Christ. If all reminds us of the great commandment: Love of God, neighbor, and self. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I John:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom do you love in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom do you care for in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who might be added to this community?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 10:11-18</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4KFaOyz5onKf5CosOs-K9D5M-JacTUozRkFYcm586qZ-KJ3rNsQIa3sskn-bWghTYuf4ObO6T-PMdSn2mSL7uVr_RLOaJZrezrmF3Cd_sb8CVSFwutHzCyp4anPJT6u5qaxSrZ04NbA/s1280/X120-christ-good-shepherd-mosaic-legacy-icons__84462.1499798619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4KFaOyz5onKf5CosOs-K9D5M-JacTUozRkFYcm586qZ-KJ3rNsQIa3sskn-bWghTYuf4ObO6T-PMdSn2mSL7uVr_RLOaJZrezrmF3Cd_sb8CVSFwutHzCyp4anPJT6u5qaxSrZ04NbA/s320/X120-christ-good-shepherd-mosaic-legacy-icons__84462.1499798619.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">If you want to immerse yourself in this text in which Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd, it will do you well to begin with the verses that immediately precede it, (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/10">John 10: 1-10</a>). Why is this helpful? The descriptions that precede describe the role and responsibilities of being a shepherd. If you are a priest or pastor, a community leader or authority, you have been described as a shepherd at various points in the Hebrew Scriptures. Thus, we ought to inform ourselves first as to the role we have in life, and then if we are going to follow Jesus, we can go on to see how he describes his role as shepherd. If becomes very real very quickly. <i>“I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”</i> The flock that he describes is expansive and not restrictive. <i>“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold.” </i>If we are to lead, guide, and protect in our society, then we must be willing to give completely of ourselves, to any in any kind of need – not just to our own, but to any. This is a word from the good shepherd that is especially applicable to our time and our circumstances. Jesus talks about the voluntary nature of his gift – he lays it down totally on his own, words for our churches today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways are you a shepherd?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who is your flock?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What can you give up, lay down?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV16RQnXjRZg0uo4FkZTAMwxhgkKvLx52ystkgUpSKGR01dIO3J9udE4kmH6iAH7YuTjg7ZCVb9TMMvq2-FmFyNJmkJ99awMv6D9lJeIi2VS9akwb2rLe-themo92gf4SGXLQY2kNO4G0/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV16RQnXjRZg0uo4FkZTAMwxhgkKvLx52ystkgUpSKGR01dIO3J9udE4kmH6iAH7YuTjg7ZCVb9TMMvq2-FmFyNJmkJ99awMv6D9lJeIi2VS9akwb2rLe-themo92gf4SGXLQY2kNO4G0/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General Idea: On being a shepherd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How to 1: Orienting your life to God, and pointing the way (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How to 2: Being a host, providing abundance (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How to 3: Providing a message of love (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How to 4: Not being a thief, being a shepherd (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-83356365263540915152021-04-06T12:11:00.002-07:002021-04-06T12:12:29.650-07:00The Second Sunday of Easter, 11 April 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Easter/BEaster2_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: black;">The Second Sunday of Easter, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">11</span><span style="color: black;"> April</span><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;"> </span><span style="color: black;"> 20</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">21 </span></a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 4:32-35<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 133<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">I John 20:19-31<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">St. John 20:19-31<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. <i>Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDDe9kz1Jib5XiVEJHtG3jG_4hxn2KzUgNx77bnNffy_c6J3H1B9dPcdM2-5xOtgyA1-M_9hW2w5hcq2R9_UIUGTTZs8NxxvLuvIKod9hHSAeiRJ9bklGQyS2kFQiK2IdBVQsIX9H-UY/s660/St.+Thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDDe9kz1Jib5XiVEJHtG3jG_4hxn2KzUgNx77bnNffy_c6J3H1B9dPcdM2-5xOtgyA1-M_9hW2w5hcq2R9_UIUGTTZs8NxxvLuvIKod9hHSAeiRJ9bklGQyS2kFQiK2IdBVQsIX9H-UY/s320/St.+Thomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Background: Doubt<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The richness of the Gospel for today will be diminished by people’s proclivity to focus on Thomas and his doubt, while the powerful themes of being recreated in the Spirit <i>(he breathed on them) </i>and the giving of the ministry of forgiveness and confrontation will be set aside. Let’s take some time and talk about the doubt, however. I shall deal with the other nuggets in the Gospel in comments on it, below. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">We live in a time that seems to be characterized by doubt. It is not only a time of religious doubt, but of a general skepticism about a great number of things. The Pew Research Center recently polled young Americans and found that 31 percent of the respondents, all under 30 years of age, entertained doubts about the existence of God. When we look at climate change, gun control, or several political issues we have doubts scattered quite liberally between the left and the right. There are doubts about the value of education, or the relevance of science. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Christopher Lane, in an article in <i>Psychology Today</i><a name="_ftnref1"></a><a href="applewebdata://18C94D7B-45D6-4B77-B8BC-DDB3777580E5#_ftn1"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">[1]</span></a> writes, “For too long doubt has acquired the hallmark of paralysis and stagnation when, as so much of the literature underscores, it’s actually a catalyst for change and renewal.” He comes to a different conclusion about doubt, one that is more informed by his atheism than anything else, but as Christians we can listen and learn. Perhaps doubt is part and parcel with the mystagogy that we ought to be experiencing in these days of Easter. Perhaps, Thomas’ stated doubts are more honest than the disciples who remain suspiciously silent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The First Reading: Acts 4:32-35</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHdmJJo2g5u7iKiQJ1h3yD6EkKjyP-QYpi8GtsIUYmUb80fd_cvHXw-jLjkNb47zSnhBImR4IKjw5Jl0IV5S0NBJHeTH7qcEgF5V0_utJ-1fjPlWKo1HdJUhUpdqY4CR9xB1nqNhHJR0/s275/sharing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHdmJJo2g5u7iKiQJ1h3yD6EkKjyP-QYpi8GtsIUYmUb80fd_cvHXw-jLjkNb47zSnhBImR4IKjw5Jl0IV5S0NBJHeTH7qcEgF5V0_utJ-1fjPlWKo1HdJUhUpdqY4CR9xB1nqNhHJR0/s0/sharing.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Luke gives us a clue as to how radical the response was to the good news of Easter. There is no rule or law that emanates from the good news, rather there is a choice to do something different, something born of the Spirit. This is more than an individual spirit as well, for Luke shares that they were of <i>“one heart and soul.” </i>This is both friendship and community, for the necessities of life become a place for the friendship in the Spirit to be lived out. The benefit of their largess was also a community effort, for their gifts are <i>“laid at the apostles’ feet.” </i>It is humbling to hear the result of this goodness, <i>“there was no needy person among them.” </i>Were that true in our churches and our society today. Greed seems to have won the day in our time, and yet Easter calls us to something greater.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">With whom and how do you share?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Who is needful in your community?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">What will you do for them?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 133 <i>Ecce, quam bonum!</i></span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Oh, how good and pleasant it is, *<br />when brethren live together in unity!</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">2 It is like fine oil upon the head *<br />that runs down upon the beard,</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">3 Upon the beard of Aaron, *<br />and runs down upon the collar of his robe.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">4 It is like the dew of Hermon *<br />that falls upon the hills of Zion.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">5 For there the Lord has ordained the blessing: *<br />life for evermore.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 2cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1oFST52-BaMFe2sYTI5-vVMy1hax1zCXUPlQ6EhFopraPZuato4X6vCGxaXBhaBqn9Bb-QLROrCIgK76nlwkmnh35nF_MDRRAIPmef-rZfmFlY3pV53hRvE9A2L6tNFdo25g8OpqdiU/s276/Unity-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1oFST52-BaMFe2sYTI5-vVMy1hax1zCXUPlQ6EhFopraPZuato4X6vCGxaXBhaBqn9Bb-QLROrCIgK76nlwkmnh35nF_MDRRAIPmef-rZfmFlY3pV53hRvE9A2L6tNFdo25g8OpqdiU/s0/Unity-75.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">If Luke/Acts gives us a picture of community, Psalm 133 gives us a similar picture that rejoices in the human community. The psalmist gives us something to remember as he rejoices in the abundance of the community of humankind, and the abundance of the land. There is the oil that comes down, first from the hair to the beard, then from the beard to the robe (it is so abundant), and finally the dew that comes down to water the earth and increase its abundance. Isaiah writes of such abundance, and the Feeding of the Five Thousand is another tale of abundance. The understanding of the abundance in the psalm is that it, the over-abundance of the gifts of the earth, are something to be shared with the whole community. In his translation, Robert Alter gives even greater contrast to this abundance. Instead of the <i>“hills of Zion”, </i>he makes a small edition, substitution <i>twiyah </i>(parched) for <i>tsiyon </i>(Zion)<a name="_ftnref2"></a><a href="applewebdata://18C94D7B-45D6-4B77-B8BC-DDB3777580E5#_ftn2"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">[2]</span></a>. It is the parched hills needful of water that are blessed with this dew. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Breaking open Psalm 133:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">What do you see as abundance of life?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Who is an abundance for you?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">What do they give you?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Second Reading: I John 1:1-2:2</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us-- we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXdxdB26tHcH14ZPUxn5-6UU7bM7PeRD0yt142tYraWWfsuZwD6rQe5aCPDFcLBTCI_xGc_oP3D1TZc0-1apD8Q2YeBI8huHWE3Mn5pML9HjSW7MqPpW8MWnan0MgMmemI3prsdH0fPY/s406/Transfig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXdxdB26tHcH14ZPUxn5-6UU7bM7PeRD0yt142tYraWWfsuZwD6rQe5aCPDFcLBTCI_xGc_oP3D1TZc0-1apD8Q2YeBI8huHWE3Mn5pML9HjSW7MqPpW8MWnan0MgMmemI3prsdH0fPY/s320/Transfig.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Here we eavesdrop on a conversation in which we know neither of the parties in the conversation. We will recognize the issues and the themes, however. The commentator on this epistle, George Parsenios, assumes a relationship with the Gospel of John, and sees the epistle as a product of the community formed by the Gospel of John. As in the <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/john/1"><span style="color: black;">Prologue to the Gospel</span></a>, the author of this letter calls us back to the beginning, the new creation that has been both seen, heard, and touched – the word of life. We have the Johannine themes of light and darkness, contrasting what we were from what we have become. <i>“This is the message”, </i>the author declares as s/he underscores the light. So the question for us is how is the Risen One light in our lives, and how can that light be extended to others so that we might <i>“live together in unity,” </i>as the psalmist says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Breaking open I John:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">How is Easter a new beginning for you?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">How is Jesus a light for you?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">How are you a light for others?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Gospel: St. John 20:19-31</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 1cm; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfX9z80evc2bA7urvC4EtOiDRzyQB-4fC230vxoTekX2Q5ec-uDJ6K0kNjwO6wa2sYLZziJdWssxCX0GQr8KW736SUCAkHCgduaoNClBoweuFgw56OcMIMT6YSKl9vaKHLaAigGL2FAY/s278/Thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfX9z80evc2bA7urvC4EtOiDRzyQB-4fC230vxoTekX2Q5ec-uDJ6K0kNjwO6wa2sYLZziJdWssxCX0GQr8KW736SUCAkHCgduaoNClBoweuFgw56OcMIMT6YSKl9vaKHLaAigGL2FAY/s0/Thomas.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mary Magdalen went to the tomb in the early morning, while it was still dark. Here the disciples are gathered in the evening, the first day of the week. Both of these incidents then happened on a new day, for in Judaism (and in liturgical Christianity as well) the day begins in the evening. So we are seeing something new in a new time. Whatever the disciples’ mood is, perhaps fear or anguish over the absent Lord, or anxiousness at the women’s news, Jesus comes into their midst to alter their current state. He enters and asks that peace might be with them. Fear needs to be taken out of the equation, for Jesus is now with them. Assurances need to be made, however, as he shows them the signs of his passion – the wounds. The mood is changed and the disciples rejoice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Having established his identity (one wonders if the disciples had the same problem as the Magdalen, did they recognize him), Jesus moves on to begin the new day, the new time birthed in Easter. First there is the sending, then anointing, and finally the task. I, as a priest, have always found this a very moving passage. The apostles, and we can now call them that for in this instance they are sent, are recreated as Jesus’ blows his Spirit upon them. Then, he gives them the task of discernment. The first mentioned is the discernment of those who need forgiveness, and then those that need confrontation. It is the stuff of ministry that applies not only to priests, but to every Christian. Our need to see in ourselves the need for forgiveness, and our need to confront our own failings becomes the first state of accepting the peace that Jesus offers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Now comes the section that grabs people’s attention. Thomas comes lately to the room, and to the news that the disciples’ share. His anxiousness and doubt are not unlike their own, I think, before they were offered Jesus’ peace. Thomas needs to touch, just as the Magdalen needed to touch. In this instance, however, Jesus invites the touch, and Thomas believes, <i>“My Lord and my God.” </i>Thomas is a necessary element, nor is he alone in this drama. Peter, John, the Marys, and the Magdalene all have difficult experiences of the Risen One – and we are no different, as we move to see our Lord and God in the one who was raised.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">How have you been sent by Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">How have you dealt with your doubts?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">How have you touched your Easter faith?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><img alt="Text
Description automatically generated" border="0" height="47" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/32d580b0-0739-4a93-bb10-a608a6e064e5" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_17" width="160" /></span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Question: How do we take in the good news of Easter?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 4cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">First Stage – Recognizing and understanding our own reactions to the Easter message.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 4cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Second Stage - Answering our internal questions as to what Easter might really mean for us as a Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 4cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Third Stage - Hearing the story of others in the Bible who are confronted by the Risen One.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 4cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Fourth Stage - Hearing the doubts of the world around us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 4cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Fifth Stage - Forming the message of Good News in light of their fear and anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><hr align="left" size="0" width="33%" /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://18C94D7B-45D6-4B77-B8BC-DDB3777580E5#_ftnref1"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">[1]</span></a><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> Lane, C. (2012), <i>The Creative Power of Doubt, </i>Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/side-effects/201207/the-creative-power-doubt<o:p></o:p></span></p></blockquote><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -1cm;"><a name="_ftn1"></a></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://18C94D7B-45D6-4B77-B8BC-DDB3777580E5#_ftnref2"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">[2]</span></a><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -1cm;">Alter, R. (2007), </span><i style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -1cm;">The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary, </i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -1cm;">W.W. Norton& Company, New York, Kindle Edition, location 10152.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p></blockquote><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left; text-indent: -1cm;"><a name="_ftn2"></a></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-2070504406343449602021-03-28T20:58:00.005-07:002021-03-28T21:00:37.087-07:00The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day, 4 April 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Easter/BEasterPrin_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day, 4 April 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 10:34-43<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">or </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 25:6-9<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Corinthians 15:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">or </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 10:34-43<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 20:1-18<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">or </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 16:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">or this<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. <i>Amen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">or this<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. <i>Amen</i>.</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The First Reading: Acts 10:34-43</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv8wYeDBgho59XhgD5hoMn8iXhDm4a_XVzfNiyM6Qr5kgvmRFw2RpgB_S7s_vvSdnJhV3MCyXczp5zPYGGumz0UmDd3dyZwxIhQ2xy6-xK9-ijg7rUnsxE5zxfk1aowKd3ZgBIwvP9qs/s531/baptism-in-the-holy-spirit.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOv8wYeDBgho59XhgD5hoMn8iXhDm4a_XVzfNiyM6Qr5kgvmRFw2RpgB_S7s_vvSdnJhV3MCyXczp5zPYGGumz0UmDd3dyZwxIhQ2xy6-xK9-ijg7rUnsxE5zxfk1aowKd3ZgBIwvP9qs/s320/baptism-in-the-holy-spirit.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In this story about Peter and his conversion from an exclusive vision of mission to a more inclusive vision, we have the Lucan agenda at its fullest. The structure of the entire story is interesting, and you might want to read the entire chapter in order to see the context of Peter’s sermon. The story begins with two separate visions, one to Cornelius (10:1-8), in which his bidden by an angel to send agents to Joppa to meet Peter in Joppa. The second vision is to Peter (10:9-23), in which he is bidden by God to eat what was offered him in the vision, a large sheet filled with animals, reptiles, and birds, some of which were unclean. Peter’s rejection of the invitation is given a reply by God, “What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.” The vision is followed by the visitation of the visitors sent by Cornelius, and then in verses 24-33 a journey to Cornelius’ household and a sermon of Peter’s (verses 34-43, our reading) in which Peter confesses his faith in Jesus, his message and resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The sermon is almost credal in nature in which Peter details the life and ministry of Jesus. The theme is succinctly stated at the beginning, <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This same stance is reflected in Paul’s Letter to the Romans (2:10-11), “But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greed. There is no partiality with God.” Based on this assumption Peter then proclaims the kerygma – the Christian good news. There are several phrases which are given to explain this belief, but with classical phrases, such as the description of Jesus Christ as “Lord of all” (10:36). Hans Conzelmann notes in his commentary<a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> that the sermon is written in the </span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">Q</span><span style="font-family: Symbol;">eios anhr (</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">divine man) style, the manner in which the Greeks told the stories of Heracles, and rulers who were characterized by their good works. So, Peter details the goodness of Jesus, <i>“how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” </i>What follows Peter’s words is the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit upon all who were there, and the Baptism of Cornelius and his household (10:44-49). There is the typical Lucan note of amazement (belief) in that “the gift of the Holy Spirit should have been poured out on the Gentiles also.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who are the members of God’s family as far as you are concerned?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How might you be better in including others in your church community?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How has the Holy Spirit blessed you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Isaiah 25:6-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">On this mountain the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> of hosts will make for all peoples<br />a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, <br />of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">And he will destroy on this mountain<br />the shroud that is cast over all peoples,<br />the sheet that is spread over all nations; <br />he will swallow up death forever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Then the Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span> will wipe away the tears from all faces,<br />and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, <br />for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has spoken.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. <br />This is the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> for whom we have waited; <br />let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaz6oBYDCv7HdgLqJFRPyEoU0vMThB1MPyirhubqSKmMNHG_zUFnX3rNRa-u36aK-P_WzXmPD_fv5mBKGeXo3xrg6XUPp2dFHOFPSDLEhURmes3RLf0j71D2BfosFE7-bGez2TzV17Ko/s460/feast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaz6oBYDCv7HdgLqJFRPyEoU0vMThB1MPyirhubqSKmMNHG_zUFnX3rNRa-u36aK-P_WzXmPD_fv5mBKGeXo3xrg6XUPp2dFHOFPSDLEhURmes3RLf0j71D2BfosFE7-bGez2TzV17Ko/s320/feast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This reading, a collection of three segments that deal with “The End of Evil”, is a commentary on God’s victory over sin and sorrow. The first segment, verses 1-5, is a thanksgiving song in the style of several psalms. The last segment, verses 10-12, mentions the mount that will be prominent in our reading, and the destruction of the nation of Moab that is symbolic of the general theme of God’s victory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Our reading, verses 6-9, focuses <i>“this mountain”, </i>most likely Zion or the entirety of the promised land, as a place in which victory is celebrated. There is a universalistic cant to the verses in which the fabulous feast is made <i>“for all peoples.” </i>That theme is continued in verses that declare that all peoples and all nations will have the shroud, or sheet of sorrow taken away from them – all tears will be wiped away. If we explore verses 1-5, we will find a typically Isaiah theme – that of the remnant. Here they are joined by peoples from other nations to see and witness the victory of God over sorrow. Its theme joins nicely with Peter’s sermon in the alternate first reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Are you a part of the remnant, the faithful? How?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What victories of God have you witnessed?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What tears do you need to have wiped away?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Confitemini Domino<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Give thanks to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, for he is good; *<br />his mercy endures for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Let Israel now proclaim, *<br />"His mercy endures for ever."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">14 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is my strength and my song, *<br />and he has become my salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">15 There is a sound of exultation and victory *<br />in the tents of the righteous:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">16 "The right hand of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has triumphed! *</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the right hand of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is exalted!<br />the right hand of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has triumphed!"<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">17 I shall not die, but live, *<br />and declare the works of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">18 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has punished me sorely, *<br />but he did not hand me over to death.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *<br />I will enter them;<br />I will offer thanks to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">20 "This is the gate of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; *<br />he who is righteous may enter."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *<br />and have become my salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">22 The same stone which the builders rejected *<br />has become the chief cornerstone.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">23 This is the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>'s doing, *<br />and it is marvelous in our eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">24 On this day the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has acted; *<br />we will rejoice and be glad in it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Th1d_ycgMsdGwngA6DJkyYi0Pf9H97cealRnq5SU2RCspLLmy8XephPeFxc01Br7uA-5ewfNT2PdERIiiMTdm464ZRvRoQaLabhpVmyh18F7jJGEdnDdJ2WFlFsHI72tS4FAOsmFvBY/s1000/shahn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Th1d_ycgMsdGwngA6DJkyYi0Pf9H97cealRnq5SU2RCspLLmy8XephPeFxc01Br7uA-5ewfNT2PdERIiiMTdm464ZRvRoQaLabhpVmyh18F7jJGEdnDdJ2WFlFsHI72tS4FAOsmFvBY/s320/shahn.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The first two verses of the Psalm introduce us to a psalm of thanksgiving – most likely a liturgical psalm, given the repetitive nature of the first four verses. We are given just a snippet of the thanksgivings that are mentioned in the psalm (God as helper and protector, victory over other nations, the day of salvation, God’s visitation to Israel with a savior, and finally, God’s mercy. One commentator sees this psalm as a victory song reformulated to celebrate the return of the exiles from Babylon, and the reconstruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The clues for that scenario lie in verses 19 and 20 which describe opening the gates of victory, and entry. The verses that make this such a fitting psalm for Easter Day are verses 17 and 18:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I shall not die, but live, *<br />and declare the works of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has punished me sorely, *<br />but he did not hand me over to death.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The cornerstone in this psalm is Israel – rejected by the nations, now becomes the keystone of the building – God’s creation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Psalm:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background-color: white; background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is God’s steadfast love eternal for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background-color: white; background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">From what has God delivered you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background-color: white; background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you nearly fallen, and God picked you up?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Second Reading: I Corinthians 15:1-11</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you--unless you have come to believe in vain.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them--though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC-L-T5MJmsmqF1fDSAVfcstaoVzk9o63C5Ed5DIUC_7PtA-xC8ATzJFQbp7g9EX6cd3tX8-1VPSEFG_in5_Qp8zZEahU1eZyazIrz6UuiEuGfVmC1AqQiYguKV1zdzL6Ow8pyB8ix9Y/s900/the-risen-christ-014-william-hart-mcnichols.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC-L-T5MJmsmqF1fDSAVfcstaoVzk9o63C5Ed5DIUC_7PtA-xC8ATzJFQbp7g9EX6cd3tX8-1VPSEFG_in5_Qp8zZEahU1eZyazIrz6UuiEuGfVmC1AqQiYguKV1zdzL6Ow8pyB8ix9Y/s320/the-risen-christ-014-william-hart-mcnichols.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This reading is of paramount importance on Easter Day. Reginald Fuller introduces this particular reading in his book on the Resurrection Narratives with this paragraph: “The Resurrection Narratives of the Gospels are by no means the earliest tradition of the Easter events which we have in the New Testament. Writing in the middle of the first century A.D. to the Christian community at Corinth, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the traditions which he had delivered to them when he had established the community there in A.D. 49-51.”<a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a>Fuller goes on to remind us that Paul did not compose this tradition, but rather passed it on from the others who had given it to him. To reflect on an ancient tradition that precedes the Gospel accounts causes me to tremble.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Hans Conzelmann in his commentary on I Corinthians reminds us of the importance of this tradition, “Here the idea of tradition is fundamental. Faith is dependent upon the transmitting of faith, and therewith upon the witnesses and the preachers.”<a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> It is with this notion that we see the role that this reading plays in the Easter mystagogy that will follow our celebrations of the Resurrection. As Paul reviews the Easter Event and what follows, the witnesses, and the apostles, we are given an almost credal account of what was experienced. There seem to be two groups: the first composed of Cephas and then The Twelve, and a second group: 500 brothers, James and all of the apostles, and last of all Paul. <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">So we proclaim and so you have come to believe.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Here is the heart of Christian ministry, proclamation, and liturgy. This is the verse to return to year after year, celebration after celebration – allowing us to center in the proclamation: “The Lord is risen – risen indeed!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How would you describe your Easter faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What does this day and its solemnities say to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you say to others?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Acts 10:34-43<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">(See above.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 20:1-18</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs1KbHwMDAqqqgCd2_rH_e81-D8IPqgFVhMMd-pwrxzg1rszwNWIAC94bpSqTErCHz97FbWtJY1ZVIGJS9xRV2tqNDYGba8cgZSOzxJrgzOLiXQQjvMd3Z54sTymlh5DCmFRVrKbnLDU/s320/Magdalene.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqs1KbHwMDAqqqgCd2_rH_e81-D8IPqgFVhMMd-pwrxzg1rszwNWIAC94bpSqTErCHz97FbWtJY1ZVIGJS9xRV2tqNDYGba8cgZSOzxJrgzOLiXQQjvMd3Z54sTymlh5DCmFRVrKbnLDU/s0/Magdalene.jpg" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Raymond Brown titles this pericope as “The Risen Jesus: - Scene One”.<a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> John will treat us to several other scenes, while Mark (below) will leave us breathless with a simple scene and the women. Here there is only one woman, Mary Magdalen, and in her John would have us see the primary and intimate nature of her witness. The second seen will be Thomas, and as a result we will compare the Easter scene and the faith that evolves for each of these characters. One is immediate and profound, the other is more involved and will be explored on a coming Sunday. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">John outlines Easter perception for us in the person of Mary, who comes to the tomb, reports what she has seen, and then returns to the tomb, there to confront the Risen One and her own grief. In the midst of this we have the experience of Peter and the Beloved Disciple, but their experience is not as gripping as that of the Magdalene. There are several traditions here, and each of them ought to be honored: Peter sees the burial cloths, but makes nothing of it, the Beloved Disciple sees the cloths and believes, and Mary returns to the tomb to make something of it and encounters the Lord. One wonders if John’s agenda here is to reflect our own experience of hearing the news, “He is risen!” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">With which character do you identify?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is your history of dealing with the Easter story?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus doesn’t allow Mary to touch him, but does allow Thomas to do so – what do you make of that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">St. Mark 16:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrpXECqOvnhAJlGQwyv0gxZZ4YYTa4VI3h0Y81pEvdijZp0H-tLe_RLhwl2h6-8rRiahgNz2hrbVSkpw47S31lzPRS1jyk0Ab5SckrRcGIHk104fvCrWlFB1TZZUt_SUV0qfXUMFnMuM/s960/Risen+One.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrpXECqOvnhAJlGQwyv0gxZZ4YYTa4VI3h0Y81pEvdijZp0H-tLe_RLhwl2h6-8rRiahgNz2hrbVSkpw47S31lzPRS1jyk0Ab5SckrRcGIHk104fvCrWlFB1TZZUt_SUV0qfXUMFnMuM/s320/Risen+One.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I prefer this reading. I like its simplicity and its humanity, especially the ending. The fear of the women indicates the impossible implications of the event, and the thoughts that will engage them as they wrestle with their witness. What leads up to the revelation are some very human concerns: the early hour, the rolling back of the stone, the discovery of the open tomb. These women, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, were indeed blessed, for it is an angel that deciphers the scene for them and sets the agenda for those who would still feel called to follow Jesus. Mark keeps cluing us in to the story of Jesus, where he is mentioned as “the Nazarene”, and as the one who was crucified – the parenthesis of the story. The connection with God the Father is underscored here as well. As the angel explains, Jesus has been raised from the dead. The women are marked as apostles, for they are enjoined to share the news with Peter and the disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">And what are we to make of their fear? Was it holy fear, having been in awe at God’s presence and act, or was it fear of what they were being called to do – being witnesses to the Resurrection? It is a fear that silences them. If indeed this is the ending to Mark’s Gospel (there is a longer ending), then the future is written by others and seen by others (see the Second Reading for today). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What troubles you about the Easter story?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What gets in the way of your belief?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo6; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Which of these two readings do you prefer? Why?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TngzVWnei4-sgeqG284ET2GQfixnpv1qB5W_730gRbMG1EhjvNEwA-yOIHt44QopQGy9AoAQAbWx39Zlcm-6Tiit78jZP9UiM3e0uLRafkHRQAs5ZXgKUZHzy2nZF4COlYlpkvFVsP8/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TngzVWnei4-sgeqG284ET2GQfixnpv1qB5W_730gRbMG1EhjvNEwA-yOIHt44QopQGy9AoAQAbWx39Zlcm-6Tiit78jZP9UiM3e0uLRafkHRQAs5ZXgKUZHzy2nZF4COlYlpkvFVsP8/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: For whom is this story given?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: Easter hope is for everyone (First Reading, Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: Learning to hear the witness of others (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: Living with our humanity and with our grief (Gospels)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Hans Conzelmann, <i>Acts of the Apostles, A Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, </i>(Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1987, page 83.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Reginald Fuller, <i>The Formation of the Resurrection Narratives, </i>(Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1971), Page 9.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Hans Conzelmann, <i>I Corinthians, A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, </i>(Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1975, page 249.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://E184E1B3-610A-47EF-8037-F35150BC35FB#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Raymond Brown, <i>The Anchor Bible, The Gospel According to John (xiii-xxi), </i>(Garden City: Doubleday & Company Inc. 1970), page 979.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-59319871844373001472021-03-20T21:30:00.002-07:002021-03-20T21:31:32.579-07:00Palm Sunday and the Sunday of the Passion, 28 March 2021<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span color="windowtext"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/HolyWeek/BPalmSun_RCL.html">The Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday, 28 March 20</a>21</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Liturgy of the Palms</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Mark 11:1-11 or St. John 12:12-16</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Liturgy of the Word</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Isaiah 50:4-9a</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Psalm 31:9-16</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Philippians 2:5-11</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Mark 14:1-15:47 or St. Mark 15:1-39, [40-47]</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkka5wIvCLEo1UwH3c47F2ugQDYvfiIVAQMtFhtTnglYcKBrsIEpL0UsSmOAKU0OXl3b0cqGMXGqueKPLTRBDhO9eglq92cXqX-xl8DGBlJLZmKd0M6pghRTDhq8_uGFdmeZBnNrE67s/s1025/palm+sunday.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkka5wIvCLEo1UwH3c47F2ugQDYvfiIVAQMtFhtTnglYcKBrsIEpL0UsSmOAKU0OXl3b0cqGMXGqueKPLTRBDhO9eglq92cXqX-xl8DGBlJLZmKd0M6pghRTDhq8_uGFdmeZBnNrE67s/s320/palm+sunday.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /><br /></span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Background: An Embarrassment of Riches</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">There are some temptations that come with the celebrations of this day. The first is its dual nature with the seeming joy that accompanies the readings during the Liturgy of the Palms contrasted with the rather different nature that characterizes the reading of the Passion. I’ve served in parishes that have attempted to truncate the day, leaving behind the sadness of the Passion and only observing the “joy” of the Palms. This attitude seems to be blind to the reasons that Jesus enters Jerusalem. Was it for the joy of kingship? Or was it to meet the task at hand, the suffering and the crucifixion. To only fix on the joy is not to understand it, or to know the real nature of the day. The argument is that people will get the Passion in the subsequent days of Holy Week. That may be a false assumption however. Attendance at these liturgies, as important as they are, are diminishing. Forgetting the Passion means that many will go from joy to joy, and not experiencing the sorrow and the face of death that is such a big part of the week to come.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The second temptation is not to preach on this day, to let the richness of the Passion to stand on its own. I have done that, but I wonder if we do people a disservice by not preaching on this day – giving it some interpretation and application? The big assumption here is that people know the story of the Passion, and understand all of its symbols and events. Even for the most faithful of parishioners, I doubt that they are not in need of some kind of guided understanding of the texts. It is a rich day, with so much to look at and to understand. Whether lector or preacher, or participant in the Eucharistic Assembly, today is a day for deep searching.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">at</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> The Liturgy of the Palms</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Gospel: St. Mark 11:1-11</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">“Hosanna!<br />Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!<br />Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!<br />Hosanna in the highest heaven!”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMl8lsy7IvLfdCVzu6bjfLgeDI7p5fVCPzOllL2Z6_g-WJEBZk92MQyCMInoUPqrFDMwdVjB99ksaUbHmuXEupd4yM5eXz5oLQvopLj1MRceIoXrpcs2mSFBk8mYb1jvNqUUI9J1fmN0/s474/palms.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMl8lsy7IvLfdCVzu6bjfLgeDI7p5fVCPzOllL2Z6_g-WJEBZk92MQyCMInoUPqrFDMwdVjB99ksaUbHmuXEupd4yM5eXz5oLQvopLj1MRceIoXrpcs2mSFBk8mYb1jvNqUUI9J1fmN0/s320/palms.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">There is a supposed humility that is evident in Jesus choice of a donkey, and yet in the ancient near east, the donkey often served as a royal beast, fit for a king. The symbolism of this animal is underscored by the notation that no one has ever sat on this animal before. It is virginal and pure. It is also interesting to wrestle a bit with the phrase, <i>‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” </i>Is the word “lord” <i>(kyrios) </i>indicative of Jesus, or of the owner of the animal? Either is possible. One does get a sense of the emotion of the day, however. That the animal should be sent back <i>“immediately” </i>gives the reader a sense of the urgency of the situation. The adornment of the animal with garments underscores the royal aspect of the animal, and the use to which Jesus and the disciples intend it. The reference in <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/zechariah/9/9"><span color="windowtext">Zechariah 9:9</span></a> points to this usage, “Your king comes to you…on a donkey.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The action of adornment is taken up by those who stand by and watch the procession, as garments, and leafy branches are used to alter the scene. For this is not just a quotidian entry into the city, but rather an entrance that serves as an example. The senses are being brought into service here, and song soon joins in with the sung <i>“Hosanna” </i>(Save, please) of the people. We remember it and take up the song ourselves when we sing the <i>Benedictus </i>after the <i>Sanctus, </i>“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord,” see <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/118/25"><span color="windowtext">Psalm 118:26</span></a>. The quotation that follows is not a biblical quotation, but can be seen as interpretive of the former verse.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Mark:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What does it mean to you to talk about Jesus as a king?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What does it mean to you to talk about Jesus as a human being?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How did Jesus enter your life?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Or</span></i></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Gospel: St. John 12:12-16</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: “Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written of him and had been done to him.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgHKsk4JcPEVD_n-Dq-SSyjko3FHa71LpeYXqK32FuXLWaVPLdKeduRp6xE-JxlHGvcwPDqLdh7VYYzG2qCDceQH7HpnmIn62c7dfIldzX61mm4U7HEanzfj-Tnt5VJiJN526N3HK7bU/s2048/Jesusdonkey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgHKsk4JcPEVD_n-Dq-SSyjko3FHa71LpeYXqK32FuXLWaVPLdKeduRp6xE-JxlHGvcwPDqLdh7VYYzG2qCDceQH7HpnmIn62c7dfIldzX61mm4U7HEanzfj-Tnt5VJiJN526N3HK7bU/s320/Jesusdonkey.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In John it is the people who anticipate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and who provide the background and royal scene surrounding his entry. It is after these notations that Jesus finds a young donkey and sits upon it. John also quotes <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/zechariah/9/9"><span color="windowtext">Zechariah 9:9</span></a>, as does Mark. The question that we need to ask as we read this text is, did Jesus intend to enter as a king, and if so, what kind of king? Later on he will say, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Here in John’s version of the entry, the crowd seems to be expecting something that is at odds with what Jesus will actually offer. John notes that the disciples <i>“did not understand”. </i>It is a confusing scene in John – which speaks well to the confusing nature of this day.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open John:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How do you prepare for Christ to enter?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways do you mirror the disciples’ misunderstandings?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Where do you see God’s kingdom in this world?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 <i>Confitemini Domino</i></span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *<br />his mercy endures for ever.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">2 Let Israel now proclaim, *<br />"His mercy endures for ever."</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *<br />I will enter them;<br />I will offer thanks to the Lord.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">20 "This is the gate of the Lord; *<br />he who is righteous may enter."</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *<br />and have become my salvation.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">22 The same stone which the builders rejected *<br />has become the chief cornerstone.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">23 This is the Lord's doing, *<br />and it is marvelous in our eyes.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">24 On this day the Lord has acted; *<br />we will rejoice and be glad in it.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *<br />Lord, send us now success.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *<br />we bless you from the house of the Lord.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *<br />form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">28 "You are my God, and I will thank you; *<br />you are my God, and I will exalt you."</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *<br />his mercy endures for ever.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -24pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0ud1SPjIAINFJ3rYNGpZEyAE2HbnGzNN0jmi_cXO08sLsGskeP-Uzr3DQHEDX-YsEHYBCv9ceat6O7HUo9bruKh7oziNDK4Maa2Tvwufcc8L9GnaA2mHXloUrLVMKVMzhyDXwJ8qCAQ/s1024/gates.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV0ud1SPjIAINFJ3rYNGpZEyAE2HbnGzNN0jmi_cXO08sLsGskeP-Uzr3DQHEDX-YsEHYBCv9ceat6O7HUo9bruKh7oziNDK4Maa2Tvwufcc8L9GnaA2mHXloUrLVMKVMzhyDXwJ8qCAQ/s320/gates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Here we have the psalm that is quoted in the Marcan text. In this thanksgiving psalm we have segments that seem to speak to this day. A full reading of the text of <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/118"><span color="windowtext">Psalm 118</span></a> will give a fuller perspective on the text. Some commentators have noted that this psalm in medieval text is actually divided up into five different psalms. Its connection, however, to the Gospel for the Palms makes it an appropriate psalm for the day. There are other aspects that point to this psalm as being written for liturgical usage, <i>“Let Israel now proclaim, ‘His mercy endures forever.’”</i></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The symbol and idea of the rejected stone, now glorified in being the support for the whole structure is a theme that is used in the Christian Scriptures. The humility of the situation eventually leads to a glorification. One wonders if this psalm was not written after the defeat of the Seleucids, when Israel is lead from its humiliation under these kings to a glorification and renewal. We know the <i>“Blessed who comes,” </i>from its use in the liturgy of the Mass, and that seems to be its intent here – a liturgical entrance with branches by a group of priests and ministers into the temple. It is an anticipation not only of royal entry but of sacrifice as well, for the procession goes up to the horns of the altar upon which the sacrifice will be made. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Psalm 118:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Have you ever rejected something, or some idea only to use it later on?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways have you been humbled?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways have you been lifted up?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">at</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> The Liturgy of the Word</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. <i>Amen.</i></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Lord God has given me<br />the tongue of a teacher,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">that I may know how to sustain<br />the weary with a word.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Morning by morning he wakens--<br />wakens my ear<br />to listen as those who are taught.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Lord God has opened my ear,<br />and I was not rebellious,<br />I did not turn backward.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I gave my back to those who struck me,<br />and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">I did not hide my face<br />from insult and spitting.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Lord God helps me;<br />therefore I have not been disgraced;</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">therefore I have set my face like flint,<br />and I know that I shall not be put to shame;<br />he who vindicates me is near.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Who will contend with me?<br />Let us stand up together.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Who are my adversaries?<br />Let them confront me.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">It is the Lord God who helps me;<br />who will declare me guilty?</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -35.4pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnOvoK46_WiRSVoW43eoqrg918bxLgBFI0g3uIuReF5n6YNU0_ymCKLaqio9PSnDlOy5rWEvK4loN5DHGl1nIk6a2zO7HjJ9ifFl-vaPqdV1n6pULArxrNRB_cCrLwpNlWhSWLyOhblw/s1200/thought.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnOvoK46_WiRSVoW43eoqrg918bxLgBFI0g3uIuReF5n6YNU0_ymCKLaqio9PSnDlOy5rWEvK4loN5DHGl1nIk6a2zO7HjJ9ifFl-vaPqdV1n6pULArxrNRB_cCrLwpNlWhSWLyOhblw/s320/thought.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The second of the Isaiahs has a clear understanding of his role, <i>“The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher” </i>and perhaps for us the role of this particular reading on this day – an instruction. It is directed to the weary, the Judean exiles who are on the verge of return to the land of their fathers and mothers. Isaiah indicates motion and intention in this text. It is movement toward something new, not looking back at former indiscretions and rebellions. There is an aspect to the reading that moves the Christian eye and ear to see this reading as indicative of Jesus’ interior motive, <i>“I gave my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard.” </i>This dialogue between the many who are lead out of humiliation, and the one who is lead into humiliation serves to instruct us who would follow. God stands beside both.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Isaiah:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="4" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What do you need to look away from?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Why do you need to look away from this?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">To whom or what do you need to redirect your gaze?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Psalm 31:9-16 <i>In te, Domine, speravi</i></span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; *<br />my eye is consumed with sorrow,<br />and also my throat and my belly.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">10 For my life is wasted with grief,<br />and my years with sighing; *<br />my strength fails me because of affliction,<br />and my bones are consumed.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">11 I have become a reproach to all my enemies and even to my neighbors,<br />a dismay to those of my acquaintance; *<br />when they see me in the street they avoid me.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; *<br />I am as useless as a broken pot.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">13 For I have heard the whispering of the crowd;<br />fear is all around; *<br />they put their heads together against me;<br />they plot to take my life.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">14 But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord. *<br />I have said, "You are my God.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">15 My times are in your hand; *<br />rescue me from the hand of my enemies,<br />and from those who persecute me.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *<br />and in your loving-kindness save me."</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -24pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGveDSDKBIn6uKlAivIRs7jqnwOyeOIioYan8Xc0oxjNcucL0kn7un2iR1B68yFPq_gjW6q9JFJY2as8dozrBwWN7clKJqy5kpim5QMAfnWRP2nhNE_Nz6jARbwJbTPJq1seV46hsGqJU/s1024/pot.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGveDSDKBIn6uKlAivIRs7jqnwOyeOIioYan8Xc0oxjNcucL0kn7un2iR1B68yFPq_gjW6q9JFJY2as8dozrBwWN7clKJqy5kpim5QMAfnWRP2nhNE_Nz6jARbwJbTPJq1seV46hsGqJU/s320/pot.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In this psalm the author is supplicant, in terror of those who are out to trouble and distress him. He is in total despair, his whole body troubled, “my eye is consumed…and also my throat and my belly.” He is aware of his transgressions and his sinfulness. In verse 10, this translation, “because of affliction”, reflects the Septuagint, but the Masoretic text sees the phrase as “Through my crime”. The psalm vascilates between outside and interior evil. Whatever has happened the psalmist appears as someone to be avoided, and shunned. The following verse ups the image in which he is compared to a dead person, or an object lost and forgotten. There is hope however in God’s protection and loving-kindness.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Psalm 31:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">When have you been in total despair?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways were you responsible for your despair?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How were you healed from it?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">who, though he was in the form of God,<br />did not regard equality with God<br />as something to be exploited,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">but emptied himself,<br />taking the form of a slave,<br />being born in human likeness.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">And being found in human form,<br />he humbled himself<br />and became obedient to the point of death--<br />even death on a cross.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Therefore God also highly exalted him<br />and gave him the name<br />that is above every name,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">so that at the name of Jesus<br />every knee should bend,<br />in heaven and on earth and under the earth,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">and every tongue should confess<br />that Jesus Christ is Lord,<br />to the glory of God the Father.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -24pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO3EuaIwfkpLRIZ8u9tZF_lEMoMOIdAdSTvwMd6qzEt50vZVCJvWi05726VZeGLhJIHKeyXS-gj57awpE2RZxkcL1qr3EEByzYDlk_TABwwcoRcblFLa0GQBcfDWOxgyH8dFUjPd66_U/s236/suffer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO3EuaIwfkpLRIZ8u9tZF_lEMoMOIdAdSTvwMd6qzEt50vZVCJvWi05726VZeGLhJIHKeyXS-gj57awpE2RZxkcL1qr3EEByzYDlk_TABwwcoRcblFLa0GQBcfDWOxgyH8dFUjPd66_U/s0/suffer.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The author wrestles with the question of how we are to live, and in this pericope uses Jesus as the example <i>par excellance</i>. Here we see the dual nature of this day, the humiliation and the exaltation. Who is the Christ and how does his life teach us to live and to die? This seems to be Paul’s question and his approach to the people he is attempting to lead. If this is indeed a hymn, as some have maintained, it is a hymn that guides and leads – it is a narrative. There are several states: a) Preexistence, b) Incarnation, c) Death, and d) Exaltation. The phrase that signals Paul’s intent here is, <i>“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” </i>In each state, Paul reveals Jesus as a) either God or Man, and then follows that b) with what Jesus did and c) how he carried out this intent. For example </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">a.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Though he was in the form of God</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">b.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">But emptied himself</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">c.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Taking each of the states, and phases and studying them should make for a good lesson in following Jesus. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Philippians:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What does Paul’s hymn teach you about Jesus?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What does it teach you about yourself?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Who governs your mindset?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">The Gospel: St. Mark 14:1-15:47</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said, “Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">While he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger, “Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they scolded her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FCDMPXbFA60cZOw1OV1sEPiAW6URab7QFMpzL3awMaTduC9tLKrzz13Ut61aWxed7WcpnXZsYOUICK2LEjOAgqE1deZJw9TYXwmwREBW7fZxtQ8b_O7o5pK4JrkMHbTH0jFIDgsg1lo/s280/feet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4FCDMPXbFA60cZOw1OV1sEPiAW6URab7QFMpzL3awMaTduC9tLKrzz13Ut61aWxed7WcpnXZsYOUICK2LEjOAgqE1deZJw9TYXwmwREBW7fZxtQ8b_O7o5pK4JrkMHbTH0jFIDgsg1lo/s0/feet.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased, and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, his disciples said to him, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_OCIqQweZ3m2R93cbLBpkguFvFwxyLVXsGXL8h-cGQHsUciBU4p8bQ9RBZkBn5qUtQQouId9j_XFhAbCVWzDwEowX1ia3K4MByU2JqBJPWY7SBYSUcCcX2xQFMr4AuA_QzvhrmFztHU/s640/supper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_OCIqQweZ3m2R93cbLBpkguFvFwxyLVXsGXL8h-cGQHsUciBU4p8bQ9RBZkBn5qUtQQouId9j_XFhAbCVWzDwEowX1ia3K4MByU2JqBJPWY7SBYSUcCcX2xQFMr4AuA_QzvhrmFztHU/s320/supper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written,</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">‘I will strike the shepherd,<br />and the sheep will be scattered.’</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -24pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” So when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.” All of them deserted him and fled.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbVUt35AmdKS_VJzAtDCrKA2fypdUAyZgQBSkSlKun1ROtwHDeRq7DDv74RPAozEMEYPB4xWweoHCpIW4kKlp1PhF4wPw4LxVfVsTxv4tW4LkAnXO7XH0TrF5iL2rmJ9zB8pchdEhRD0/s640/naked.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipbVUt35AmdKS_VJzAtDCrKA2fypdUAyZgQBSkSlKun1ROtwHDeRq7DDv74RPAozEMEYPB4xWweoHCpIW4kKlp1PhF4wPw4LxVfVsTxv4tW4LkAnXO7XH0TrF5iL2rmJ9zB8pchdEhRD0/s320/naked.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled. Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?” But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">‘you will see the Son of Man<br />seated at the right hand of the Power,’</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br />and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?” All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” The guards also took him over and beat him.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said, “You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about.” And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.” But he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know this man you are talking about.” At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again, “Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo95IGJcMUPndCHWQv5LHw_T8DFsHC87fXnmxRWPdYTj_zWpZNEml1NIZ8zmgd3C0kks3f6a_pADOuBDd4tYt9wiDxYuvp6NW6zqseeTO-1mIg8dPuFeNc2cNHccfw8jqT-m2YXvtGH0/s243/simon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo95IGJcMUPndCHWQv5LHw_T8DFsHC87fXnmxRWPdYTj_zWpZNEml1NIZ8zmgd3C0kks3f6a_pADOuBDd4tYt9wiDxYuvp6NW6zqseeTO-1mIg8dPuFeNc2cNHccfw8jqT-m2YXvtGH0/s0/simon.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.</span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZB0frRnMx3qA7CS2K_gRMK897SpoP862thIUPxkNvRJqXbUHT3TKFTPr8nCZXgqyXp7qGvNbPmD1R3IlaL01xBUUmjRxKLxwu63p6UvyMW543f-SLzg_r8utBJnmGRanZE7khTDmjMM/s360/weeping.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ZB0frRnMx3qA7CS2K_gRMK897SpoP862thIUPxkNvRJqXbUHT3TKFTPr8nCZXgqyXp7qGvNbPmD1R3IlaL01xBUUmjRxKLxwu63p6UvyMW543f-SLzg_r8utBJnmGRanZE7khTDmjMM/s320/weeping.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Offering a complete commentary on the Marcan Passion Narrative is beyond the scope of this blog. However, let me offer some thoughts on the uniqueness of the Marcan text, and the advantages it offers to the faithful as they follow Jesus to cross and tomb. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">If we have been faithfully following Mark during this liturgical year in which the Lectionary focuses on his Gospel, we will have been prepared to hear the Passion as Mark presents it to us. Already in the <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/3/6"><span color="windowtext">third chapter</span></a>, we realize that Jesus is fated for death and destruction. Jesus himself clues his disciples in on what will happen in three separate passion predictions (<a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/8/31"><span color="windowtext">8:31</span></a>, <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/9/31"><span color="windowtext">9:31</span></a>, <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/10/33"><span color="windowtext">10:33-34</span></a>). We have scenes of preparation, for the scene in the <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/11/15"><span color="windowtext">cleansing of the temple</span></a>, and for Jesus himself as he is <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/14/3"><span color="windowtext">anointed by the woman</span></a>. In Mark Jesus wrestles with this destiny, and the disciples too seem not to understand what is necessary for the situation. Jesus sees them as being scattered in the face of this reality, and Peter, the leader, will be foremost in denying its necessity. The silence of Jesus at his betrayal by Judas is a sign in Mark that Jesus is resigned to his fate. As Jesus says, <i>“Let the Scriptures be fulfilled.”</i> In Mark, Jesus is totally abandoned to his fate. The young man who looses his garment and runs away naked is for Mark a symbol of the totality of this abandonment. The dark and gloomy nature of the Marcan Passion is not formed for the drama of the moment, but rather guides us into an existential experience of death and life, explored not only by us in our living, but by the one who would save us as well. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open the Gospel:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What does the idea of “one flock” mean to you?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways is this a difficult concept for you?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Who is gathered with you at the cross?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span> </p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-19650458305577552912021-03-15T00:22:00.001-07:002021-03-15T12:01:20.078-07:00The Fifth Sunday in Lent, 21 March 2021<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Lent/BLent5_RCL.html">The Fifth Sunday in Lent, 21 March 2021</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Jeremiah 31:31-34<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Hebrews 5:5-10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 12:20-33<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 51:1-13<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">or</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 119:9-16<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9eqEPgCeCJbopvWXRrMW4cpdVzrrOEzPvkj-q-wqYdXbOc10GBgCDpMpPEXE-ppsu7EZUhPFFNT4p8jDvteSYu11guxBYm4IgFoZ6yBEJBeGWjgxhKqafDNnKCjheDjHZ52sIdhDQPY/s2048/melchizedek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9eqEPgCeCJbopvWXRrMW4cpdVzrrOEzPvkj-q-wqYdXbOc10GBgCDpMpPEXE-ppsu7EZUhPFFNT4p8jDvteSYu11guxBYm4IgFoZ6yBEJBeGWjgxhKqafDNnKCjheDjHZ52sIdhDQPY/s320/melchizedek.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Melchizedek <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">If we are going to talk about Melchizedek, then we must talk not only about his name and character but about El Elyon, whose priest Melchizedek was, and a bit about Abram as well. If you are interested in this character, who will appear in the Second Reading for today from Hebrews, you might want to look at <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/14">Genesis 14</a>, specifically at verses 18-20. Melchizedek was the King of Salem, later Jerusalem, and was also priest of El Elyon. The combination of “priest/king” was common in the ancient near east, even in Israel. In <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/6/17">II Samuel 6:17</a>, David is portrayed as offering up a two different sacrifices (a burnt offering and a communion offering) to YHWH. Melchizedek is a priest to El, the Canaanite sky god with the appended Elyon. The translation of this name in Hebrew is “God, Most High.” There are several “El” names in the Hebrew Scriptures: El Olam, El, El Roi, El Bethel, and El Shaddai. Melchizedek congratulates Abraham on his success in the battlefield and accepts from him a tithe of his winnings in the battle. The insertion of this story into Genesis may have been a foreshadowing of the kingship of David in Jerusalem. In Genesis, Abram does not see El Elyon as the Canaanite god, but associates the god with the God of Israel, see Genesis 18:22, where Abram makes this association evident to the King of Sodom, “I have sworn to YHWH, God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth…” The commentary on the Second Reading will discuss Melchizedek’s role in Christianity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The days are surely coming, says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMznIjJ-ZxJeVUJxIJAhwK33QHpUf4RnNZ1Atd0eDmDsowvBDZ4s6F1BfEbnpZ2RGK468q8g5p7-xUrfE_jOJKAy_MQaEMsOCbZmjTV_seRf1UoKvQbh4IQ7eJMn_FSCITrBdzlLFxEMA/s389/Jeremiah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMznIjJ-ZxJeVUJxIJAhwK33QHpUf4RnNZ1Atd0eDmDsowvBDZ4s6F1BfEbnpZ2RGK468q8g5p7-xUrfE_jOJKAy_MQaEMsOCbZmjTV_seRf1UoKvQbh4IQ7eJMn_FSCITrBdzlLFxEMA/s320/Jeremiah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Covenant had been in Israel’s mind for an eternity – first to Abraham, and then to his children, to Moses and the chosen people – this covenantal tradition was remembered through the ages. Now it is Jeremiah who remembers it and who sees it in a new light. He sees it as an agreement that will be an internal understanding on the part of the people, and evidenced in the laws of the fixed order of the universe. You might want to read beyond the reading assigned for today, looking at verses 35 and 36:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">“Thus says the LORD,</span> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who gives the sun to light the day, moon and stars to light the night; Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar, whose name is L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of hosts: <span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">If ever this fixed order gives way</span> </span></span>before me - oracle of the L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span> - Then would the offspring of Israel cease as a people before me forever.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jeremiah sees beyond the traditions of the covenant, cut in the animals in Abraham’s sacrifice, written in the Law of Moses, celebrated in the blessings given to David. Jeremiah sees and internalized covenant known by all. The evidence will be seen in creation – in the moon and stars. The fixed order of the universe will speak to the covenant that is eternally made between God and God’s people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Jeremiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways do you know God in your heart?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does creation speak to you about God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways have we forgotten God’s covenant with us?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 51:1-13 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Miserere mei, Deus<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; *<br />in your great compassion blot out my offenses.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Wash me through and through from my wickedness *<br />and cleanse me from my sin.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 For I know my transgressions, *<br />and my sin is ever before me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 Against you only have I sinned *<br />and done what is evil in your sight.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 And so you are justified when you speak *<br />and upright in your judgment.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 Indeed, I have been wicked from my birth, *<br />a sinner from my mother's womb.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 For behold, you look for truth deep within me, *<br />and will make me understand wisdom secretly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 Purge me from my sin, and I shall be pure; *<br />wash me, and I shall be clean indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 Make me hear of joy and gladness, *<br />that the body you have broken may rejoice.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 Hide your face from my sins *<br />and blot out all my iniquities.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *<br />and renew a right spirit within me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 Cast me not away from your presence *<br />and take not your holy Spirit from me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">13 Give me the joy of your saving help again *<br />and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju94sqvUPRt0K_sutWP4tK_FlMA5GpvL0B-stToUXF7rmO51PIFVgZkhZ2Lo2pLVkO-9EtYN8-FPlYkXDeDmbiU_Qr-j07OHXAFGqZ3O3cECqLSDinQHsez6b1LlKL4dG0qRQobNZH38g/s350/Nathan_Rebukes_David_sm.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="298" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju94sqvUPRt0K_sutWP4tK_FlMA5GpvL0B-stToUXF7rmO51PIFVgZkhZ2Lo2pLVkO-9EtYN8-FPlYkXDeDmbiU_Qr-j07OHXAFGqZ3O3cECqLSDinQHsez6b1LlKL4dG0qRQobNZH38g/s320/Nathan_Rebukes_David_sm.gif" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is helpful to know the ascription of this psalm, “For the lead player, a David psalm, upon Nathan the prophet’s coming to him when he had come to bed with Bathsheba.” The situation will make certain passages and the general tenor of the psalm more understandable. Lutherans will recognize in the last three verses of our psalm the passages that form one of the Offertories that are sung as the gifts of bread and wine are brought up to the altar. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Should you want to understand the situation with David and Nathan the prophet better see <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2samuel/12">II Samuel 12</a>, and read the story (actually a parable) there. The psalm itself is confessional in nature, with David asking God for forgiveness for his adultery with Bathsheba. This is, however, a frame into which the author places his text on the lips of David. It was most likely composed a great deal of time after David. We have a clue in the 20 verse of the psalm, “Treat Zion kindly according to your good will, build up the walls of Jerusalem.” The reference to the rebuilding of the walls might reflect the period after the conquering of Jerusalem in 586 BCE, and the return to Israel (see Ezra and Nehemiah). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There is almost a chronology of sin and forgiveness in the psalm: <i>“a sinner from my mother’s womb,” “you look deep within me,” “make me understand your Wisdom,” “purge me…wash me,” “that the body you have broken may rejoice.” </i> There are seven penitential psalms used in the Liturgy of the Church, and this is a primary example. For Jews, the 13<sup>th</sup> verse is used to introduce the penitential prayer during Yom Kippur. This psalm underscores the importance of forgiveness in both the Jewish and Christian traditions. The creation of a “new heart” is well stated after hearing of the internalized covenant that Jeremiah proposes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 51:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you deal with sin when you are made aware of it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you experienced a “new heart”?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom do you need to forgive?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 119:9-16 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In quo corrigit?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 How shall a young man cleanse his way? *<br />By keeping to your words.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 With my whole heart I seek you; *<br />let me not stray from your commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 I treasure your promise in my heart, *<br />that I may not sin against you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 Blessed are you, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; *<br />instruct me in your statutes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">13 With my lips will I recite *<br />all the judgments of your mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">14 I have taken greater delight in the way of your decrees *<br />than in all manner of riches.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">15 I will meditate on your commandments *<br />and give attention to your ways.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">16 My delight is in your statutes; *<br />I will not forget your word.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvhHNanlF8cpwcON2X-rrdcGRMbdk-X6m83tPjgotwuoqdCCIAN4En_yahxYcA6IRW5snj6N-zTOhNrvLV5Bqz8sId2nBj_1sX5Y92LmbJeMpXVrPrQ2iRp3Quvr5gwEkh7ufP1bLN1o/s2048/Confession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvhHNanlF8cpwcON2X-rrdcGRMbdk-X6m83tPjgotwuoqdCCIAN4En_yahxYcA6IRW5snj6N-zTOhNrvLV5Bqz8sId2nBj_1sX5Y92LmbJeMpXVrPrQ2iRp3Quvr5gwEkh7ufP1bLN1o/s320/Confession.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The alternate psalm for this day is the Beth section of Psalm 119, an acrostic Wisdom psalm. There is an intimate character to it, quite different than the regal nature of Psalm 51. Here it is a young man who confesses. He needs to know how the world operates, and asks God to teach him God’s ways and will. The psalmist sees God’s law and commandments as a centering point in life. The words of the law are seen as riches, and worthy of meditation. These words, this advice, is seen as eternal, just as it is seen in Psalm 51.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 119:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How did you come to grips with the reality of the world in your youth?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What would like to do over?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How did your faith help or hinder you? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Hebrews 5:5-10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“You are my Son, <br />today I have begotten you”;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">as he says also in another place,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 3cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“You are a priest forever, <br />according to the order of Melchizedek.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9MYTbBf1k8A444Td8Ohic-q7O8fYH_JAhlrPL9o3WTNrBxvPBXJaySAkoyve9oaqJ6kJXe3UnE0FZWUrQKxUst07G9-XIAgENEZL7_OGYiE_qCs_hTlf3XwtNqFjlhtdIDcFv4u9P4s/s2048/IMG_1602.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9MYTbBf1k8A444Td8Ohic-q7O8fYH_JAhlrPL9o3WTNrBxvPBXJaySAkoyve9oaqJ6kJXe3UnE0FZWUrQKxUst07G9-XIAgENEZL7_OGYiE_qCs_hTlf3XwtNqFjlhtdIDcFv4u9P4s/s320/IMG_1602.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The author of Hebrews looks at Jesus through two lenses. The first lens is the psalms where he quotes Psalm 2:7, <i>“You are my Son, today I have begotten you,” </i>and Psalm 110:4, <i>‘’You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” </i> The second lens is that of suffering as the author depicts Jesus at prayer in the midst of his suffering. The Melchizedek reference is understandable in so many ways. First, he was the “King of Righteousness.” Such a reference not only connects Jesus to the Davidic tradition, and the hopes for a righteous and just king, but also to Jesus’ offering of himself in death on the cross. As the hymn says, “both victim and priest”. Secondly there is the remembrance in the Abram story that Melchizedek greets Abram with both bread and wine. The author of Hebrews sees in that scene a Eucharistic connection. The priest, Jesus, offering both body and blood in the bread and wine of the Eucharistic table. In this Hebrews sees Jesus as the <i>“source of eternal salvation.” </i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Hebrews”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where in the Hebrew Scriptures do you find Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where do you see Jesus as suffering?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What does the Eucharist mean to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 12:20-33</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTGrnKOoqR08ToAwznkm2vmz626TnPXBxiy23uTwHOkEiJE8qsRdoFrI7aZuGgos1S_7wAfCa_W7FfdF89jYKU470eCJ7t2Hzj0lzLX1m3-Rdo45mx9s4QgWJ519SK_PXinSQWM7o_Io/s1869/Grain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1869" data-original-width="1299" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTGrnKOoqR08ToAwznkm2vmz626TnPXBxiy23uTwHOkEiJE8qsRdoFrI7aZuGgos1S_7wAfCa_W7FfdF89jYKU470eCJ7t2Hzj0lzLX1m3-Rdo45mx9s4QgWJ519SK_PXinSQWM7o_Io/s320/Grain.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is quite telling that this Gospel reading which signals Jesus’ approach to final things, is witnessed by Gentiles, believers who are seeking Jesus. So we see here Jesus’ ministry to both Israel and to Gentiles who seek him. We hear more of this in John when Jesus talks about the “one flock” into which all peoples will be invited. There is also the sense of the time, and the plan that has been made evident, <i>“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” </i>So we are at the cusp here, and next Sunday in the Liturgy of the Passion we will follow Jesus in his journey to the cross. This first section has a verse to which I am very much attracted, <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Some years ago while serving as Interim Rector at Saint Mark’s Church in Berkeley, California, I decided to draw some Stations of the Cross. I remembered this verse and used it as an illustration for the Ninth Station – Jesus falls the third time. The grain, the gospel, the Christ, the soil – all seemed to speak to me at this station.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The next paragraph in this reading is a fine meditation on life and death. Not only must Jesus deal with the reality of his dying, so must we all. It has been even more clear to us as we press to live during this time of Pandemic and trying to survive. How many things and situations that we took for granted have been wrested from us, and how many people and connections have become dearer to us. We have been detached from a great deal, and now we can in our Lent and the coming Holy Week meditate not on what we have given up, but what has been detached from us. Our service now is following Jesus on his journey of suffering and his departing from only knowing his own grief.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Even here there is temptation, <i>“Father, save me from this hour?” </i>No, Jesus embraces the cross and is destiny. And in the midst of this temptation and conundrum, Jesus hears the Voice again, <i>“I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” </i>It is good to see Jesus in the grain, to see him in his humanity, in his weakness – for in all of that we can begin to see our redeemed selves. Jesus will be lifted up, and in being lifted up will be seen by all, and all will be drawn to him. There will be not only the lifting up on the cross, but also the being lifted up in the resurrection. That is our hope – the grain bearing fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Do you meditate on your own death?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is your hope about death?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What kind of fruit do you hope to bear?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn-UeTLlp6PVILdkF0Gtr-qgzrSQP1R0nbCnvnsdBa3IYNxdGL28sOsuknIq4MAF5CVBZh_jilVygvNfb1nmCfKjllJEikTabxvAv-wx9fBYINYRgXB_U-WcHXcZYIpcvi_wDVhtjmaQ/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn-UeTLlp6PVILdkF0Gtr-qgzrSQP1R0nbCnvnsdBa3IYNxdGL28sOsuknIq4MAF5CVBZh_jilVygvNfb1nmCfKjllJEikTabxvAv-wx9fBYINYRgXB_U-WcHXcZYIpcvi_wDVhtjmaQ/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Borne in our hearts<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: How do we examine ourselves to see the faith and the Covenant that is within us? (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: How do we examine ourselves to know confession and then forgiveness? (Psalms)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: How do we examine ourselves to see priestly actions that we can give to others? (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 4: How do we examine ourselves to know that we are journeying with Jesus? (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #757575; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span> </p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-88038266623469761592021-03-06T17:51:00.000-08:002021-03-06T17:51:01.965-08:00The Fourth Sunday in Lent, 14 March 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Lent/BLent4_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Fourth Sunday in Lent, 14 March 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Numbers 21:4-9<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Ephesians 2:1-10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 3:14-21<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6rClNvO1mMrCfQw_eG9eJfTQQ5ew9MWreNYjcZGL48FLA_hRyY9oDkT32htWdclidh93a37vFVujjLUF6V4O4kTZfbwL2EJYgLG8_Niv2gN3xq935OzGgDi0RlAQvgD2P_yHwJSWtCA/s1042/Tiamat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="1042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6rClNvO1mMrCfQw_eG9eJfTQQ5ew9MWreNYjcZGL48FLA_hRyY9oDkT32htWdclidh93a37vFVujjLUF6V4O4kTZfbwL2EJYgLG8_Niv2gN3xq935OzGgDi0RlAQvgD2P_yHwJSWtCA/s320/Tiamat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: The Serpent <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The serpent plays a role in two of our readings for today – as a menace to people, as a sign of health and salvation, and finally as a reference in the Gospel. Such various roles befit the serpent who was a significant part of the cultural and religious life of the peoples of Egypt, Israel, Mesopotamia, Canaan, and Greece. In these cultures, the serpent was symbolic of wildly divergent ideas. It was the symbol of healing and fertility as well as chaos and evil. In the story of Adam and Eve, the serpent is an agent of disruption and temptation, while for Moses and Aaron it was a sign of their participation in the power of YHWH, who would lead Israel out of slavery into freedom. In Mesopotamian literature, a snake steals the immortality of Gilgamesh. It is also depicted as a symbol of the cycle of life, the snake devouring its own tail. Remnants of snake figures have been found throughout the Levant, Mesopotamia, and even in Hittite ruins. That this image should have such a universal recognition reminds us that the stories of the Hebrew Scriptures merge out of a common culture and understanding. One last example is the cult serpent, Nehustan, that was placed in the Temple and that was destroyed by Hezekiah (see <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/18/4">II Kings 18:4)</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">From Mount Hor the Israelites set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.” Then the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> and against you; pray to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> to take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> said to Moses, “Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.” So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPhokF5sKo8dmKl0b6dWhuUFxrKK4RHuXvEhJgt5B01KxLPK-fh1-BeA6pPtk0EwdrNvXMK2yLy0yRjDuim-WhAp_b0SzRGKLPlCT58JhBFr14aPkQcdg7JPrIJRgCTTwYRes5eWPpio/s660/Moses+serpent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPhokF5sKo8dmKl0b6dWhuUFxrKK4RHuXvEhJgt5B01KxLPK-fh1-BeA6pPtk0EwdrNvXMK2yLy0yRjDuim-WhAp_b0SzRGKLPlCT58JhBFr14aPkQcdg7JPrIJRgCTTwYRes5eWPpio/s320/Moses+serpent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Here we have an example of one of the numerous murmuring tales found in Numbers and in Exodus. In this story, the people murmur against the bread, which they find distasteful and loathsome. What may be the motivator as to God’s reaction to this murmuring is that the bread that they loathe is the manna, the gift of bread that God has given them (see <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/16">Exodus 16:1-36</a>, and <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/11">Numbers 11:1-9</a>). The denigration of this divine gift invokes a divine wrath. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In the description of the poisonous vipers or serpents the word used is <i>seraph, </i>a “fiery one.” Also used to describe the fiery angel that guards the gate at Eden, or the seraphim that fly about YHWH’s throne (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/6">Isaiah 6</a>). Thus we see a double aspect to this idea. That duality is further emphasized when Moses builds a bronze serpent that the people are bidden to look at and be healed. The text offers us a double meaning here as well, a pun in the Hebrew. The word for serpent is <i>nahash, </i>and the word for bronze is <i>nehoshet, </i>form a pun on serpent/bronze. Preachers may also want to look at YHWH’s promise to be a God of healing in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/15/22">Exodus 15:22-26</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Numbers:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who are the serpents in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How might they be dissipated by looking at them and dismissing them?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom might you thank for your healing?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Confitemini Domino<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Give thanks to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, for he is good, *<br />and his mercy endures for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Let all those whom the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has redeemed proclaim *<br />that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 He gathered them out of the lands; *<br />from the east and from the west,<br />from the north and from the south.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">17 Some were fools and took to rebellious ways; *<br />they were afflicted because of their sins.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">18 They abhorred all manner of food *<br />and drew near to death's door.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">19 Then they cried to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> in their trouble, *<br />and he delivered them from their distress.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">20 He sent forth his word and healed them *<br />and saved them from the grave.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">21 Let them give thanks to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> for his mercy *<br />and the wonders he does for his children.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">22 Let them offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving *<br />and tell of his acts with shouts of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3URz4P0OCvAPfZRqNr29QLoF4Vw8xp4WlQ4xGBoJTRNZyryVkhR-Xx_P9xklr3I58WU23uAvpvdILnReMlT6zSzuShDQz6Jr2eYJ-N4p6c6cbos5nLb3LEZvfzZ-OifHRY8Cbb6DaWTM/s220/220px-Ningizzida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3URz4P0OCvAPfZRqNr29QLoF4Vw8xp4WlQ4xGBoJTRNZyryVkhR-Xx_P9xklr3I58WU23uAvpvdILnReMlT6zSzuShDQz6Jr2eYJ-N4p6c6cbos5nLb3LEZvfzZ-OifHRY8Cbb6DaWTM/s0/220px-Ningizzida.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This psalm is a recasting of the story from the First Reading for this morning, and it is a shame that verses 4 through sixteen, which further describe the incident, have been elided, as well as verses 23-43 which further explicate God’s healing actions. I am certain that this was done for brevity’s sake, but it is a shame that the congregation cannot experience these verses in this context.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The psalm is a thanksgiving psalm, sung by the whole community. The notion of redemption in verse two needs to be seen in their release from captivity, and in the healing that God offers them. There is even a deeper level of meaning that comes even after connecting this psalm to the wanderings in the wilderness after release from Egypt. In verse three we read, <i>“(God) gathered them out of the lands.” </i>This may be a reference to the return of the people from exile in Babylon and may serve as a clue as to when the psalm was written. In verse six (which is in the elided section) we see a refrain, “And they cried to the Lord from their straits” that is repeated again, indicating that this psalm may have been used liturgically.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The verses that deal with the distastefulness of food certainly relates to the story in Exodus/Numbers, but their plight is further described in the twentieth verse, <i>“saved them from the grave.” </i>The Hebrew is not as pointed, indicating only “from their pit”, i.e. “from Sheol”, from near death. The final verse of our reading invites the offerings of thanksgiving and song – further indication that this may have been a temple song from a later period.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 107:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How and when have you been close to death?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What redeemed you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you use your freedom from death?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Ephesians 2:1-10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God-- not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsOcP6pr5iZrobXZATzuYGgChmrCRiiiHSGIVsB3XFgPkw59SdWypEwHNzShIHTgekBNPcZttz9m2tSBoyRt-XaEW7NOz2RkuyUtb64Q5VR3AZBy5U0J72DIP61JdavR5x0d95SKKNOE/s2048/01yatskiv-pantocrator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2015" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsOcP6pr5iZrobXZATzuYGgChmrCRiiiHSGIVsB3XFgPkw59SdWypEwHNzShIHTgekBNPcZttz9m2tSBoyRt-XaEW7NOz2RkuyUtb64Q5VR3AZBy5U0J72DIP61JdavR5x0d95SKKNOE/s320/01yatskiv-pantocrator.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You might want to begin your study of this section of Ephesians by reading through <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/1">chapter one</a> of the book. In it Paul discloses God’s plan of salvation – “as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world.”<a href="applewebdata://4E3E9F06-CB1D-4186-B072-E9D29FAC218B#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> He then goes on to see the fulfillment of that plan in Christ, and our participation in that plan as heirs and members of Christ’s body. Our reading, however, begins with a prior state, <i>“You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived.” </i>Paul then details salvation and redemption. It is the same picture of a healing God whom we have seen in the First Reading and in the Psalm as well. Paul keeps his contemporary readers in mind as he discusses “the ruler of the power of the air.” Here he recognizes the ancient cosmology as he strives to describe the life that is better lived in Christ. Paul contrasts what once was with what will be in Christ. He takes pains to describe what had been the Ephesians past (“</span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else.”), </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and then lifts up the entire enterprise as one in which in spite of it all God still loves us, and gives us the gift of the Christ. </span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Ephesians:</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways was your past a spiritual difficulty?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways have you been lifted up out of that?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the gifts that God gives to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 3:14-21</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi803eCaD3fzMA4xEritcWXnnEhAJApNBC7Ogk67XvTNe-brLsX7isSfPmKvRQokZYQAlZkyBJnn7zxY8ow4j-AqkjnJWThhQbcyGfQT_iwAMhP0DnPwOIQK02Zz_39OoLW4ba17uKzBGI/s550/jesus%252Cmoses%252C%252Bserpent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi803eCaD3fzMA4xEritcWXnnEhAJApNBC7Ogk67XvTNe-brLsX7isSfPmKvRQokZYQAlZkyBJnn7zxY8ow4j-AqkjnJWThhQbcyGfQT_iwAMhP0DnPwOIQK02Zz_39OoLW4ba17uKzBGI/s320/jesus%252Cmoses%252C%252Bserpent.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Our selection from John’s Gospel comes in the midst of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, who wants a further understanding of this man he recognizes as a teacher come from God. Jesus appeals to Nicodemus’ understanding of the Hebrew Scriptures as he introduces into their conversation the story of Moses and the Bronze Serpent (see the First Reading, above). It’s a stunning image and one that foreshadows Jesus’ own destiny in his last visit to Jerusalem (this is his first). In this conversation Jesus uses the idea of being “lifted up” in a double sense – the literal being lift us, as in the crucifixion, and in the sense of being exalted. Even this image would have been familiar to Nicodemus having read of it in Second Isaiah who sees the Suffering Servant as being “lifted high.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus, in John’s telling, also uses another image – and it is made even more poignant in that Nicodemus has come to him in the middle of the night. Jesus sees himself as light, “</span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">light has come into the world.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The problem that Jesus outlines to Nicodemus is that the people prefer darkness, and the acts that happen in darkness. Here John outlines the conflict of two natures within us. There is a part of living that prefers the darkness, and a part that yearns for the light.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In his prologue in the first chapter, John uses the Creation as a model for his speaking of Christ. He uses the image of light – the light that God has separated from the darkness, the light that is given to us for use in our own life, the light of John the Baptist, and the light that is Christ. What we see in the light can be apprehended with either faith, or disbelief. A choice must be made. Saint Augustine has an interesting comment in this light, “they love truth when it enlightens them, they hate truth when it accuses them.”<a href="applewebdata://4E3E9F06-CB1D-4186-B072-E9D29FAC218B#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> So we are encouraged to see Jesus in that light that is the gift from God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What questions might you have of Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where do you find light in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What darkness has been overcome for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4py8oUxbu-TuR5cgoPpU4RueIuaP81tzIvFOhcusE9RuEkz5V-4pSEoREcVRfbkMgd2Lo5AVV6yKd4yNQxCtYHT3b-E7tGTdyz5vXXv_5nTe0I8rj514tHMvM-F8quh_8djRooExS6Y/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4py8oUxbu-TuR5cgoPpU4RueIuaP81tzIvFOhcusE9RuEkz5V-4pSEoREcVRfbkMgd2Lo5AVV6yKd4yNQxCtYHT3b-E7tGTdyz5vXXv_5nTe0I8rj514tHMvM-F8quh_8djRooExS6Y/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General Idea: Looking for Healing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea One: Looking at our demons (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea Two: Looking for God’s healing (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea Three: Looking at God’s Plan and finding Healing (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea Four: Looking at Christ as Light and as Healing (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://4E3E9F06-CB1D-4186-B072-E9D29FAC218B#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Ephesians 1:4<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://4E3E9F06-CB1D-4186-B072-E9D29FAC218B#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Augustine, Sheed, F. Trans. (2006), <i>Augustine Confessions, Second Edition, </i>Hackett Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Kindle Edition, Page 208.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-32558160167329994272021-02-28T23:53:00.000-08:002021-02-28T23:53:06.962-08:00The Third Sunday in Lent, 7 March 2021<p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Lent/BLent3_RCL.html" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">The Third Sunday in Lent, 7 March 2021</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Exodus 20:1-17<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Corinthians 1:18-25<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 2:13-22<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 19<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMyKCTVEtIvKC0D2otDbekYat1TTiUT6zta4_o1zmFxSyQamOV47_l5Ak0DmEWqwcoLR4B-SA8Ax77bs09FqKam_DPDrhj7ZoWj258P1SjHYoVmwywO1Cjw02AffyHQf74jyH8xgyXZI/s1024/The-Spoils-of-Jerusalem-Arch-of-Titus-circa-82-CE-courtesy-of-the-Arch-of-Titus-Project-1024x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMyKCTVEtIvKC0D2otDbekYat1TTiUT6zta4_o1zmFxSyQamOV47_l5Ak0DmEWqwcoLR4B-SA8Ax77bs09FqKam_DPDrhj7ZoWj258P1SjHYoVmwywO1Cjw02AffyHQf74jyH8xgyXZI/s320/The-Spoils-of-Jerusalem-Arch-of-Titus-circa-82-CE-courtesy-of-the-Arch-of-Titus-Project-1024x640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Background: The Second Temple<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">With the edict of Cyrus, the Great, and the return of some Jewish peoples to Palestine in the sixth century BCE, a Temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt. The Temple built by Solomon was destroyed 586 BCE by the Neo-Babylonian Empire, thus the necessity to rebuild the Temple after the return. Under Zerubbabel, a modest building was constructed, and later during the reign of Herod the Great (72-4 BCE), the whole complex was completely rebuilt in a lavish and monumental manner. The building of the modest structure was begun ca. 559 BCE, and after a cessation of building due to opposition by people who had remained in Jerusalem during the exile, the construction resumed under Darius, around 521 BCE. The biblical account of the return and the rebuilding is found in the books of <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezra/0" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Ezra</a>, and <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/nehemiah/0" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Nehemiah</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The vessels of the Temple had been looted by the Babylonians, and some items were lost, namely the Ark of the Covenant, The Urim and Thummin, and Holy Oils. If the carvings in the Arch of Titus in Rome are to be trusted, The Menorah and other objects were taken from the Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Among these items may have been the Table of the Showbread, and the Altar of Incense. Other objects may have been restored by Cyrus the Great. On interesting feature was the Holy of Holies was not separated from the Holy Place by a wall, but rather by a curtain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">There was another looting of the old second Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Emperor of the Seleucid Empire around 200 BCE. A statue of Olympian Zeus was erected in the Temple in 167 BCE. All temple services devoted to YHWH were stopped, circumcision was illegal, and pigs were sacrificed on the temple altar. After the Maccabean Revolt (167-160), and with the demise of the Seleucid Empire, the Temple was rededicated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The expansion of the Temple area under Herod the Great began in 20 – 11 BCE. The physical footprint of the complex was doubled. During the construction the ritual sacrifices of the Temple were continued, so that there was no break in the religious activities of the cult. This complex was destroyed by Titus in 70 CE.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Exodus 20:1-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Then God spoke all these words:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I am the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God, for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. For six days you shall labour and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God is giving you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not murder.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not commit adultery.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not steal.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnFamTgzk2e9gC5sF89PgiQxIbY8vXovmMfgf3MePMzEOU84r3bBbSZ5FnQwOLr_Jy_AgJ0EZM-TFhM2sA27SGSoIevfUbGzLquhIr8N7QiQhzvFstmDpDIY2dl6ArXk3LsnUQ_TCJlE/s2048/Ten_Commandments_altar_screen_in_the_Temple_Church_London.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnFamTgzk2e9gC5sF89PgiQxIbY8vXovmMfgf3MePMzEOU84r3bBbSZ5FnQwOLr_Jy_AgJ0EZM-TFhM2sA27SGSoIevfUbGzLquhIr8N7QiQhzvFstmDpDIY2dl6ArXk3LsnUQ_TCJlE/s320/Ten_Commandments_altar_screen_in_the_Temple_Church_London.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What we know as “The Ten Commandments” is known in Hebrew as “The Ten Words”. In them we have the substance of the Covenant that YHWH made with the People of Israel. There are no stated punishments, just the expression of God’s will as to how the Chosen People are to live. There are two groups of words. The first is dedicated to what is owed to God. The second section outlines duties that one has to other people. In the first of the commandments, the words are accompanied by explanation and exhortation. Thus, “I am the YHWH your God, who brought you out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. (Thus) You shall not have other gods beside me.” What then follows are the expectations of those who follow God, and then how the neighbor is to be treated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Problematic in all of this is the manner in which the commandments are enumerated. There are several systems: The Jewish Talmud, Reformed Churches (including the Anglicans), The Septuagint (used by the Orthodox), Augustine and the Roman Church which follows the Talmud, the Lutherans follow this system as well.<span> </span>Therefore, it will serve you well to be certain to mention the content of the commandment rather than relying on the number. Also, it is well to remember that there is another accounting of the Ten Words in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/5/6" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Deuteronomy 5:6-21</a>. There are variations in the text. What we see as a simple enumeration of commands, is really a more complex set of statements that outline the Covenant. Consensus is that the original words were really quite simple, and that as the tradition was written down and edited, the simple words were elaborated upon. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Exodus:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What’s the commandment that drives your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Which of the commandments are problems in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom do you think of when you read the second set, the ones about your neighbor?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 19 </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Caeli enarrant<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 <span> </span>The heavens declare the glory of God, *<br />and the firmament shows his handiwork.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 <span> </span>One day tells its tale to another, *<br />and one night imparts knowledge to another.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 <span> </span>Although they have no words or language, *<br />and their voices are not heard,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 <span> </span>Their sound has gone out into all lands, *<br />and their message to the ends of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 <span> </span>In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *<br />it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;<br />it rejoices like a champion to run its course.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 <span> </span>It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens<br />and runs about to the end of it again; *<br />nothing is hidden from its burning heat.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 <span> </span>The law of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is perfect<br />and revives the soul; *<br />the testimony of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is sure<br />and gives wisdom to the innocent.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 <span> </span>The statutes of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are just<br />and rejoice the heart; *<br />the commandment of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is clear<br />and gives light to the eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 <span> </span>The fear of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is clean<br />and endures for ever; *<br />the judgments of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are true<br />and righteous altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 <span> </span>More to be desired are they than gold,<br />more than much fine gold, *<br />sweeter far than honey,<br />than honey in the comb.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 <span> </span>By them also is your servant enlightened, *<br />and in keeping them there is great reward.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 <span> </span>Who can tell how often he offends? *<br />cleanse me from my secret faults.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">13 <span> </span>Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins;<br />let them not get dominion over me; *<br />then shall I be whole and sound,<br />and innocent of a great offense.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">14 <span> </span>Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my<br />heart be acceptable in your sight, *<br />O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, my strength and my redeemer.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 36pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYg1oZ0KItu2MXw80j6S1TZ-xSgcOtV_H_oXibZFPHX1p5IqOeFiRWzo88kP9rvKxAn-kV_WsHWBwp-X7FTpClAh8vG2Uemd9I2BB92nA0qfXViPx5KtXUl0kGdsI9m51Ra6u6N7-HYI/s320/Hubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYg1oZ0KItu2MXw80j6S1TZ-xSgcOtV_H_oXibZFPHX1p5IqOeFiRWzo88kP9rvKxAn-kV_WsHWBwp-X7FTpClAh8vG2Uemd9I2BB92nA0qfXViPx5KtXUl0kGdsI9m51Ra6u6N7-HYI/s0/Hubble.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">For Jews, this is the psalm that is repeated at the Morning Service on Sabbath. There are three sections to the psalm: 1) verses 1-6, A Creation Hymn, 2) verses 7-11, The Law of the Lord, and 3) verses 12-14, A Confession. The structure and syntax of the first section is different than the following two, and it is supposed that the Creation Hymn is an adaptation of a foreign (Mesopotamian?) composition. The hymn of creation may be based on a hymn to Shamash, the sun god, whose realm was justice and equity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Taken as a unity, the psalm sees God’s suasion in both the heavens and upon earth, and the psalm makes a fine response to the Ten Words revealed in the First Reading for today. The remaining verses (7-14) have a Wisdom quality about them, as they praise God’s Law and Will. Of special interest is verses 7 and 8 which rejoice in the same idea, that the Law of God “<i>revives the soul” </i>(read: “life”), and<i> “rejoice the heart.” </i>In short, the Law of the Lord is life itself, and the essence of honoring God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The New American Bible translates verse 12b as “Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins.” There is a similar notion in I Kings 8:46, “When they sin against you (for there is no one who does not sin),” Here as in the psalm, sin is a given, and therefore there must be a known and universal remedy. The difference is in remembering and awareness of our sins, and the verse becomes a prayer, “Cleanse me.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 19:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What do the heavens tell you about God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Of what value is the Law to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What are your “inadvertent sins”?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I Corinthians 1:18-25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, <br />and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60lwd-MP3e7EclwO-68IB8a0EaBxeA8ys-HYN_U7-6uDmUyLMwwLFuksP8MI2PnWLE5XcZpdrNc5h2fCUx97QIpmQNUAKn-waVnaa2wYG3-jVM7kcb3Lh9jeUXiQYYZ19Cy4dU8DVrgw/s314/holycross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60lwd-MP3e7EclwO-68IB8a0EaBxeA8ys-HYN_U7-6uDmUyLMwwLFuksP8MI2PnWLE5XcZpdrNc5h2fCUx97QIpmQNUAKn-waVnaa2wYG3-jVM7kcb3Lh9jeUXiQYYZ19Cy4dU8DVrgw/s0/holycross.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Hans Conzelmann states in quite succinctly in his commentary on First Corinthians, “Rather, the object of theology is the cross, the act of salvation which actualizes itself in the word, and the determination of the word by the cross.”<a href="applewebdata://5A7FDBDD-0E35-4F7D-AF20-2D4F3EF7A887#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> Paul outlines the outrageous nature of the cross as well – it is foolishness, but it is the power of God. He makes it very clear to those who would follow Jesus, it is <i>“the message of the cross.” </i>The message of the cross is not information about the cross, rather it is the wisdom of the cross, or our experience of the cross. In true Pauline manner, he compares two reactions to the cross – stupefaction vs. power.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">We live in a time of “wisdom”, but not the wisdom honored by the ancients. We honor the wisdom that is information, or knowledge, or learning. This text asks us to expand our experience in faith, and in our wisdom born in the cross. There are other comparisons by Paul of this wisdom that he recommends to us. Wisdom = Christ, Wisdom is of God, <i>“human wisdom and God’s weakness.” </i>The knowledge of our time is dumbfounded by our faith and by our faithfulness to this cross. It’s something that we need to talk about and profess, for the cross is a message. Do you know how to express that message?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What do you see in the cross?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What is your message about the cross?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What is the message that you need to hear from the cross?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 2:13-22</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zE73wQCP2h8OOsZTR1ftk0mTE_tBPNuz5GkNwItgMV7AnnAZuD-C-_18fkTQj6aUFZ-M4mir6l4N4LP1dzM7b-kfkAAaJvFjEy7idUYWa9wtZoxxI8DkyNCJuSjK5Ck1Ev11Loq1LS0/s625/cleansing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zE73wQCP2h8OOsZTR1ftk0mTE_tBPNuz5GkNwItgMV7AnnAZuD-C-_18fkTQj6aUFZ-M4mir6l4N4LP1dzM7b-kfkAAaJvFjEy7idUYWa9wtZoxxI8DkyNCJuSjK5Ck1Ev11Loq1LS0/s320/cleansing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Unlike Mark, Matthew, and Luke, John sees Jesus going to Jerusalem, specifically the Temple on various occasions. In the synoptics, the Temple scene is closely related to the death of Jesus. In John it has a different import. John mentions three different occasions on which Jesus celebrated the Passover, and that is the time link that he leaves us with. That this event happens earlier in Jesus’ ministry may have to do with how Jesus answers the questions about his authority to do what he has done in the Temple. In the synoptics, Jesus asks a question of his questioners, “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?”<a href="applewebdata://5A7FDBDD-0E35-4F7D-AF20-2D4F3EF7A887#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a> If this happened early in Jesus’ ministry, then the questioners might have John the Baptist as a recent memory. Raymond Brown<a href="applewebdata://5A7FDBDD-0E35-4F7D-AF20-2D4F3EF7A887#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a>argues for this early timing in light of two fulfillment passages from Malachi, (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/malachi/3" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">3:1</a>) “Now I am sending my messenger,” which is fulfilled in John 1, in his mention of John the Baptist. A later phrase in Malachi, “The Lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple” may link up with John’s early mention of the cleansing. It’s all a part of the expectation in John. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Jesus wasn’t alone in his criticism of the Temple. Jeremiah also (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/7/11" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">7:11</a>) called the Temple a “den of thieves.” Both Matthew and Mark use this reference from Jeremiah to explain Jesus’ actions in the Temple. The prophet Zechariah also comments against the presence of merchants in the Temple. The prophetic ideal was that the Temple was a house of prayer – one that would attract all the nations of the earth. Thus, in John, Jesus is the prophet/messiah, although that message is misunderstood. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Perhaps the reason that this event has become so closely linked to the Passion is the comment by Jesus about the destruction of the Temple, “but he was speaking about the temple of his body.” Indeed, the following verses link that comment with the memory of the disciples post-Resurrection. Thus, it fits in Lent, but it also reminds us of Jesus’ agenda and ministry. The overwhelming impression though is that Jesus’ body is the Temple and visa versa. The vessel (body/temple) is prepared to receive all that will be poured into it – the suffering, the death, the resurrection. All activities excepting those of prayer are discounted, for prayer is our relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What does this Jesus look like to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">How does this action fit into our times? What should happen because of it?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Where is prayer in your life located?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKPxsjfg6zjQ5SHVGoordPeVKNaaeHeIpIcVhoyrK4ZkyOmNIHE3EXVFned-iL5vSffNazo8dT11Q25LNB13DxtAI_jQzPmHD5kIUJQTAo3PH7v39xUUEoDD-hyL3lljTgTkGciLdGq8/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKPxsjfg6zjQ5SHVGoordPeVKNaaeHeIpIcVhoyrK4ZkyOmNIHE3EXVFned-iL5vSffNazo8dT11Q25LNB13DxtAI_jQzPmHD5kIUJQTAo3PH7v39xUUEoDD-hyL3lljTgTkGciLdGq8/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">General idea:<span> </span>Lenten Expectations<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Idea One:<span> </span>The Words and God’s desires of us. (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Idea Two:<span> </span>God and the Law and our Confession (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Idea Three:<span> </span>The idea of the cross before the cross (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Idea Four:<span> </span>Preparing a Place of Prayer (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://5A7FDBDD-0E35-4F7D-AF20-2D4F3EF7A887#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Conzelmann, H. (1975), <i>I Corinthians, A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, </i>Fortress Press, Philadelphia, page 40f.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://5A7FDBDD-0E35-4F7D-AF20-2D4F3EF7A887#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Luke 20:1-8, See also Mark 11:30, or Matthew 21:26.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://5A7FDBDD-0E35-4F7D-AF20-2D4F3EF7A887#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Brown, R. (1966), <i>The Anchor Bible, The Gospel According to John (i-xii), Introduction, Translation, and Notes, </i>Doubleday & Company, New York, page 118.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-36731902836199343752021-02-21T22:04:00.003-08:002021-02-21T22:04:19.674-08:00The Second Sunday in Lent, 28 February 2021<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Lent/BLent2_RCL.html">The Second Sunday in Lent, 28 February 2021</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Romans 4:13-25<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 8:31-38<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 22:22-30<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPL31uSk7hc55MRdH4YxDTix7M2yM11Jui6thfUmM7gQ0ZpXOlXMYJHYr0RAQnmbrhTNza3yIXS4vnUSCwBx9GbcpCOnDx660jssK5iQEyES1ZKNJcjYGN_SmxPvv0PKfL5kof6cDowQ/s599/William+Blake+Michael+Foretells+the+Crucifixion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPL31uSk7hc55MRdH4YxDTix7M2yM11Jui6thfUmM7gQ0ZpXOlXMYJHYr0RAQnmbrhTNza3yIXS4vnUSCwBx9GbcpCOnDx660jssK5iQEyES1ZKNJcjYGN_SmxPvv0PKfL5kof6cDowQ/s320/William+Blake+Michael+Foretells+the+Crucifixion.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Son of Man<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In today’s Gospel reading we encounter a phrase that is used by Jesus in a Passion Prediction. It is a term that has a widely different usage in the Hebrew Scriptures than that in the New Testament. We see the term used some 93 times in Ezekiel, and also used in Numbers, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and finally in Daniel. The phrase, <i>ben adam, </i>is translated differently in Hebrew texts. In Numbers the translation is “mortal,” while in Job it is “man”, or “a son of man.” In Jeremiah it appears largely as “man”, while in Second Isaiah it appears as “son of man.” In Daniel it is translated as “son of man”, there a reference to Daniel himself. The usage in the Hebrew Scriptures sees the term as descriptive of individual humans, or of humanity as a whole. It does not function in these writings as a substitute for “messiah.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In the Gospels we see references to the “son of man” some eighty-one times. These instances are always in the sayings of Jesus. One differentiation of the usage in the Gospels is that the term is always accompanied by a definite article, “the son of man.” This title, if we can call it that, drives to the center of the never-ending debate about the dual natures of Christ – both God and man. Does the “son of man” usage drive to Jesus as a human being, and the other, Son of God, to Jesus’ divinity? Classic orthodox teaching affirmed the dual nature of Christ in the Council of Chalcedon (451 CE), and in the Nicene Creed (325 CE).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Although Like and Matthew make great efforts in connecting the Jesus Story to the Salvation History in the Hebrew Scriptures, this phrase is not one of these connectors. As Jesus uses it in the synoptic Gospels, it is usually self-referential. It is also used in eschatological sayings in Mark, Matthew, and Luke. It is a term used only by Jesus, and is not used by others describing Jesus’ nature. Jesus uses it to describe his ministry, and in apocalyptic sayings as well. There are several layers in the traditions of this phrase, none of them so definitive as to make it into the creedal statements of the Church. Just to close this brief article and to bring a sense of understanding to the term, M Eugene Boring in his commentary describes this phrase “son of man” in these words: “</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the one who acts on earth with transcendent authority.”<a href="applewebdata://C8A97345-3B71-4946-B738-B4170EF98165#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> This makes for a nice blend of Hebrew concepts, especially Daniel, and Jesus’ own usage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> appeared to Abram, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will make you exceedingly numerous.” Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the ancestor of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your offspring after you throughout their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBisbXhGoN7y4DHJ8dx8-YW-f6Unjq7cnIzcQVMhA4wWrJlHbowR1HmlOlFwhXg2ZLjzn47JD0VxAskrYvoQEsTma1tfeRL06j2F5dVUJ7O4vP5i4-4eiX95NEnvHIlDGl0PWWCjGojU/s1000/Genesis_Covenant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBisbXhGoN7y4DHJ8dx8-YW-f6Unjq7cnIzcQVMhA4wWrJlHbowR1HmlOlFwhXg2ZLjzn47JD0VxAskrYvoQEsTma1tfeRL06j2F5dVUJ7O4vP5i4-4eiX95NEnvHIlDGl0PWWCjGojU/s320/Genesis_Covenant1.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Our translation of this reading substitutes the word “Lord” for an archaic name for God, <i>El Shaddai. </i>There are two segments of this reading, one of which has been removed from the lectionary for this morning. This reading is about the Covenant made between God and Abram, one of several in the Hebrew Scriptures. The part that is elided from the reading is the demand that those (men) allied with YHWH must be circumcised, and provisions about how that might be administered. The Covenant, however, has other circumstances, namely the nations that will flow from him, and the promise of an heir. If you read beyond the confines of this reading, you will notice that in this story it is Abram who laughs, not Sarai. This reading also functions as the cusp of two different traditions, the Abram/Sarai tradition, and the Abraham/Sarah tradition. It also may function here in showing that the covenant alters the reality of Abraham and Sarah’s life. They are now a new entity in God’s sight, and in their own self realization as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/15">Chapter 15</a> we have another account of a covenant made between Abraham and God. In this instance the understandings of the covenant are more Mesopotamian in nature, the two parts have more of an equal standing. In the covenant made in our reading today, there is a more Hittite understanding of the covenant. Here it is made between a suzerain (God), and a vassal (Abraham). The multiple telling of this agreement, and the niceties that accompany them speak eloquently of having a relationship with God – a relationship that not only involved self, but family, and the future as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Genesis:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is the fear that guides Abraham’s relationship with God?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is God’s promise that breaks that fear?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is your covenant with God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 22:22-30 <i>Deus, Deus meus<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">22 Praise the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, you that fear him; *<br />stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel;<br />all you of Jacob's line, give glory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">23 For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;<br />neither does he hide his face from them; *<br />but when they cry to him he hears them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">24 My praise is of him in the great assembly; *<br />I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">25 The poor shall eat and be satisfied,<br />and those who seek the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shall praise him: *<br />"May your heart live for ever!"<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">26 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />and all the families of the nations shall bow before him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">27 For kingship belongs to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; *<br />he rules over the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">28 To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *<br />all who go down to the dust fall before him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">29 My soul shall live for him;<br />my descendants shall serve him; *<br />they shall be known as the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>’s for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">30 They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *<br />the saving deeds that he has done.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTGwd9vgUQRjKlqxrcVROEkfPqtg1J7doO2Wm7iQ1qvVgwpRQa47lUbWFbyv4EttG1_6UoZJ2lRSwsihdOGzpF8nwFfO8ioaozrfmGp_CBv0to9ziH3DV5Df63Ej_0qGSDVkhqDIp4zc/s1545/tribes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1545" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTGwd9vgUQRjKlqxrcVROEkfPqtg1J7doO2Wm7iQ1qvVgwpRQa47lUbWFbyv4EttG1_6UoZJ2lRSwsihdOGzpF8nwFfO8ioaozrfmGp_CBv0to9ziH3DV5Df63Ej_0qGSDVkhqDIp4zc/s320/tribes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The opening verse of this psalm reveals why the framers of the Lectionary chose to use it here. The heirs of Abraham and Sarah are invited to praise God and to acknowledge their relationship with God. The psalm continues by outlining the blessings that God offers to the people chosen of God. These then are the things that are worthy of praise of God, which Israel is bidden to do. God’s care of the lowly are greeted with praise and thanksgiving in the great assembly. There is a spectrum that is painted for us, stretching from the concerns of a poor wretch to the memory of graces given to the ends of the earth, to the families of nations. The extension goes even further, from those who have died and rest in the earth, to those yet to be born. It is a magnificent scope of awareness and praise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 22:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For what do you praise God?</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does your family, your children, or grandchildren, how do they praise God?</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Whom do you remember who now rest in God’s bosom?</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: Romans 4:13-25<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null, and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) —in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “So numerous shall your descendants be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already as good as dead (for he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. Therefore his faith “was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was handed over to death for our trespasses and was raised for our justification.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02P89QBJwy3f7oxF_avXXkRE4wQ9cCbFKaJlPLKHiS5b_jww5PjoH3VXiu88EdimEDZrCE9-B2CzsQYqNoCJMO2eh-4dYqmTy0KHaUN_g30JI0T-mijRwoWwNsQBQPQJlHcadzxdSa0s/s2048/jewish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02P89QBJwy3f7oxF_avXXkRE4wQ9cCbFKaJlPLKHiS5b_jww5PjoH3VXiu88EdimEDZrCE9-B2CzsQYqNoCJMO2eh-4dYqmTy0KHaUN_g30JI0T-mijRwoWwNsQBQPQJlHcadzxdSa0s/s320/jewish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is such an excellent reading for today’s Gospel, Psalm, and reading from Genesis. Paul works to convince Gentile Romans that they too are a part of the family of Abraham, chosen of God. The binding factor that Paul sees in Abraham’s life and relationship with God is faith. Paul notes that despite his age, and Sarah’s “barrenness” Abraham is moved to trust God and God’s promise to him, that he would be a father to many nations. Paul goes on to note that the Law was not what made Abraham and his heirs righteous, but rather faith in God’s promise and actions. Remembering the words of the psalm for today, “<i>All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, and all the families of the nations shall bow before (God).” </i>The seeds of this family come not only from the loins of Abraham and Sarah, but from the seeds of trust in the promise. That promise, Paul argues, was made real in the resurrection of Jesus. It is a promise kept.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Romans:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you see yourself as a part of the family of God?</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways is Abraham your father, and Sarah your mother?</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are your connections to the Jewish community?</span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Mark 8:31-38<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus began to teach his disciples that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET_fOS96Qezv2-2Z-rMjYQl-7wtkm4d0TAZd8njaprryoNwv1Pd108ConrVW8BxrN4fXr2VOC58x7hupuf37Tqdsgywe1dB1OUehkrbuPVRykHP5eiOKe-nhnYfpS7IJueQy16eRO2ZM/s960/Get-Behind-Me-Satan_Tissot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET_fOS96Qezv2-2Z-rMjYQl-7wtkm4d0TAZd8njaprryoNwv1Pd108ConrVW8BxrN4fXr2VOC58x7hupuf37Tqdsgywe1dB1OUehkrbuPVRykHP5eiOKe-nhnYfpS7IJueQy16eRO2ZM/s320/Get-Behind-Me-Satan_Tissot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Just days ago the Church celebrated <a href="https://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC/HolyDays/ConfPetr.html">The Confession on Saint Peter</a> (25 January) in which Peter confesses that “You are the Messiah”. And now just verses later we meet a very different Peter. After our Lord’s Passion Prediction, Peter takes Jesus aside and asks Jesus to reconsider – bad policy and planning in his mind. There is equal rebuke to Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There are two sections to this reading for today. The first is the Passion Prediction, and the second is the Conditions of Discipleship. The hinge between the two is Peter and Jesus’ contretemps. Jesus’ mood and retort to what Peter has to say ought to prepare us to look more closely at the expectations in following Jesus. After all, that is what we have committed ourselves to do. If you think that this is a private affair between a disciple and the rabbi, note how the instruction to the disciples is introduced, “<i>He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them…” </i>We are involved. We are either disciple or part of the crowd. <i>“If anyone,” </i>Jesus says to us. This is not a comment to a crowd or group but rather to the individual. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The first cross that Jesus wants us to take up as his disciples is his own – the whole idea that he must suffer and be rejected and be killed. It’s a difficult expectation, and as humans we can understand Peter’s complaint and reserve. Things are being turned on their head, and is best summarized in Jesus’ comment, <i>“For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life.” </i>Or later on, <i>“those who are ashamed of me and of my words… of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed.”</i> Perhaps it is best to go back to the question posed by Jesus to Peter and the others, “But who do you say that I am?” I once had a difficult conversation in my parish when I placed a crucifix right by the pulpit. A member told me that she was embarrassed and confused by the image. I wondered if it was a bit of an anti-Catholic attitude, or if it truly was a difficulty in taking up the cross.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We know difficult times, and are living through them. It would be interesting to preach on all the crosses that have been presented to us in this last year, and to propose ways of lifting them up with courage and resolution. We follow Christ to the crucifixion, but we also follow him to the tomb, and to the resurrection. I recall one Good Friday at the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in the Liturgy, a woman came up to the cross during the adoration, and heartily embraced it. I have never forgotten that image. It directs my Lenten observance. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you find objectionable about what Jesus says?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you resolve that conflict?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the crosses in your life – how do you bear them?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 35.45pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXuXd9DSTJT8NOezhLjonwSj7lSTe4nR2sSfApNrNhY5CeK173Fe2hNvonhRkDJaaZclHQbQqf4DXjcD0PVv0auYMR1Uz41LWFn33A5y6KWnKJaOuRL5wFWkeiB_fo9uIl_6rhok4uhM/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXuXd9DSTJT8NOezhLjonwSj7lSTe4nR2sSfApNrNhY5CeK173Fe2hNvonhRkDJaaZclHQbQqf4DXjcD0PVv0auYMR1Uz41LWFn33A5y6KWnKJaOuRL5wFWkeiB_fo9uIl_6rhok4uhM/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: On having faith<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: Exploring the faith of Abraham (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: Having faith enough for those yet unborn (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: Seeing and having faith in your community (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 4: Faith enough to take up a cross (Gospel) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #757575; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13.5pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://C8A97345-3B71-4946-B738-B4170EF98165#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Boring. M. E., (2006), <i>Mark: A Commentary (The New Testament Library), </i>Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Louisville, Kindle Edition, Location 6994.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p> </p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-91603285730041511312021-02-15T21:06:00.003-08:002021-02-15T21:06:33.514-08:00The First Sunday in Lent, 21 February 2021<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Lent/BLent1_RCL.html">The First Sunday in Lent. 21 February 2021</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Genesis 9:8-17<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Peter 3:18-22<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 1:9-15<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 25:1-9<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGNv_wviKkMZ0Speh9WKHVNKx-umvZ6c8CXFbg6eZ24kVAx_Q4YH2aSycEFGUYswnW-nEdpTFW5UbPbKJVTjsaHf_QYbsHDlBqkALOIiMLYwiN_pazCNk6SA7cj3JgVPQYrD2Y9MtiT4/s641/covenant+genesis-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGNv_wviKkMZ0Speh9WKHVNKx-umvZ6c8CXFbg6eZ24kVAx_Q4YH2aSycEFGUYswnW-nEdpTFW5UbPbKJVTjsaHf_QYbsHDlBqkALOIiMLYwiN_pazCNk6SA7cj3JgVPQYrD2Y9MtiT4/s320/covenant+genesis-15.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Cutting a covenant<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In Genesis 15 we have a startling image of a covenant between YHWH and Abraham which involved the cutting in half of a heifer, a goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a pigeon. It explains the Hebrew usage; one didn’t make a covenant, one cut a covenant. In classical usage, sacrificial animals were cut in half, and the two parties to the covenant passed between the offerings, sealing the covenant. The Hebrew Scriptures are full of covenants made between God and humankind, and humans with one another. Such agreements were either obligatory or promissory. Obligatory covenants were seen especially amongst the Hittites where the obligation was between people of an equal status. Promissory covenants are more common in the Hebrew Scriptures, made between a ruling type, or suzerain, and a vassal. Usually included in such covenants were blessings and curses that would accrue to the parties if the covenant was kept or not. There are usually witnesses as well. In the Bible, especially, both heaven and earth were called to witness the covenant. Such covenants were made with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and with David. The whole notion of covenants, which was largely societal and political in nature, soon became a theological reality as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Genesis 9:8-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN1FJ_zjadYVfMItchFVadj1l3D5HaHPnE5vWp7S6rv2gMPrW8SnJqcigXXNc3fA8hxZThotB17_D43fMN1Nbpv9aqQP1bewlbnMcMFJyn8AOzmlHS628pxBIiDR74Jm9xbL27ir78jQ/s1024/Noah-banner-update-2-1024x512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNN1FJ_zjadYVfMItchFVadj1l3D5HaHPnE5vWp7S6rv2gMPrW8SnJqcigXXNc3fA8hxZThotB17_D43fMN1Nbpv9aqQP1bewlbnMcMFJyn8AOzmlHS628pxBIiDR74Jm9xbL27ir78jQ/s320/Noah-banner-update-2-1024x512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Noah story involves so many images and symbols that will play out in later Salvation History. One, which I had never thought of is the notion of the remnant that are saved, the idea of which becomes a real theme in Isaiah. The Covenant that is made with Noah, that is with universal humanity, comes, according to the Talmud, with seven obligations; 1) courts of justice, 2) refraining from blasphemy, 3) refraining from idolatry, 4) refraining from sexual promiscuity, 5) refraining from bloodshed, 6) refraining from robbery, and 7) refraining from eating meat cut from a living animal. The covenant here is not only between Noah (and humankind as well) but between YHWH and all of creation, including the animals. There is a universalism here that is not always recognized or observed. In order to see this covenant in its full context, it would be good to read the entire Noah story in </span><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/9"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Genesis 9</span></a><span style="font-family: Palatino;">. It is good to see that God looks beyond the remnant to see the totality of humankind as the object of God’s love, grace and mercy. s<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Genesis 9:8-17<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What has God promised you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What have you promised God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What covenants do you have with family, friends, and neighbors?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 25:1-9 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Ad te, Domine, levavi<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 To you, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, I lift up my soul;<br />my God, I put my trust in you; *<br />let me not be humiliated,<br />nor let my enemies triumph over me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; *<br />let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 Show me your ways, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />and teach me your paths.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, *<br />for you are the God of my salvation;<br />in you have I trusted all the day long.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 Remember, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, your compassion and love, *<br />for they are from everlasting.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; *<br />remember me according to your love<br />and for the sake of your goodness, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 Gracious and upright is the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; *<br />therefore he teaches sinners in his way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 He guides the humble in doing right *<br />and teaches his way to the lowly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 All the paths of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> are love and faithfulness *<br />to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkB_4W6e0FQr5PfJu2zCMbscql86bz3iobS74_GUxjcdSLAoJViEn5YLJBDIPHfmrQfZUnk54LquuEI3QyWjgBI-XqXNoplpjvzpkeYlKD0AMqAD2xMbJuo-Ad042HD00OXi0hjx2O-4/s860/black-and-white-close-up-dark-167964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkB_4W6e0FQr5PfJu2zCMbscql86bz3iobS74_GUxjcdSLAoJViEn5YLJBDIPHfmrQfZUnk54LquuEI3QyWjgBI-XqXNoplpjvzpkeYlKD0AMqAD2xMbJuo-Ad042HD00OXi0hjx2O-4/s320/black-and-white-close-up-dark-167964.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is interesting to note that this psalm is made up of petitions followed expressions of trust in God. The individual is seen in difficulty with others and trusting in God to lift up those in trouble. One cannot help but think of Mary’s song in the Magnificat. The psalmist acknowledges his sinfulness and difficulties with God, but trusts in God’s mercy and forgiveness, <i>“for you are the God of my salvation.” </i>The idea is present that this salvation is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process. <i>“(God) guides the humble in doing right and teaches (God’s) way to the lowly.” </i>Remembrance is another theme in the psalm. God’ memory of our doing wrong, is offset by God’s memory of God’s mercy and kindness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 25:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you ask of God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you trust God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does God lead you in life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I Peter 3:18-22<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0W0tp6shxvNMQAErwirUUaJuk5djNyYYx2tze3sa4O6IsQlqN_7Sc8St4mdw3AEh7FEAVB3RB0ssir4UQR0NSJMp3x6HqDSvUAnYtUc6waXTH6pmeKJ6PKOPWCdgT5HR32k4gPovJG0/s753/suffering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="753" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0W0tp6shxvNMQAErwirUUaJuk5djNyYYx2tze3sa4O6IsQlqN_7Sc8St4mdw3AEh7FEAVB3RB0ssir4UQR0NSJMp3x6HqDSvUAnYtUc6waXTH6pmeKJ6PKOPWCdgT5HR32k4gPovJG0/s320/suffering.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The author provides a meditation on suffering. The examples that are brought to mind are Jesus himself, and to anonymous souls, the “spirits in prison.” We are reminded of the Noah story in this reading, especially of its connection with baptism – a baptism into the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The remnant is also mentioned here – the remnant that is saved in the Flood Story. The suffering of Jesus is seen as a suffering for us. It is a ministry to those who have floundered, suffered, come under condemnation and have been redeemed. In the closing verse we see a Jesus who is exalted from his suffering and seated at the right hand of God. This reading invites us during this season of Lent to contemplate our own being raised up in Baptism to become a member of the family of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Peter:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are your sufferings?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways are they a suffering for others?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How might you suffer for others this Lententide?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 1:9-15</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDPv7UAme_fK0qdg3ofFQsFtSYAHh7O27CC9M4ioTDlEGahIatjQwGi-_AtuAXIjhcsDPMX4SZV-mvwLMwCTC4Y0tC7fwIU8p6fQ-EXvg0HxarOd2AkdsIqL1rJdafWiHXgCmKu9F1vw/s425/baptism.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="337" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDPv7UAme_fK0qdg3ofFQsFtSYAHh7O27CC9M4ioTDlEGahIatjQwGi-_AtuAXIjhcsDPMX4SZV-mvwLMwCTC4Y0tC7fwIU8p6fQ-EXvg0HxarOd2AkdsIqL1rJdafWiHXgCmKu9F1vw/s320/baptism.png" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Here we have Mark’s brevity writ large. In this short reading we meet John the Baptist who baptizes Jesus, experience the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, and the beginning of the Galilean ministry and the essence of Jesus’ message, <i>“the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” </i>The initial words <i>“in those days”, </i>or “it came to pass” remind us of how this remembrance of Mark is part and parcel of the entire story of Salvation. Fulfillment of the promise is near. In the Baptism of Jesus our attention is drawn not to John or to the act of Baptism but rather to the vision that Jesus has, for it speaks with a loud voice. First, Jesus is one of us in this act, being baptized in repentance. But then there is a momentous even – heaven being “torn apart” and the vision of the Holy Spirit, and the Voice announcing what the situation really was: Son, beloved, I am pleased. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What follows is something of an opposite: wilderness, forty days and nights, temptation, company with the wild beasts, and…angels! I always like Nikos Kazantzakis’ vision of the Spirit – the dark being who drives Jesus into the wilderness to confront his calling and destiny. With an economy of words, Mark describes two tumultuous situations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Mark signals to us the destiny that awaits Jesus. John is arrested, and Jesus goes to Galilee, gradually to make his way back to Jerusalem where he will be killed. That is because the <i>“time is fulfilled.”</i> The Kingdom of God has come near, and it will be our duty and privilege during this season of Lent to look for how that is being revealed to us. Perhaps there will be no heavens being torn apart, nor a loud commanding voice, but there will be the Spirit. I wonder where she will drive us during the forty days?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you heard God’s voice?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">To where has the Spirit driven you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is the good news that you give to others?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dtnpdZIjYoRdl2iFpgT8VheyyML5v_f4XDk5Qt0UEejKMAnW6MB21rXUnRHfvCc0ivtWB8C7VtKi0udQiRlAX1t7G6px8JMjWbXEadrtoSXVtdHiwboe1lRSsrNlw0CsH-zDr6oF9-c/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dtnpdZIjYoRdl2iFpgT8VheyyML5v_f4XDk5Qt0UEejKMAnW6MB21rXUnRHfvCc0ivtWB8C7VtKi0udQiRlAX1t7G6px8JMjWbXEadrtoSXVtdHiwboe1lRSsrNlw0CsH-zDr6oF9-c/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Promises<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: Promises given to Creation (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: Promises given on the Journey with God (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: Promises fulfilled in your Baptism (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 4: What are the Promises of the Kingdom? (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span> </p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-25462549750932489632021-02-06T17:43:00.003-08:002021-02-06T17:43:25.313-08:00The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, 14 February 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpiLast_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Last Sunday after Epiphany, 14 February 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">II Kings 2:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 50:1-6<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">II Corinthians 4:3-6<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 9:2-9<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirvIDpUpLEtY0ZfWywyk-GWMd9wkmereloBAIEooArVQZkuCAwsh3Scp21yxxn0sm6xm9-bfqDj2WSX0ZiDtnMOse9emZQHlvRCy1mZbKaGXFzGfneQDcreQWLJqMq_ajR2iDndDGMBs/s359/God.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgirvIDpUpLEtY0ZfWywyk-GWMd9wkmereloBAIEooArVQZkuCAwsh3Scp21yxxn0sm6xm9-bfqDj2WSX0ZiDtnMOse9emZQHlvRCy1mZbKaGXFzGfneQDcreQWLJqMq_ajR2iDndDGMBs/s320/God.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Moses and Elijah</span></b></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Why do these two appear at the Transfiguration of Jesus? There are multiple reasons, but the simplest and most elegant reason is that both sought to see the face of God. Moses requests such in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/33/13">Exodus 33:18-23</a>, when on Sinai he asks God “to show me your glory.” Moses had other opportunities to encounter God, especially the conversation at the Burning Bush when he receives his commission from God and learns God’s name. That should have been enough. To know the name granted Moses a certain amount of power and experience. Now however, following the giving of the Law, Moses wants to be certain that YHWH will continue to accompany not only him, but the nation chosen by God. Moses puts it succinctly, “Now, if I have found favor with you, please let me know your ways so that, in knowing you, I may continue to find favor with you.” The relationship required not only knowledge of the name, but recognition of the face as well. God shields Moses from such glory with the palm of God’s hand. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Elijah seeks God for other reasons. Having confronted the rule of Ahab and Jezebel, Elijah flees for his life, and does something that is really quite important, and influential, I think, in the life of Jesus. He goes to the wilderness. There he rests and is refreshed and continues on in his reverse pilgrimage (forty days and forty nights) to Horeb, the mountain of God. In a way, Elisha is reversing Israel’s experience, going back to the very first things – rebooting, if you will. There is shelter in a cave, and a question from God, “Why are you here?” After a rehearsal of all that he has done for God, Elijah expects a further experience and knowledge of God. God promises to pass by. The experience of a strong and violent wind says nothing. The rending of mountains and rocks says nothing. A subsequent earthquake is silent in spite of its tremors. Finally, there was the experience, a sound of minute stillness, or a light silent sound.<a href="applewebdata://CC8A0C11-7C7A-4E7C-A8A2-925B24B86BBA#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Both men experience the full spectrum of experience with God. Both men are called to be prophets, announcing God’s will and way to the present situation. Both men stand with Jesus, the ultimate Word from God, and finally witness God’s glory in the flesh. It is a promise fulfilled, and a promise made in ancient times that is made available to humankind as a whole. Moses and Elijah are indeed prophets, but equally important is their humanity and presence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: II Kings 2:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here; for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. The company of prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will take your master away from you?” And he said, “Yes, I know; keep silent.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here; for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. The company of prophets who were at Jericho drew near to Elisha, and said to him, “Do you know that today the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will take your master away from you?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be silent.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the company of prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his mantle and rolled it up and struck the water; the water was parted to the one side and to the other, until the two of them crossed on dry ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me what I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha said, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” He responded, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it will be granted you; if not, it will not.” As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha kept watching and crying out, “Father, father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC75VNC70sppD1MzHS0Aiy3mudvVM8O1UTV6VbnNvdEFf4uPeTPTwqPtqBGkyaPQv8NaCrcN8EhmUY4k1IPL9VqFvv8U0Cd7q9xeOdaf2ZO34isBau91fPYBJdnBAxoVkgHBclWtmVo8/s600/elijah-is-taken-to-heaven-in-a-chariot-of-fire-to-his-disciple-elisha-ii-kings-ii-0-9-12.jpg%2521Large.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC75VNC70sppD1MzHS0Aiy3mudvVM8O1UTV6VbnNvdEFf4uPeTPTwqPtqBGkyaPQv8NaCrcN8EhmUY4k1IPL9VqFvv8U0Cd7q9xeOdaf2ZO34isBau91fPYBJdnBAxoVkgHBclWtmVo8/s320/elijah-is-taken-to-heaven-in-a-chariot-of-fire-to-his-disciple-elisha-ii-kings-ii-0-9-12.jpg%2521Large.jpeg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The author of the second part of the book of Kings has a sense of the dramatic, and perhaps comedy as well. As Elisha follows after Elijah he is lead to Beth-el and then to Jericho, and finally to the Jordan. It is perhaps a device to attract the hearer to the story, and in doing so rehearse, in reverse, the history of Israel. The prophet moves from a holy place (Beth-el) to a scene of triumph (Jericho), and finally to the place where Israel had entered the promised land by crossing the Jordan in a repeat of the parting of the Reed Sea. This is also a succession story, Elisha soon to be touched by the Spirit that has blessed Elijah. In it we also meet the future of prophetic ministry in that we meet acolyte, or “student” prophets who will continue the ministry of speaking God’s will.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This replay of Israel’s history sets up the hearer to understand and realize the full context of both Elijah and Elisha’s ministry. The story is a bit of an interlude in which we can see succession, anointing, and departure. We also see courage. It is a similar courage to that which Elijah had when in the wilderness and on the mountain, he asks God for evidence of God’s presence. Here it is Elisha who is brave in asking for a double portion of the Spirit that has been present in Elijah’s ministry. But it is not Elijah’s to grant. If it happens, if you see me taken from you, then it will be – Elijah realizes that it is God’s gift to grant such a double portion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We also see something new in the Hebrew Scriptures, for Elijah does not die, does not go to the place of the dead, Sheol, but is taken up into the heavens. Here he is similar to Enoch (see <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/5/24">Genesis 5:24</a>) who is also taken up. Elijah is not taken up in a passive manner, but with the power implied in the chariot. He has been Israel’s power. This power is given to Elisha in the half garment he is left holding. The whole of ministry, however, is left to him as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Kings:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Why do you think Elijah leads Elisha on a bit of a fool’s chase?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Why does Elijah not die, what is the purpose of this story?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is the wisdom in a partial or half blessing?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 50:1-6 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Deus deorum<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, the God of gods, has spoken; *<br />he has called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Out of Zion, perfect in its beauty, *<br />God reveals himself in glory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 Our God will come and will not keep silence; *<br />before him there is a consuming flame,<br />and round about him a raging storm.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 He calls the heavens and the earth from above *<br />to witness the judgment of his people.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 "Gather before me my loyal followers, *<br />those who have made a covenant with me<br />and sealed it with sacrifice."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -23.45pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 Let the heavens declare the rightness of his cause; *<br />for God himself is judge.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxIRmnyjbfC0FxZYqWSTvrqvidXDaw217R-lyiGS6jTcO1cpuDhErq9nk0-6jgqo2e6LO__t77hFBr-7Y13j9_t1qDQaj2UfqDqGSzeYhiwSweNhZt5TLtrY1s1rBikSOAOoInbDC6P4/s730/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxIRmnyjbfC0FxZYqWSTvrqvidXDaw217R-lyiGS6jTcO1cpuDhErq9nk0-6jgqo2e6LO__t77hFBr-7Y13j9_t1qDQaj2UfqDqGSzeYhiwSweNhZt5TLtrY1s1rBikSOAOoInbDC6P4/s320/fire.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is one of the psalms that is assigned to Asaph, a Levite priest who was the father of a long line of priests. This psalm is unusual in that it begins with rehearsing several names for God: El, God, and finally YHWH (for which Adonai is substituted). The principal image here is both light and fire. There is the rising and setting sun, a consuming flame (is this an implication of the purifying qualities of the flame?), and an implication of the stars in the heavens. The other theme that is underscored in this psalm is the Covenant that God has made with the people. In verse four both heaven and earth are called to be witnesses. Such was often the case in the psalter and in the other writings when there was a <i>riv, </i>a judgment to be made about the people’s faithfulness to God and the Covenant that they had with God. God requests that the faithful, those who continue to follow the Covenant gather together as a community. What follows, which is not in our reading (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/50/7">verses 7-23</a>) is a rather long review of the relationship between God and God’s people. You might want to review this and better understand the opening verses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 50:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Why might the people need to be purified?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is your covenant with God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How and when do you remember your Baptism?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: II Corinthians 4:3-6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hGbDpWo8Gzl0U3O2HondlZX9WQeICRTiSiAS94sUpqg4AAtIwGO_xZ9HhH45LGxEzpqoxwtUps-CuWvK1xSQyrZnVrJI26VU3yXsTztEqpoIor2HfylLUto1CwMyiuD_a4SRQd00Fts/s789/christlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hGbDpWo8Gzl0U3O2HondlZX9WQeICRTiSiAS94sUpqg4AAtIwGO_xZ9HhH45LGxEzpqoxwtUps-CuWvK1xSQyrZnVrJI26VU3yXsTztEqpoIor2HfylLUto1CwMyiuD_a4SRQd00Fts/s320/christlight.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Again, the theme of light is taken up, this time by Paul in his comments to the church in Corinth. He contrasts the light of Christ, with the blindness of his time (and for our time as well). Paul takes on a journey here of which he is very much a part as well. The theme of light is undercut by the opening line of our reading, <i>“Even if our gospel is veiled.” </i>The truth of the matter for Paul, and indeed for us as well, is that the Gospel which brings good news into our lives, is not seen by those who walk in life with us. Paul describes them as <i>“perishing.” </i>He names the culprit in this situation, <i>“the god of this world.” </i>In the last days we have seen those who follow this god and who are blinded to the good news that Jesus offers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul makes an important claim, one that ought to be a part of our personal contemplation, especially as we approach Lent. He notes that he is not proclaiming himself, but rather Jesus Christ. In difficult times we can be tempted by a self-righteousness that can diminish others. If there is light in our lives (do people really see it and witness it?) then what is its message and evidence. Paul looks back at creation itself, </span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“For it is God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness.’” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What might it be like to be a servant to the light? What might change in our lives if we saw that as an obligation to Christ the light of the world?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open II Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is the light in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you a light to others?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are you possibly blind to?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 9:2-9</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wv3DfS1OXcsYnAS101DDuYe-BjKRHy8rDVWhG9iw0dhndWL-d5X5PXfy0qD10lb3tbAwdo-voPNhYNQD-ETI7BuZsqKJ3EOZkym20bKsJDlTs-ta_kRiqEoUl24h_KrK4hHz6Dva3KQ/s960/transfigurationyatskiv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wv3DfS1OXcsYnAS101DDuYe-BjKRHy8rDVWhG9iw0dhndWL-d5X5PXfy0qD10lb3tbAwdo-voPNhYNQD-ETI7BuZsqKJ3EOZkym20bKsJDlTs-ta_kRiqEoUl24h_KrK4hHz6Dva3KQ/s320/transfigurationyatskiv.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Even though it is not included in the reading, please do not forget the sentence that Mark uses to introduce us to the story of the Transfiguration: “He also said to the, ‘Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come in power.” With that in mind we, like Moses and Elijah, are prepared to witness the theophany. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We are aware, through the Scriptures, of others who were transfigured in this world, Enoch and Moses. Here, however, the transfiguration of Jesus is a revelation to his intimates, Peter, James, and John. And, for Mark, it is a message to those who follow Jesus as well. As Jesus changes, so Paul saw the life of the individual Christian changing as well, “</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">”<a href="applewebdata://CC8A0C11-7C7A-4E7C-A8A2-925B24B86BBA#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> So the Transfiguration story is not only of an event and those who witnessed it but a commentary as well on what Christians would become. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The story is seen through Easter eyes, and eyes that have read the ancient Scriptures. <i>“After six days” </i>is an unusual beginning, and we wonder what its import is. Perhaps it reflects the story of Moses and the seventy elders who see the God of Israel (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/24/9">Exodus 24:9-11</a>), or perhaps it represents the last day of a new creation in which the Son of Man is made manifest to us. It connects the anticipated story of Jesus (for this story will be followed soon enough by a Passion Prediction) with the known story of ancient revelations. Thus, it is natural for Moses and Elijah to be present for they are seeing the fulfilled vision. It is also natural for Peter, James, and John, to be there, for the kingdom had already been revealed to them, and now its fulfillment was the vision for their eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">They, however, are not ready. Peter misunderstands and wants to remain there taking in the glory. This, however, was preceded with fear, terror and speechlessness. Peter does understand one thing, however, and that was that this experience was to be a learning for them, for he calls Jesus, Teacher or Rabbi. Once again, the Voice addresses those witnessing the scene. Unlike the Baptism of Jesus when the Voice seems to be internal, here it is evident to all. <i>“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” </i>And then it is all over, and then it begins again!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you seen Jesus in a different light?<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus here is connected to the ancient story. How do you connect him into your life?<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you walk down from mountain top experiences into the reality of life?<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><u><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92MV4bF3bvG-Go0Tvs52m9x2K2FXK1X2Emv1fOx3TpVn4ifoyRskM0HoDtH1hRtx5F4tfZ7QU5y52Oc8mma5dgnXfYd3S4eSHL28TWk2iWW6Po1eVt8xeSDTfs2qia0_6KPHZImP1yoU/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92MV4bF3bvG-Go0Tvs52m9x2K2FXK1X2Emv1fOx3TpVn4ifoyRskM0HoDtH1hRtx5F4tfZ7QU5y52Oc8mma5dgnXfYd3S4eSHL28TWk2iWW6Po1eVt8xeSDTfs2qia0_6KPHZImP1yoU/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Seeing it all differently<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 1: Taking the mantle (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 2: Being purified by the fire (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 3: Knowing our blindness and then seeing the vision (Second Reading<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 4: How to come down from the mountain (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://CC8A0C11-7C7A-4E7C-A8A2-925B24B86BBA#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> I Kings 19:9-12<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://CC8A0C11-7C7A-4E7C-A8A2-925B24B86BBA#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> II Corinthians 3:18.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-15866850128702575672021-01-31T23:33:00.003-08:002021-01-31T23:33:31.404-08:00The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, 7 February 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi5_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, 7 February 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 40:21-31<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Corinthians 9:16-23<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 1:29-39<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 147:1-12, 21c<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-Shcx0R6SpweFZmHNGyaNvYKPgSuIgCXbP4TCAXz7jyHUYi2J9-5cislPsDkaS3OE6_RJ6NyYeoJSwSSEvJomSivuNXNA2s1Z629EP9dRajtzhP1Gs5sAllVl8x-FwTt-3e2STVonqI/s1024/etruscan+demon.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-Shcx0R6SpweFZmHNGyaNvYKPgSuIgCXbP4TCAXz7jyHUYi2J9-5cislPsDkaS3OE6_RJ6NyYeoJSwSSEvJomSivuNXNA2s1Z629EP9dRajtzhP1Gs5sAllVl8x-FwTt-3e2STVonqI/s320/etruscan+demon.webp" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Demons<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Elaine Pagels, in her book <u>Adam, Eve and the Serpent,</u> opens our eyes to a cultural understanding that might help us as we deal with the Gospel for today. “</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Even those who resisted pagan culture had been deeply affected by it; yet they held to the customs that distinguished and separated them from their pagan neighbors.”<a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Her observation is of Jews living at the time of Jesus and the Roman occupation of the Levant. Even so, what she says of that period of time would obtain for Jews living before that period. We can see the influence of Canaanite and Egyptian literature in the psalms, and the influx of Persian and Mesopotamian ideas in the description of events and characters in the Pentateuch. The forced Hellenization of Israel during the Seleucid period bore fruit long after the Maccabean revolt, and the restoration of Jewish values. Just as American/European culture has described the world in which we live, Hellenic culture and literature was infused in the cultures of the Mediterranean. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Demons in Greek literature were either good or bad, but not exclusively evil, and the notion of demons out of Mesopotamia was that they were the bringers of illness, and threats to health. It is in this guise that we see demons in the Gospels. They bring illness, madness, and an evil possession (which we recognize today as either mental or physical illness). Aligned with this understanding of “illness” and “health” was the whole Jewish concern with purity. Pagels describes the Essenes, the rebels who left Jerusalem and the Temple to form a “’pure’ community in desert caves overlooking the Dead Sea.”<a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Perhaps that is what drove Jesus to the wilderness to pray and to be restored, to purify himself and the disciples from the demons of the prevalent culture. It might be helpful for us to really understand and review the images that come to our minds when we hear of these entities in the Scriptures and understand their true nature and provenance. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Have you not known? Have you not heard?<br />Has it not been told you from the beginning? <br />Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,<br />and its inhabitants are like <b>grasshoppers;</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,<br />and spreads them like a tent to live in;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">who brings princes to naught,<br />and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,<br />scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">when he blows upon them, and they wither,<br />and the tempest carries them off like stubble.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">To whom then will you compare me,<br />or who is my equal? says the Holy One.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Lift up your eyes on high and see:<br />Who created these?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He who brings out their host and numbers them,<br />calling them all by name;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">because he is great in strength,<br />mighty in power, <br />not one is missing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Why do you say, O Jacob,<br />and speak, O Israel,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">"My way is hidden from the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,<br />and my right is disregarded by my God"?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Have you not known? Have you not heard?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is the everlasting God,<br />the Creator of the ends of the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He does not faint or grow weary;<br />his understanding is unsearchable.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He gives power to the faint,<br />and strengthens the powerless.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Even youths will faint and be weary,<br />and the young will fall exhausted;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">but those who wait for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shall renew their strength,<br />they shall mount up with wings like eagles,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">they shall run and not be weary,<br />they shall walk and not faint.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 30pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7Dkd9QVi-1h2GWkAt3ynxG9P7tyC5efoWuAIIqhcsOvhT9IaMZ8PpZOVg0aDk8bwOHHRY3-Hrb7y90SZmsN-qIlvgPLT5D0rd-64lEB6z724ixzV2JZY0Gm4lArCErhDXDuQxXy03-Q/s300/300px-Duerer_wing_of_a_blue_roller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7Dkd9QVi-1h2GWkAt3ynxG9P7tyC5efoWuAIIqhcsOvhT9IaMZ8PpZOVg0aDk8bwOHHRY3-Hrb7y90SZmsN-qIlvgPLT5D0rd-64lEB6z724ixzV2JZY0Gm4lArCErhDXDuQxXy03-Q/s0/300px-Duerer_wing_of_a_blue_roller.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This section of Second Isaiah really begins earlier at verse 12. You might want to read the entire section from <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40/12">verses 12 – 31</a>. The entire section begins with a series of questions, “Who has measured with his palm the waters?” “Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord?” “Whom did he consult to gain knowledge?” The questions lead us to a description of the God of Israel. Another question is posed, and an answer, “To whom can you liken God? An idol? An artisan casts it…”<a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> And now this Isaiah leads us into his evidence about God, with further questions, that will be repeated in the text, <i>“Have you not known? Have you not heard? <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Brevard S. Childs, in his commentary on Isaiah<a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> proposes a structure to the selection that enables us to understand the oracle to a greater degree: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“Verses 12-17 No one can gauge God’s work<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verse 12 not in creation<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verse 12-14 not in counsel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verses 15-17 not among the nations<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verses 18-26 No one can compare with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verses 18-24 no one compares: proof given<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verses 25-26 no one compares: proof given<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verse 27 Israel’s complaint<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Verses 28-31 Hymnic climax: God gives strength to the faint.”<a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The beauty of the argument in the verses leading up to the complaint in verse 27 do not prepare us for Israel’s plight. It is a condition that is similar to our own, a feeling of being abandoned by God. It is a situation with which many in our time identify whether they be liberal or conservative. Where is God in our time? That is the question that is really posed. The prophet, who began his oracle in the preceding chapter with the words “Comfort, comfort” now indeed supplies that comfort in the verses that follow 27. The question is again asked, <i>“Have you not known?” </i>The defeated people are returning from exile, moving back across the wilderness to the ruined lands of their fathers and mothers. Of course they were faint. However, the prophet sees the God of all creation as providing a recreation of the people, <i>“as on eagles’ wings.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How differently would this oracle read if you began at verse 27?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where in your life have you been defeated and abandoned?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where has God provided a recreation of your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 147:1-12, 21c </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Laudate Dominum<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Hallelujah!<br />How good it is to sing praises to our God! *<br />how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> rebuilds Jerusalem; *<br />he gathers the exiles of Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 He heals the brokenhearted *<br />and binds up their wounds.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 He counts the number of the stars *<br />and calls them all by their names.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 Great is our <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> and mighty in power; *<br />there is no limit to his wisdom.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> lifts up the lowly, *<br />but casts the wicked to the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 Sing to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> with thanksgiving; *<br />make music to our God upon the harp.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 He covers the heavens with clouds *<br />and prepares rain for the earth;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *<br />and green plants to serve mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 He provides food for flocks and herds *<br />and for the young ravens when they cry.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *<br />he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 But the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has pleasure in those who fear him, *<br />in those who await his gracious favor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">21 Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EzGciCTXkvaP7GMdOazwgOTagSC-zEqrFxkcmLkrXjSVegtAG9ptjRcVNITvoc1o58l50Jez25KM3-EgUcqUHO2nYjl7UYrPuJnKzcl8mp4aA1_aAWt3148TA3zbdsMQT-RcdflSXQ0/s938/praise.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EzGciCTXkvaP7GMdOazwgOTagSC-zEqrFxkcmLkrXjSVegtAG9ptjRcVNITvoc1o58l50Jez25KM3-EgUcqUHO2nYjl7UYrPuJnKzcl8mp4aA1_aAWt3148TA3zbdsMQT-RcdflSXQ0/s320/praise.png" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Like Second Isaiah, the poet in Psalm 147 lists the reasons one ought to hymn God. God is pictured first as the builder of Jerusalem, the One who gathers a people from exile and returns and heals them in their own land. In verse 4, the author casts a wider gaze as he begins to look at God’s creative hand and work. There is provision for all of creation, for both beast and human. At the end of our reading, for not all the verses are used here, the poet returns to Jerusalem, the center of God’s place in the world. The verses that follow continue a listing of the blessings that are given, and the psalm ends with “Hallelujah!” Praise the Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 147<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For what might you praise God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For what might God praise you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For what might your neighbor praise you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: I Corinthians 9:16-23<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSNEUoDI53uA_ilVkpopDFvMDtJxfXfvI1C2Mousjd4yees74xcRNJFev9a6r0wUqGOjurCb9xq7CIcIlfxeBC6LBMlJwzgJKkfrosPJ8JibwIr3AFVSl7Qovl-pJSrubuiNNl1iIumI/s301/Paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSNEUoDI53uA_ilVkpopDFvMDtJxfXfvI1C2Mousjd4yees74xcRNJFev9a6r0wUqGOjurCb9xq7CIcIlfxeBC6LBMlJwzgJKkfrosPJ8JibwIr3AFVSl7Qovl-pJSrubuiNNl1iIumI/s0/Paul.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In this reading, Paul becomes a person for us. The question that just hides under the surface is, “How do I proclaim the Gospel, so that others might see it in my life?’ The salvation that Paul preaches is one of liberation from all kinds of rules and parameters, but yet, how does one live within that freedom and in the company of others? Paul is aware of what his rights are within this good news, but he is also aware of the obligation he has to others. He states it quite succinctly, <i>“I have made myself a slave to all.” </i>Paul is a Jew, he is outside the law, he is weak. He strives to become so that others might be in the faith and in the good news of Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What might you become in order to bring someone to Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What freedoms have you given up for the sake of others?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How have you become “all things to all people”?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 1:29-39</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">After Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Eei0i3fyNfGYDksNVKWPE-WKnE3egSy64Nrbx8BYwDTfSOAi0JfZsXtC-vI3Rmbfs3QhRr9dl2qh9YaNbvwl7sHHH881axYFqAZgXe7qEwdeTa659FtKYLjtSq0P3Ek10cSRF2X-Eio/s300/peter%2527s+mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Eei0i3fyNfGYDksNVKWPE-WKnE3egSy64Nrbx8BYwDTfSOAi0JfZsXtC-vI3Rmbfs3QhRr9dl2qh9YaNbvwl7sHHH881axYFqAZgXe7qEwdeTa659FtKYLjtSq0P3Ek10cSRF2X-Eio/s0/peter%2527s+mother.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Mark delivers to us a Jesus who is deeply involved with life. In our reading from the Gospel today, Jesus is concerned with spiritual and physical health. He is the healer, and as Mark and his time would have it, he is the exorcist. I would hope we would move beyond the idea of possession by evil to the idea of health and healing in this pericope. Mark has his own reasons for representing the demons with the capacity to recognize and announce Jesus’ name and status. For our purposes, in our time, it is important to see Jesus here addressing human need – to free them from the oppression that health issues bring. The world in which Jesus operated assigned these difficulties to demons, an idea that the culture had imported from other cultures (see the Background above). It isn’t helpful for us to have this same notion. What is helpful is to see Jesus besieged for his healing power and way with people. It is a call to us to do the same. We need to recognize the need that is around us. The disciples tell Jesus, <i>“Everyone is searching for you.” </i>We need to hear that in our time, and in all the situations in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">One Sunday, a young woman come into our services and stationed herself at the Baptismal Font at the foot of the aisle up to the altar. She demanded to be baptized and she demanded attention. Was she possessed? No, she was in dire need. The question that pulsed through all of our minds at the time was, “What can we do to help her.” What wasn’t going to help was “magic prayer.” What wasn’t going to help was denial of the situation. What wasn’t going to help was our own fear. What was going to help were the gifts of healing and expertise that God had given some to care for people such as this. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The need that is expressed in Mark is seen and literally felt in the press of people, <i>“And all the whole city gathered around the door.” </i>Does this need sound familiar to you? Do you see it on the streets of your town? This reading leads us to understand and realize the gifts of healing that God has already put into our hands, and the need for us to make those gifts available to those who need it. “Bless me, Father”, a man cried as I crossed Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley one day. My body wanted to move quickly away, but the Spirit, pulled me to the man and put words of blessing into my mouth. Yes, casting out the demons of misunderstanding and being over sheltered -that was what Jesus wanted me to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who among the people around you need to hear good news?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the demons of your community?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who are the healers?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_wXm7kUXeEC5FmfvtLE-2zc9xfTxB8M06MQP2vwMK8AkqKuGYfLY0_GDkPANrkgfeKgHupNdQUvEy6IKs-esgDpUKIvwNLyhSolZVTgxMAH1tlxPpuj2VUo5J_MArhjQSJVaoqx34mE/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_wXm7kUXeEC5FmfvtLE-2zc9xfTxB8M06MQP2vwMK8AkqKuGYfLY0_GDkPANrkgfeKgHupNdQUvEy6IKs-esgDpUKIvwNLyhSolZVTgxMAH1tlxPpuj2VUo5J_MArhjQSJVaoqx34mE/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General Idea: Called to –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: address the weak and faint-hearted (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: see those who await God’s favor (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: make my life a gateway for those who seek God (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 4: not fear the demons (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #757575; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13.5pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Pagels, E. (1988), <i>Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, </i>Vintage Books, New York, Kindle Edition, location 411.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Ibid, location 424.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Isaiah 40:18-19, New American Bible<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Childs, B. (2001), <i>Isaiah, </i>Westminster John Know Press, Louisville, Kindle Edition<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://305F65E1-17EB-471C-A3FA-1D9CF67CEAD1#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Ibid, location 8035<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-73234828097559242322021-01-24T18:47:00.001-08:002021-01-24T18:47:16.542-08:00The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, 31 January 2021<p> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi4_RCL.html">The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, 31 January 2021</a></span></b></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Deuteronomy 18:15-20<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 111<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">I Corinthians 8:1-13<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 1:21-28<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDCs5Vc-HJeWZQK1dcT82Z9ATTV8wwG4vmcX9DZBSubk6XABbCzXm4ayP9veJ0dLqw9unZ5VJA3j6Zrxk-5_we99rlaowfLayMd0u9_Dgu371PBDTOVfM9gyQvAHTdB7vlWx_XXx60l8/s481/crozier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDCs5Vc-HJeWZQK1dcT82Z9ATTV8wwG4vmcX9DZBSubk6XABbCzXm4ayP9veJ0dLqw9unZ5VJA3j6Zrxk-5_we99rlaowfLayMd0u9_Dgu371PBDTOVfM9gyQvAHTdB7vlWx_XXx60l8/s320/crozier.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Authority<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Diana Butler Bass tells the story of seminary students, who when asked whom they might turn to when having an ethical or spiritual concern, answered that they relied in people with whom they had a relationship, or the media, or the Internet. It is a different time for those who follow Christ, or who have any kind of religious life. The old authority seems to have drifted away. In two of our readings, the first from Deuteronomy, and in the Gospel, we have references to authority. The reading from the Hebrew Scriptures recognizes prophets as have the voice of God, and in the Gospel, the hearers in the synagogue are amazed at Jesus’ authority. The question for us is how do we either make a place or maintain a place for such authority in our spiritual lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We have just come through (no, we’re still experiencing and coping with it) a period of attraction in our society to authoritarianism. And we need to ask what are the marks of authority that we can really trust? Bass has something to say about this. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Practicing what one preaches is a mark of spiritual truth, and humanity and humility foster trust. Although certain people will always hanker for authoritarian or charismatic leaders, there is a much broader longing for authentic leaders in these times—those whose message and actions validate their deepest beliefs. In the emerging spiritual culture, what matters much less than who is sharing the news, and the messenger has become the message.”<a href="applewebdata://68C3D73C-41B5-4707-9A01-BF8F95EA746F#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-right: 0.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">She goes on to further define the problem and the observation of the role of authority in lives of faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">"</span> <span style="font-family: Palatino;">Thus, religious organizations, ordained leaders, and conventional creeds recede in importance as mediators in favor of direct friendship with God through prayer and discernment as means to spiritual understanding. Friendship with God can be mystical and individual, but it is also communal and corporate—every major faith asserts that friendship with God is strengthened through friendship with our neighbor.”<a href="applewebdata://68C3D73C-41B5-4707-9A01-BF8F95EA746F#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Her thoughts here relate in many ways to an old authority, one that Jesus cites in his conversation with the lawyer – the recognition of the central law about loving God, neighbor, and self. The authority in Deuteronomy is one that recognizes a fundamental relationship with God in the Covenant and the prophets. We might ask in the individualism, and in the community that Bass makes mention of, who are our prophets? Who is it that speaks with the voice of God in our midst? There are so many candidates, and Bass gives us a measure of their possible worth. She thinks that such prophets and religious or political leaders are those “whose message and actions validate their deepest beliefs.”<a href="applewebdata://68C3D73C-41B5-4707-9A01-BF8F95EA746F#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Discernment seems to be the order of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Moses said: The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. This is what you requested of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: “If I hear the voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> my God anymore, or ever again see this great fire, I will die.” Then the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> replied to me: “They are right in what they have said. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak—that prophet shall die.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_ioRtVTFxbJgGJyU2JsVDLOBh2t3zLwfT2983BtDzbfyTq950A232yWJLpMSJTw6FSuPC4nTAs-3z-JVi28OD-qGvuG1d5uHIvmOZBCeGR8nZRAChwGYTTh_ySiVYujCLfgYMsIekbU/s1440/Moses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_ioRtVTFxbJgGJyU2JsVDLOBh2t3zLwfT2983BtDzbfyTq950A232yWJLpMSJTw6FSuPC4nTAs-3z-JVi28OD-qGvuG1d5uHIvmOZBCeGR8nZRAChwGYTTh_ySiVYujCLfgYMsIekbU/s320/Moses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In ages past, and perhaps even in our own time, attempts to understand God and God’s will were rendered in the reading of entrails, or seeing omens in the flight of birds, or other observations. Here Moses articulates what will become a central understanding of Israel’s relationship with YHWH, and how Israel will hear or understand God’s mind. Moses sets the pattern, and promises that God will provide for another leader “like him.” What will be different is that Israel will have to listen for the words that are spoken to them. The key part of this new means will be discernment, the ability to detect the false word. Here we need to understand the role of prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. They did not gaze at some crystal ball, but rather listened for God’s will and then proclaimed that in human speech for the here and the now. The prophet then is someone in relationship with God, and who is held accountable by God.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Deuteronomy:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who are your prophets?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you determine whether or not they speak truth?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who have you discovered not to be prophetic?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 111 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Confitebor tibi<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Hallelujah!<br />I will give thanks to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> with my whole heart, *<br />in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 Great are the deeds of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>! *<br />they are studied by all who delight in them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, *<br />and his righteousness endures for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; *<br />the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is gracious and full of compassion.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 He gives food to those who fear him; *<br />he is ever mindful of his covenant.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 He has shown his people the power of his works *<br />in giving them the lands of the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; *<br />all his commandments are sure.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 They stand fast for ever and ever, *<br />because they are done in truth and equity.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 He sent redemption to his people;<br />he commanded his covenant for ever; *<br />holy and awesome is his Name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 The fear of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is the beginning of wisdom; *<br />those who act accordingly have a good understanding;<br />his praise endures for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ_5M3zNECm330-G36KNyGN-7V3Qv0JwOmeSI2QeMvqzK2KydtA-0Q9QTNQ8-KRcefojMy_SK_NsCZpszEAf7xZ3WyWJyEdU4GwCQaul0EWJiWJ2eGxcoUM8r-dRKg9fWG3DWLqRvCE4/s388/crumbgenesis-1_thumb_380_388_int.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ_5M3zNECm330-G36KNyGN-7V3Qv0JwOmeSI2QeMvqzK2KydtA-0Q9QTNQ8-KRcefojMy_SK_NsCZpszEAf7xZ3WyWJyEdU4GwCQaul0EWJiWJ2eGxcoUM8r-dRKg9fWG3DWLqRvCE4/s320/crumbgenesis-1_thumb_380_388_int.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is a psalm of praise for all of God’s acts, which are enumerated in the course of the psalm. It is an acrostic, which lends its availability to those who remembered it as a lesson in God’s providence, and the value of Wisdom. What is interesting is the indefinite nature of the “acts” of God. It allows the reader or reciter to fill in the blanks with their own experience of God’s acts. That experience leads to wisdom, and to relationship with God. In verse six we have an example of acts of God that need to be remembered and kept in mind – God’s gift of land to God’s people. With that we begin to hear of other gifts: faithfulness and justice, commandments, truth, equity, redemption, and finally the Covenant. All of this resonates with the people’s worship of God, their fear of God. Such a way or journey leads to wisdom and understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 111<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What acts has God done for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you praise God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you understand about the idea of wisdom?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: I Corinthians 8:1-13<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Now concerning food sacrificed to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Hence, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “no idol in the world really exists,” and that “there is no God but one.” Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is not everyone, however, who has this knowledge. Since some have become so accustomed to idols until now, they still think of the food they eat as food offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. “Food will not bring us close to God.” We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if others see you, who possess knowledge, eating in the temple of an idol, might they not, since their conscience is weak, be encouraged to the point of eating food sacrificed to idols? So by your knowledge those weak believers for whom Christ died are destroyed. But when you thus sin against members of your family, and wound their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of their falling, I will never eat meat, so that I may not cause one of them to fall.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq7_W07KfhN8ykm3JC8JCvjvP4ph_Q8OMc4WlCqAWFFL3znU0XLStBhQFucrAp9zoqIlBtXIqi8lkY6LuzoJfxdL_J6vAvK4vMZx9vSZv-m35L1M_8Q80AT0x9-Cu9Kj_QBjXO0WXsIY/s400/idolsfood.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq7_W07KfhN8ykm3JC8JCvjvP4ph_Q8OMc4WlCqAWFFL3znU0XLStBhQFucrAp9zoqIlBtXIqi8lkY6LuzoJfxdL_J6vAvK4vMZx9vSZv-m35L1M_8Q80AT0x9-Cu9Kj_QBjXO0WXsIY/s320/idolsfood.gif" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul will now spend a great deal of time dealing with the problem of food offered to idols. It is a bit of casuistry that was necessary. Animals offered in certain sacrifices were not offered as a holocaust where the entire animal was consumed, but only the entrails were consumed by the altar fires. The remaining flesh could be share with a family or group as a “communion sacrifice”, or offered to the priests of the temple, or was sold to the general public, often at a low cost. Such was the enigma faced by Christians, namely, was it proper to buy such meat and then consume it at home. In eating such a meal was one actually participating in the worship of idols. This is the problem that Paul confronts here. The first verse clues us into Paul’s approach, <i>“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” </i>It will be the standard of love that guides the situation here. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul begins his argument by cancelling out the notion of idols – they don’t really exist. Thus the problem needs to be looked at from that particular point of view. Paul stresses the unity of God. There were many gods in the cultural world in which the Corinthians lived and worked. In their following of Jesus, however, there was only one God, and unity with God. Everything must be looked at in that context. The matter of food was of no consequence. <i>“Food will not bring us close to God.” </i>However, Paul wants his readers to understand the several situations which were evident in the community. Some were new, others seasoned, still others had questions in spite of their faith. Paul keeps in mind those who were “weak”, and finds that all must be done in view of their situation. He offers up himself as an example, by avoiding the consumption of meat so that others might not “fall.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the temptations in your life that might draw you away from God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What have others done that offended you in your faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What might you do for the sake of the weak?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 1:21-28</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus and his disciples went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZJckCUwoYj8qmpXRNIeveM20Ez4H5eEw5zsiPtcSZwEJR0Ro5-p39jeccHykZx6WQPy0LSInDbV7Jys0Dyq9G5RoUGSF1k9Y67Q3nsi4V1MmYjMTmt-RLJVf-tt7Q0REpfkEERcS2GY/s1352/Christus_heilt_einen_Besessenen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZJckCUwoYj8qmpXRNIeveM20Ez4H5eEw5zsiPtcSZwEJR0Ro5-p39jeccHykZx6WQPy0LSInDbV7Jys0Dyq9G5RoUGSF1k9Y67Q3nsi4V1MmYjMTmt-RLJVf-tt7Q0REpfkEERcS2GY/s320/Christus_heilt_einen_Besessenen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -4cm;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is striking about this reading are two different notions, evident authority, and knowledge. The people in the synagogue are twice characterized by Mark as recognizing Jesus’ authority (different than that of the scribes). It’s as if a border is being crossed here. There is a new knowledge (experience) of what God is showing forth in the acts of Jesus. This insight is given further recognition in the story about the man with an unclean spirit. There is recognition of Jesus here from the spirit as well. <i>“What have you to do with us?” </i>The spirit’s knowledge of Jesus opens up to us another identity of Jesus, the Holy One of God. Mark has a secrecy motif, and thus Jesus demands that the spirit be quiet and to leave the unfortunate man. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The experience of all in the synagogue now begins to revolve around Jesus’ authority – an authority over unclean spirits. They are amazed (believe), and they begin to tell the story to others. Here Mark displays what excited them, and moved them to speak, like the prophets. Here Jesus teaches like a prophet, casts out demons, and heals. This is all evidence of a benevolent God (see the Psalm for today), and Mark give us the recollection of a day of redemption and healing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you been amazed in your faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is your knowledge (experience) of God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you been cleansed of unclean things?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVs3ohHuxLfQ6toYHRU2dghSJ41TXJjCjEfRI9qZQYd7hclwmtzRr4O6YPZwF0hHQQ0jwyh26gZRPsjlLAC8lG5B7e4cNLqDpivJ1xpOItrN2_LOvaNjlwUIYSUHioUNOcJd1q3WIVNU/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVs3ohHuxLfQ6toYHRU2dghSJ41TXJjCjEfRI9qZQYd7hclwmtzRr4O6YPZwF0hHQQ0jwyh26gZRPsjlLAC8lG5B7e4cNLqDpivJ1xpOItrN2_LOvaNjlwUIYSUHioUNOcJd1q3WIVNU/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Finding Wisdom and Authority<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1<sup>st</sup> Idea: Listening to the prophets, and hearing God’s wisdom (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2<sup>nd</sup> Idea: Experiencing God’s acts in the world, and in our individual worlds (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3<sup>rd</sup> Idea: Having knowledge of the “weak”, and acting for them (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4<sup>th</sup> Idea: Knowing our own amazement at Jesus (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #757575; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 4cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://68C3D73C-41B5-4707-9A01-BF8F95EA746F#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Bass, D. (2012), <i>Christianity after Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening, </i>HarperCollins, New York, Kindle Edition, page 116.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://68C3D73C-41B5-4707-9A01-BF8F95EA746F#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Ibid, page 115f.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://68C3D73C-41B5-4707-9A01-BF8F95EA746F#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Ibid, page 115.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-35979243154342409592021-01-17T19:34:00.000-08:002021-01-17T19:34:35.569-08:00The Third Sunday after Epiphany, 24 January 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi3_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Third Sunday after the Epiphany, 24 January 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Jonah 3:1-5, 10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 62:6-14<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">I Corinthians 7:29-31<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 1:14-20<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHIJUD33ivz4sfPwBrianhhT0Zjxggh2M1DhPg-wB5akgNWh34ajWSB2STR2JLP1RnWCckXPIA08ZDYOLrgSy3Yzhs7ZYUF7HJtnj8fL49WJn4qiXCVVbWQ9tmFzrMkhJxkAVKBZaoPE/s1412/saint-simeon-stylites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="1130" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeHIJUD33ivz4sfPwBrianhhT0Zjxggh2M1DhPg-wB5akgNWh34ajWSB2STR2JLP1RnWCckXPIA08ZDYOLrgSy3Yzhs7ZYUF7HJtnj8fL49WJn4qiXCVVbWQ9tmFzrMkhJxkAVKBZaoPE/s320/saint-simeon-stylites.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Asceticism<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In today’s Gospel reading, disciples called by Jesus “left everything and followed him”, and in the sermon we call Jonah, Nineveh, its leaders, and people, leave everything, proclaim a fast and believe God. Asceticism is not peculiar to just Judaism or Christianity. It is known amongst Buddhists, Jainists, Hindus, and in Islam as well. What is given up is widely varied as well, sex, certain foods, relationships, speech, even shelter itself. This ascetic attitude is especially helpful to the disciple – the Greek word that it descends from means either “training” or “exercise.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Dom Cuthbert Butler recognizes the importance of the denials that this “leaving everything” allows. He says, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It was shown at some length that according to St Augustine’s mind the remote preparation for contemplation, and its indispensable condition, is a prolonged and serious exercise in self-discipline, self-control, self-denial, and the cultivation and practice of the virtues:—that is, Christian asceticism, when rightly understood as a course of training in the spiritual life.”<a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></b></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This isn’t to say that we must all flee to the desert and position ourselves on the top of a pillar or deep into a cave. What it does indicate to us is an avenue to seeing, hearing, listening, appreciating, and approaching God. If we are indeed followers of Christ, what have we given up following him? Where is the wilderness that refreshes us? Perhaps Thomas Merton can help us understand the situation that we face. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The whole mechanism of modern life is geared for a flight from God and from the spirit into the wilderness of neurosis. Even our monasteries are not free from the smell and clatter of our world.”<a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></b></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">That is what is needful in this time of deprivation – no restaurants, haircuts, or cocktails with friends. It is rather training, giving us an opportunity for silence, or nothingness in which we can approach and give thanks to God. I hope you will see the paths that are offered to you in today’s readings, especially Psalm 62. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwG8-hNv_0LCjF5vou_bdF2JGkkspgmfIS2CmkrJyGdIU1J0kDzhGPbRFPONkMbRAlGl7EYT4Zwmy_etTSddDm9Trpni2oJqDSzBUey-8mpTsvBJ1r-tvGqxG8Qg1HJ8DqHiC42IrgS0/s1860/George_Frederic_Watts_-_Jonah_-_Google_Art_Project-e1564588959979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwG8-hNv_0LCjF5vou_bdF2JGkkspgmfIS2CmkrJyGdIU1J0kDzhGPbRFPONkMbRAlGl7EYT4Zwmy_etTSddDm9Trpni2oJqDSzBUey-8mpTsvBJ1r-tvGqxG8Qg1HJ8DqHiC42IrgS0/s320/George_Frederic_Watts_-_Jonah_-_Google_Art_Project-e1564588959979.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The lectionary collapses the story of Jonah into a brief description of his mission (which he attempted to escape) and its effect (a success). In fact, the <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jonah/1">Book of Jonah</a> is so brief, you might want to read it in its entirety in order to grant some context to today’s brief reading. Also interesting in this reading is a subtle universalism that is expressed in the phrase that is omitted in our translation, “a great city of God.”<a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> That perception is implied in the reading – the love that God had for the people of Nineveh. There is a brevity in Jonah, in which the size of the mission and city is expressed simply. The proclamation that Jonah makes is simple as well, <i>“Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” </i>The consequences, however, are writ large. The sermon is a success, and the people believe and “trust God.” This is where the theme of “left all and followed him” is noted in the story. The people declare a fast, and dress appropriately – sackcloth, and we might think, ash as well. What is remarkable is the scope, <i>“great and small” </i>and well in advance of the national leadership (a lesson for these days). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“God changed (God’s) mind! </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This remarkable statement shows us the mutuality of repentance. God can move beyond initial judgments in order to show mercy. Thus we see the many sides of the God that Israel worships and that has called Jonah. We see God’s wrath and we see God’s mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Jonah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">To which sight of God in this story, do you relate?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When have you shown mercy instead of hatred?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What motivates you in life to be merciful?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 62:6-14 <i>Nonne Deo?<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 For God alone my soul in silence waits; *<br />truly, my hope is in him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 He alone is my rock and my salvation, *<br />my stronghold, so that I shall not be shaken.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 In God is my safety and my honor; *<br />God is my strong rock and my refuge.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 Put your trust in him always, O people, *<br />pour out your hearts before him, for God is our refuge.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 Those of high degree are but a fleeting breath, *<br />even those of low estate cannot be trusted.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 On the scales they are lighter than a breath, *<br />all of them together.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 Put no trust in extortion;<br />in robbery take no empty pride; *<br />though wealth increase, set not your heart upon it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">13 God has spoken once, twice have I heard it, *<br />that power belongs to God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">14 Steadfast love is yours, O Lord, *<br />for you repay everyone according to his deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlPqW-UP9EbSzLexwab7jZ-dkVLs5xCU-lVsebYtrms1FsB65FMz0Ox8Om5s7GAK3a2UEmYYlDdlQUjRYa0CwzSo0f93yH7kIZfizRqPBlFxDKM0O4WNhyphenhyphen1z1Hudxd4xF7Ne7SE6Dz0M/s275/silence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlPqW-UP9EbSzLexwab7jZ-dkVLs5xCU-lVsebYtrms1FsB65FMz0Ox8Om5s7GAK3a2UEmYYlDdlQUjRYa0CwzSo0f93yH7kIZfizRqPBlFxDKM0O4WNhyphenhyphen1z1Hudxd4xF7Ne7SE6Dz0M/s0/silence.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The first verse of this psalm introduces us to the theme of silence, “</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Only in God is my being quiet.”<a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> In the first verse of our selection from this psalm that theme is repeated, this time linked with hope. The author moves from his own trust of God to a request that all people learn to trust God. There is an observation of life, and a question of who might be trust in place of God. All fail. The highest in society are a <i>“fleeting breath”, </i>and those of lesser status <i>“cannot be trusted.” </i>The sins of robbery and extortion are denounced, indeed, wealth itself cannot be trusted. Verse 11 of the psalm is similar to the Egyptian concept of <i>ma’at, </i>and is seen in the time after death when the soul is balanced against a feather in the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Into the nothingness, the silence, and the breath, God appears with God’s <i>“steadfast love.” </i>The balance of life is seen in our deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 62:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What kind of value does silence have for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where do you experience the deepest silence?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Does God speak to you in silence?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: I Corinthians 7:29-31<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufJrckbLyyFZZv7IJuSftIS7W2cisD8mnNB3uNuKKt9nQZWoxCJrrndrlsbBcruJon9nr61O26XENAVZD3L33f47HQo4iNUWR4AJQHcdDHxnuumwBw-frJZfR3AvSd3D4bgIoS8aQMcI/s653/Mu-Kanji2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufJrckbLyyFZZv7IJuSftIS7W2cisD8mnNB3uNuKKt9nQZWoxCJrrndrlsbBcruJon9nr61O26XENAVZD3L33f47HQo4iNUWR4AJQHcdDHxnuumwBw-frJZfR3AvSd3D4bgIoS8aQMcI/s320/Mu-Kanji2.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul interrupts his advice to married people with some musings on the End Time. The link is in his first line of advice, that because time itself is drawing to a close, we need to give up our close relationships. He goes on with the usual Pauline list: mourning, weeping, and the world itself. The final line of our reading is a sentiment that we can readily identify with: <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For the present form of this world is passing away.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Yes, indeed, our world has passed away in the midst of a pandemic and politics, we have learned to see something new and different. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul expresses the wish that we should be free from anxieties, and we ask in turn, how might we actually do that? If there is a word that suggests how that might be it would be a word that we have heard in the readings for today, trust.” Paul trusts what is to follow what we all have known. Later in his first letter to the Corinthians he makes this observation of trust. “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.”<a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Times will change, but our trust in God must not change. We will be called to give up many things, but trust in our God is not one of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What in life will you have difficulty giving up?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What would you gladly give up?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you wait for in faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 1:14-20</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RKWiT00712jpWn3cgsump7n1lxU1F2YY378SpkWED2hByRHzeHDONf16qywf8ZGiaZObVboLdKWI3nsrS7uO-QyfhQiUoYFFtGmXSSGZ-YhGLO_ralxCnChwEcgOfavEbxumli4NAss/s400/byzantine-school-st-andrew-and-st-peter-responding-to-the-call-of-jesus-from-the-main-nave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RKWiT00712jpWn3cgsump7n1lxU1F2YY378SpkWED2hByRHzeHDONf16qywf8ZGiaZObVboLdKWI3nsrS7uO-QyfhQiUoYFFtGmXSSGZ-YhGLO_ralxCnChwEcgOfavEbxumli4NAss/s320/byzantine-school-st-andrew-and-st-peter-responding-to-the-call-of-jesus-from-the-main-nave.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Mark differentiates the time, noting as we move beyond John the Baptist, to the ministry in Galilee. Jesus speaks his Gospel immediately, </span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> At this point Jesus moves from a person who is acted upon, baptism and temptation, to one who acts. He initiates ministry in the calls to the agents who will not only learn from him, but who will serve as sent ones in this ministry. There is the call, <i>“Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” </i>And there is the response, <i>“And immediately they left their nets and followed him.”</i> Mark clues us into change, “The time is fulfilled.” We are alerted to expect something different. It begins with the Kingdom of God, and we are met with a problem there, a problem that helps us wrap our minds around what Jesus is teaching here. Is the kingdom something territorial, or is it a dynamic distinction – as in rule or reign. We are asked to see where God has suasion, and if we look closely in the theology expressed in Jonah, that territory is limitless. The tradition of the Hebrew Scriptures was that the rule of God was God’s alone, that it could be seen in the lives of individuals, and finally that it would be seen in the future in a form not formerly seen. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Those whom Jesus calls are asked to step into this movement toward a Kingdom that is past, present, and future. They are asked to not only give up things and position (fishing and nets) but also their notion of God and God’s intent. This is a preaching point that the readings seem to point to, what we really need to pursue and possess, and that which we might give up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What do you see in the words, “Kingdom of God”?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How might you enter that kingdom?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 35.45pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What would you give to realize that kingdom?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMB-rAxvbANI5Wx3yYZ8rVe6ViY-_lcRkm9gL5E54agoofbnC8Z37KQU6sYAoEp390o3lUNNtLR0sNFKMudrjL_Z3Xxw3X9K7Tm8pJfeI-OiJIPLa3A3vMlaYYB_3wAeIWnLNwwZBRUA/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMB-rAxvbANI5Wx3yYZ8rVe6ViY-_lcRkm9gL5E54agoofbnC8Z37KQU6sYAoEp390o3lUNNtLR0sNFKMudrjL_Z3Xxw3X9K7Tm8pJfeI-OiJIPLa3A3vMlaYYB_3wAeIWnLNwwZBRUA/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: On being called into something new<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 1: Might God have a different idea about what is to be? (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 2: What might we see in our silence? (Psalm)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 3: Waiting into our future (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Idea 4: Hearing God’s call to us. (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #757575; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 13.5pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Butler, C. (1926) <i>Eastern Mysticism, Augustine, Gregory, and Bernard on Contemplation and the Contemplative Life, </i>Dover Publications, Mineola, Kindle Edition, Location 2131.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Merton, T. (1955) <i>No Man Is an Island, </i>Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York, Kindle Edition, page 109.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> It is also omitted in the New American Bible as well. Robert Alter, however does translate it.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Alter, R. (2007) <i>The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary, </i>W. W. Norton & Company, New York, Kindle Edition, Location 5019.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://A019E620-FF51-4345-A524-30A2B00C2567#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[5]</span></span></span></a> I Corinthians 13:12<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-89155523731950049062021-01-14T17:22:00.004-08:002021-01-14T17:22:58.054-08:00The Second Sunday after The Epiphany, 17 January 2021<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi2_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Second Sunday after Epiphany, 17 January 2021</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">I Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">I Corinthians 6:12-20<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 1:43-51<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghW4oQSdy7fRbcEj7W18OAohnTnrlp5f8x644KIFn5eRAdc9lLwnt4GrEkVSksbGITJQILH47-5T4nOU6ouKDhtJKKvFXvmHrvJ0HwFEv1au70AKGOyMuUGjAnIr-qoSJg6qH3NBOpPjc/s550/laborcross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghW4oQSdy7fRbcEj7W18OAohnTnrlp5f8x644KIFn5eRAdc9lLwnt4GrEkVSksbGITJQILH47-5T4nOU6ouKDhtJKKvFXvmHrvJ0HwFEv1au70AKGOyMuUGjAnIr-qoSJg6qH3NBOpPjc/s320/laborcross.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Vocation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The reading from I Samuel, and the Gospel reading for this day focus our attention on vocation. God calls to Samuel for a prophetic role in his time, and Jesus continues to call disciples, soon to be apostles, that will learn from him and follow him. In the Hebrew Scriptures there are many examples of God’s summons to men and women to serve as God’s agents in their world. Indeed, if we follow the covenantal theology of the prophets all of Israel is called to be God’s own. This is not a calling to a particular task, such as was given to Jeremiah, or any of the Isaiahs, but rather to live in relationship with God and with neighbor. It was a calling to faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In the Gospels, we have examples of call as well. Sometimes it is a call to follow, such as to the disciples and any who found Jesus as a teacher, or at other times it is a call to live a life restored through healing, such as the lepers, the woman who is advised to “Go in peace.” Often, in Jesus’ acts, it is the sinner who is called, rather than the righteous one, such as in Mark 2:17, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” It is in Paul, however, and in the theology voiced by those who were influenced by him, that we find a great deal of vocation language. Romans is rich with it, especially chapters 9-11, for example, “</span><span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?<a name="53010015" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none; transition: 0.3s;"></a> And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;"> </span></span><span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!”</span></span><a href="applewebdata://46013315-69C8-4E46-8FEB-832CBB7B68C1#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none; transition: 0.3s;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0cm;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">All of this leads us to a level of understanding of vocation seen in Roman Catholic, or Anglo Catholic eyes – the notion that religious life is a calling unto itself. Luther’s view was that all of life was a call to serve and love God and neighbor, and that any of life’s tasks fell under that rubric. In his book, <u>Common Prayer on Common Ground</u>, Alan Jones, former Dean of Grace Cathedral, shows movement beyond the particular into the general difficulties of having a vocation in this world. He says, “</span><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">To be fair, I think it is the peculiar vocation of some to be uncompromising about the issues in front of us. The trouble is that with all this fragmentation and tribalism, there aren’t enough of us who respond to the call to hold the larger vision in our minds and see that our form of spiritual obedience is to help maintain our fragile institutions against the “idiocy” of fragmentation.”<a href="applewebdata://46013315-69C8-4E46-8FEB-832CBB7B68C1#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: #363936; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> This way of thinking leads us out of separation from the world back into the world and its difficulties. Called to be God’s own in that world was the situation not only of Samuel, Philip, and Nathanael, but is ours as well, whether we preach, or teach, or bake bread.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: I Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> under Eli. The word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, where the ark of God was. Then the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, and the word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> had not yet been revealed to him. The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Now the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” [Then the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be expiated by sacrifice or offering forever.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Samuel lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>. Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” He said, “Here I am.” Eli said, “What was it that he told you? Do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and more also, if you hide anything from me of all that he told you.” So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. Then he said, “It is the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>; let him do what seems good to him.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">As Samuel grew up, the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was a trustworthy prophet of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>.]<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-4vx-H8UURp-AdtQO519OHG64YaMSx341LBwElNEG2YgP2DNETMJf9danGP_27DOOsmYQSuonGupLfxWGmJCBNdmF07E_NDYeJ3YpkLVkdhhUhEUCS__VGoMVczxjYixnRSgSWs7OcE/s656/SamuelAndEli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-4vx-H8UURp-AdtQO519OHG64YaMSx341LBwElNEG2YgP2DNETMJf9danGP_27DOOsmYQSuonGupLfxWGmJCBNdmF07E_NDYeJ3YpkLVkdhhUhEUCS__VGoMVczxjYixnRSgSWs7OcE/s320/SamuelAndEli.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There is a pattern here in this pericope that will be repeated over and over again in the oracles of the prophets, and that is the unfaithfulness of Israel to YHWH. It is the backdrop of this reading here where we see the difficulty with Eli and with his sons. Though priests, they were unfaithful in their duties to God. It is this background that highlights the call of Samuel, and his faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We are introduced to the whole notion, which is not peculiar to Eli and company, but rather to the whole environment. “<i>The word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.” </i>This is not recorded here to only grant special recognition to Samuel, but rather that we might see a situation which is not all that dissimilar to our own. The call to Samuel, and it is tested immediately in Eli’s question to him, is to speak God’s word to the here and now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The other lesson that is taught in this reading is the skill of listening. This can be of value as we have conversation in our world, but also of special value as week seek God, and endeavor to listen, to hear God. There may be times in life when we need to learn to say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Samuel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does God speak to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What has God asked you to confront?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What have you found difficult to either see or hear?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 <i>Domine, probasti<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span>, you have searched me out and known me; *<br />you know my sitting down and my rising up;<br />you discern my thoughts from afar.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 You trace my journeys and my resting-places *<br />and are acquainted with all my ways.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, *<br />but you, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, know it altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 You press upon me behind and before *<br />and lay your hand upon me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; *<br />it is so high that I cannot attain to it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 For you yourself created my inmost parts; *<br />you knit me together in my mother's womb.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">13 I will thank you because I am marvelously made; *<br />your works are wonderful, and I know it well.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">14 My body was not hidden from you, *<br />while I was being made in secret<br />and woven in the depths of the earth.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">15 Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb;<br />all of them were written in your book; *<br />they were fashioned day by day,<br />when as yet there was none of them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">16 How deep I find your thoughts, O God! *<br />how great is the sum of them!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">17 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand; *<br />to count them all, my life span would need to be like yours.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUqnfQOAKkSKih3D92MLnI_7cp2oS5AbtzHRGjijp8B-gRzo0qyKMkTvgG5U45iZ_7CtMaiclGhRH1nvex14aT5D8YbvKdjQRkMCXSTexIzjHbZFw-ImzoorvPoW9sobezZ2Ha5r7TNA/s303/allseingeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUqnfQOAKkSKih3D92MLnI_7cp2oS5AbtzHRGjijp8B-gRzo0qyKMkTvgG5U45iZ_7CtMaiclGhRH1nvex14aT5D8YbvKdjQRkMCXSTexIzjHbZFw-ImzoorvPoW9sobezZ2Ha5r7TNA/s0/allseingeye.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I can recall learning in parochial school that God was “omniscient” (all-knowing), and that is the over-arching theme of this psalm. “<i>L<span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">ord</span>, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up;” </i>The sitting down and rising up give an ample example of the full spectrum of God’s knowledge of our lives. It is a shame that the lectionary elides verses <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/139/6">6 through 11</a>, which are a wonderful survey of all the places in which we not only live life, but also realms where God has sight and suasion. Reminiscent of God’s call to Jeremiah, the psalmist sees God present in the psalmist life in the womb as actor and creator. But this is not only a one-way vision, God observing a particular life, it is also a conversation and a relationship, <i>“How deep I find your thoughts O God.” </i>It is as Isaiah says, “<span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">For my thoughts are not your thoughts,</span> </span></span><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span>.</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> <span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">For as the heavens are higher than the earth,</span> </span></span><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”<a href="applewebdata://46013315-69C8-4E46-8FEB-832CBB7B68C1#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: #363936; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> These poems remind us that God shares the wonder of thought and insight with all of creation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 139:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does God know you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">About what do you wonder as you perceive yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does God call you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: I Corinthians 6:12-20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiAniDvoXTiSkc2oX5a89bZeuaM9ymZQEn1xgSiXlfAvci3ssSLvcspu-Ie4qanx4xWIsxvT4cuGdjE1k_5Fx6-EPdi4Gdp1QLJUW8MsWTv7tgL3xSErAyWvpQtmQfFW4JyJoU2A3KhU/s681/vitrovianman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="681" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiAniDvoXTiSkc2oX5a89bZeuaM9ymZQEn1xgSiXlfAvci3ssSLvcspu-Ie4qanx4xWIsxvT4cuGdjE1k_5Fx6-EPdi4Gdp1QLJUW8MsWTv7tgL3xSErAyWvpQtmQfFW4JyJoU2A3KhU/s320/vitrovianman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Paul authors a diatribe or argument regarding human sexuality. He begins with the essential thought, <i>“’All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are beneficial.” </i>Paul begins his piece with statements from Stoic or Cynic thought. Paul wants the Corinthians to move beyond the common understanding of “freedom” to an understanding that was worthy of Christian living. He will make his argument live for them in answering the question, “What is for the best?”. Paul wants to uphold the community that is the Body of Christ. So, he draws examples out of daily life – food and sexual activity. The important principle, that the hearer needs to keep in mind is that they are, all together, the Body of Christ – they are joined in that Body.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Illicit sexual activity then, to Paul, has certain consequences, joining The Body, to other bodies. The point is made quite directly in verse 18, “<i>Shun fornication!” </i>Paul sees such sins as sins against an individual’s own body – which body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit. According to Paul this presence of the Holy Spirit in our flesh takes our own bodies out of our sole agency into a presence with God. The body, your body, is for God’s glorification.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">That we should live the totality of our lives in a relationship with God ought to make for a robust internal conversation about what is permissible in our lives. It is a shame that our social customs discourage such a conversation with others for it would be valuable in discussing what is permissible and what is not. Without that conversation we may have social understandings that are not fully understood in society. At one point, Paul says, “<i>And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by (God’s) power.” </i>The discussion needs to have one necessary element – resurrection reality and living. That we are raised with Christ, makes for a new realization of who and what we really are.</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Corinthians:</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How comfortable are you with your body?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you embody the teachings of Jesus?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What kind of resurrection do you hope for?</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 1:43-51</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqX4A-XUYuhafL0Ic8VSaL9q72unE-s77fnW3XnWeTF-S2YGToMG2YdQSIHbnjR4eBDJBq6QNOjYifguINAFyZqVfdcOyzt8TZ9I7CPOs0WtRheryH-T6q-Moa2TSLeeMvdCji69qiwY/s706/philip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="697" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqX4A-XUYuhafL0Ic8VSaL9q72unE-s77fnW3XnWeTF-S2YGToMG2YdQSIHbnjR4eBDJBq6QNOjYifguINAFyZqVfdcOyzt8TZ9I7CPOs0WtRheryH-T6q-Moa2TSLeeMvdCji69qiwY/s320/philip.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It would probably be helpful if you read the entire pericope – “The First Disciples”, <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/1/35">John 1:35-51</a>. There are certain parallels in John’s text: The use of “follow me” with the two Baptist disciples, and then with Philip, Andrew and Philip’s comment: “We have found the Messiah,” and the characterization of the called one by Jesus – Peter = Cephas, and Nathanael = the genuine Israelite. John is carefully knitting together those who would follow Jesus and learn from him. What is the importance of this text in our own discovery of Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Next Sunday we will read Mark’s record of these callings. The lectionary is, I think, preparing us to look at our own vocation as Christ’s own, and to learn from Christ what healing is and where we need to seek the sick and wanting. That will come with the Sundays following next Sunday. What does John call upon us to recognize in the call of the disciples and indeed in our own vocation. There is first, the ability to recognize the Messiah. Both Andrew and Philip seem to recognize in Jesus, The-Coming-One. Secondly, one must retain the ability to question all things and to see the truth. I love Nathanael’s rejoinder, <i>“Can anything good come out of Nazareth</i>?”, and Philip’s certainty, <i>“Come and see.” </i>The third is to be capable of proclaiming what has been made evident to you. Nathanael applies several titles to Jesus, and Jesus promises him more. These revelations become the backdrop against which Jesus will be made more and more manifest to these men and women. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How would you characterize yourself as a Christian?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Where do you recognize Jesus as the Messiah?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are you called to do?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6SqUYIsuondpk1zOLTymsrcppo0UvHe1j46bpHATMp5t_r9-P-hpx4-pnwKiohS9VP13FUYvQWWn5TNgRWzqxgXLQePE8zM3FysSMywkklMsu1RjKBJy7JkbywoYFHwUauFZAFPTKgg/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk6SqUYIsuondpk1zOLTymsrcppo0UvHe1j46bpHATMp5t_r9-P-hpx4-pnwKiohS9VP13FUYvQWWn5TNgRWzqxgXLQePE8zM3FysSMywkklMsu1RjKBJy7JkbywoYFHwUauFZAFPTKgg/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General Idea: Called to?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Option 1: Called to confront evil (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Option 2: Called to know God and self (Psalm 139)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Option 3: Called to honor God, and others with your body (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Option 4: Called by Jesus to follow (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://46013315-69C8-4E46-8FEB-832CBB7B68C1#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Romans 10:14-15<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://46013315-69C8-4E46-8FEB-832CBB7B68C1#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Jones, A. (2006), <i>Common Prayer on Common Ground: A Vision of Anglican Orthodoxy, </i>Church Publishing Inc., New York, Kindle Edition, page 70.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://46013315-69C8-4E46-8FEB-832CBB7B68C1#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Isaiah 55:8-9<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-54989851082339527832021-01-05T22:09:00.003-08:002021-01-05T22:09:43.014-08:00The Baptism of Our Lord, Epiphany I, 10 January 2021<p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Epiphany/BEpi1_RCL.html" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">The Baptism of our Lord, 10 January 2021</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Genesis 1:1-5<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 29<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Acts 19:1-7<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 1:4-11<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_0B_o8J2gun3zHUNxytbvgg4FG2n7BTfTr82fi4PEV4aHSQokSmM5rDW3ubsxwrAXnvWqaQxukyrx_bVvwsDCqxuA5Mh2xsUCytYXVFNKzoHCmwRdVIyQTAhGpRKqDQrAEir_-xnoDs/s2048/Sousse_baptismal_font_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_0B_o8J2gun3zHUNxytbvgg4FG2n7BTfTr82fi4PEV4aHSQokSmM5rDW3ubsxwrAXnvWqaQxukyrx_bVvwsDCqxuA5Mh2xsUCytYXVFNKzoHCmwRdVIyQTAhGpRKqDQrAEir_-xnoDs/s320/Sousse_baptismal_font_02.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: Baptism and Life</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This particular Sunday leads me to the baptismal font, and to an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. What we teach about baptism is that we are adopted into God’s kingdom, and into Christ’s body, the Church. In addition there is an inward and spiritual grace given in baptism, namely, “union with Christ in his death and resurrection, birth into God’s family the Church, forgiveness of sins, <i>and a new life in the Holy Spirit.” </i>(italics mine).<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> It is this new life in the Holy Spirit that interests me, not just theologically, but also practically. How is this new life, in the Church, a resource for all the people of God?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In Isaiah 11, the prophet dreams about an ideal Davidic king who will lead Israel back into their relationship with God. As he describes this ideal ruler, he lists the attributes that will be given as the ruler is endowed with gifts of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="po" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">“The spirit of the L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span></span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">shall rest upon him: <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poi" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">a spirit of <b>wisdom</b> and of <b>understanding</b>,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="po" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">A spirit of <b>counsel</b> and of <b>strength</b>,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poi" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">a spirit of <b>knowledge</b> and of <b>fear of the L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span></b>,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poi" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="bcv"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">3</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">and his delight shall be the fear of the L<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">ORD</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="po" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">Not by appearance shall he judge,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poi" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 15.05pt 0cm 18.7pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">nor by hearsay shall he decide,”</span></i><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></b></span></span></span></i></span></a><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">St. Thomas Aquinas understood these gifts to be: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel (Right Judgement), Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and the Fear of the Lord. These are the gifts that we look for in ourselves and in others as we seek to do God’s will in our lives, in the Church, and in our Community. Thus, Baptism is not the end, but rather the beginning of growing in faith, self, and love of God and neighbor. It is a process of knowing and learning again what we have been given.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Saint John Chrysostom gives the example of ten blessings of Baptism:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="background-color: #fafafa; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #111111; font-family: Palatino;">“Let us say again: </span></i><i><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Palatino;">Blessed be God, who alone does wonderful things<span style="background-color: #fafafa; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">, who does all things and transforms them. Before yesterday you were captives, but now you are free citizens of the Church; lately you lived in the shame of your sins, but now you live in freedom and justice. </span>You are not only free, but also holy; not only holy, but also righteous; not only righteous, but also sons and daughters; not only sons and daughters, but also heirs; not only heirs, but also brothers and sisters of Christ; not only brothers and sisters of Christ, but also joint heirs; not only joint heirs, but also members; not only members, but also the temple; not only the temple, but also instruments of the Spirit.”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><b><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[3]</span></b></span></span></span></a></span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is his notion that Baptism makes us “instruments of the Spirit” that interests me, and is the heart of this project. The temptation when we hear such a phrase is to think only of holy and spiritual instrumentation in our lives. I think it is beyond that however – it is really quite ordinary in nature. If we look for holiness in our lives, we may also find it in the gifts we have seen in our selves. Paul, in writing about the gifts of the Spirit, sees it in the usefulness that we have with one another in the gifts we have been given. He writes in I Corinthians,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 18.75pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;">There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;</span><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12#54012004-c" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;"></a></span><a name="54012005"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;"> <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">there are different forms of service but the same Lord;</span></span></a><a name="54012006"></a><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;"> there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.</span></span><a name="54012007"></a><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.</span></span><a name="54012008"></a><span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;"> To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit;</span></span><span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino;"><a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/12#54012008-d" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;"></a><a name="54012009"> <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit;</span></a><a name="54012010"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"> to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues.</span></a><a name="54012011"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"> But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.</span></a><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0cm;">[4]</span></span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">That we should know these gifts in our lives or in our actions is not necessarily a given, and that is why this Sunday is particularly important. In the Gospel we see John’s baptism as formative in the life and mind of Jesus. Might Baptism have a similar effect in our lives as we live <i>into </i>our baptism, not just move beyond it. As you study these readings, find in the encouragement to live in your Baptism, for others.</span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2-YRvNX_IxgRVJeAJ_Qk2p0WWqcqZBacU_bvicxyYFSv-Z-iCPVl7s8ReJFWmjmfPPh5gNnSSbprby92um5Sv8aJdFtAOUnEWrU1xtJxrVu38rWTPbxhc386Fa7_q1YEq6ktv2vdECo/s1000/spiritwaater.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2-YRvNX_IxgRVJeAJ_Qk2p0WWqcqZBacU_bvicxyYFSv-Z-iCPVl7s8ReJFWmjmfPPh5gNnSSbprby92um5Sv8aJdFtAOUnEWrU1xtJxrVu38rWTPbxhc386Fa7_q1YEq6ktv2vdECo/s320/spiritwaater.png" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is such an amazing text, filled with so many images and sensations. First there is the setting of absolute nothingness, the <i>tohu wobohu, </i>that Robert Alter translates as “welter and waste”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a>, and our translation as formless void. Robert Alter also notes that the term <i>tohu</i> translates as “emptiness” or “futility” and is used to depict the wastelands of the desert.<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a> Over all of this is the hovering spirit, or <i>ruah. </i>If there is agency in this pericope it is both here and in the breath that is the word. Of course they are a cojoined entity in this reading, as the breath <i>ruah </i>of God the Creator speaks things into being.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is interesting that the framers of the lectionary didn’t just end it there, an elegant and intriguing termination. But no, they continue on with the creation of light. As we look back on this text through the liturgical lens of this Sunday, the Baptism of Jesus, the inclusion of the light passage makes sense in that it is a foreshadowing of what John says in his Prologue (which is modeled on the Creation Story). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">“Through him was life,</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poi" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; caret-color: rgb(54, 57, 54); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; orphans: auto; outline: none; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">and this life was the light of the human race;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poi" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">the light shines in the darkness,</span></i></span><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="poil" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">and the darkness has not overcome it.”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><b><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[7]</span></b></span></span></span></a></span></i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 21.45pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">That John sees Jesus both as the light, and Creation’s Word as well adds mystery and wonder to our meditation on this text. I once was reading a text on physics by Elaine Pagels husband, now passed, Ernst Pagels in which he commented that in order to explain and talk about quantum physics one needed to resort to theological language. In this reading we almost have not only the language of science, but the language of wonder as well. Dean Alan Jones quotes Leon Bloy in his book on “common prayer”. It seems to fit here:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span>“</span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In every soul there is an abyss of mystery… When these hidden things shall have been revealed to us, according to the Promise, there will be unimaginable surprises.”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[8]</span></b></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Yes, indeed. So may it be!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Genesis:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What does creation have to say to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you a creature in creation?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you formed by the Voice and the Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 29 </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Afferte Domino<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 <span> </span>Ascribe to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, you gods, *<br />ascribe to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> glory and strength.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 <span> </span>Ascribe to the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> the glory due his Name; *<br />worship the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> in the beauty of holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 <span> </span>The voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is upon the waters;<br />the God of glory thunders; *<br />the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is upon the mighty waters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 <span> </span>The voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is a powerful voice; *<br />the voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is a voice of splendor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 <span> </span>The voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> breaks the cedar trees; *<br />the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> breaks the cedars of Lebanon;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 <span> </span>He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, *<br />and Mount Hermon like a young wild ox.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 <span> </span>The voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> splits the flames of fire;<br />the voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shakes the wilderness; *<br />the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 <span> </span>The voice of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> makes the oak trees writhe *<br />and strips the forests bare.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 <span> </span>And in the temple of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> *<br />all are crying, "Glory!"<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 <span> </span>The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> sits enthroned above the flood; *<br />the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> sits enthroned as King for evermore.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 <span> </span>The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shall give strength to his people; *<br />the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> shall give his people the blessing of peace.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3CgPuTfYhWAxdA4uWBLlv7P-IQiQZT7_wlXfT1HMNfnditMcEBhzyyQLQOrDl3E6VT-TUppqgncN9EXJtIwjS8NOy7_HklIB8TwmAgSSSKpeFGI8C9lYuKRm91Hag_OwY9cdEIdEtVA/s1920/waters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3CgPuTfYhWAxdA4uWBLlv7P-IQiQZT7_wlXfT1HMNfnditMcEBhzyyQLQOrDl3E6VT-TUppqgncN9EXJtIwjS8NOy7_HklIB8TwmAgSSSKpeFGI8C9lYuKRm91Hag_OwY9cdEIdEtVA/s320/waters.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">So many images from the first reading are mirrored in this psalm. There is the image of God/Creator enthroned above the waters, and the voice of God causing both disruption and creation. Finally it is the voice of the people affirming it all by crying out “Glory!” If you have never heard it, you might want to listen to Gustav Holst’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ4prfF0V9w" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Hymn to Jesus</a>. It gives the emotional jolt that I experience in this psalm. God displays such majesty in the face of his rivals, before the “sons of God.” We are not talking about humankind here, but rather the heavenly council that we also see in the Book of Job. <span> </span>Several commentators see this psalm as a reworking of a Canaanite psalm, a hymn to Ba’al as a thunder god. At the very least the author used images and passages from the local culture to produce this praise of YHWH. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">For the purposes of this Sunday, we should pay special attention to the Voice and what it accomplishes in the Psalm. It reminds me of one of the ceremonies at the Renewal of Baptismal Vows, or of Baptism itself at the Great Vigil of Easter where the priest insufflates the waters in the Font. Luther used the notion of the fusion of Word and Water in his explanation of Holy Baptism in his Small Catechism. That is where the lectionary wishes our mind to go as we sing this psalm - the God who disturbs the waters with the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 29:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">When and where were you baptized?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Do you recall anything, or have mementos?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">How do you continue in your Baptism?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— altogether there were about twelve of them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ymvICParXD607vFss9iJhz4wo5P-wyguapfRbSm1g4iszWwHmUol5Y26OEgqLdk_Q-bpWHXJaIivqDWjcijhQmfvqCqKjjvy6rJfLqrQtqx2ayOsZd52lf4REMAOWjUSkW4MTzW3Ts/s1500/BaptismPaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0ymvICParXD607vFss9iJhz4wo5P-wyguapfRbSm1g4iszWwHmUol5Y26OEgqLdk_Q-bpWHXJaIivqDWjcijhQmfvqCqKjjvy6rJfLqrQtqx2ayOsZd52lf4REMAOWjUSkW4MTzW3Ts/s320/BaptismPaul.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">This is interesting in that it not only teaches us what Baptism is, but also how it developed in the early church. Also interesting is that even at this time there are active followers of John, although even to this day we have shadows of this in Mandaeism. Paul (or Luke) makes it clear that the baptism of John is fundamentally different than that of Jesus. The forgotten element was the Holy Spirit, and perhaps we need to say, the laying on of hands as well. The Baptism of John was centered on repentance and as a means of preparation for The-Coming-One. A look backward reminds us, “John baptized with water, but…you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Once again, we have the voice, here in the speaking in tongues and prophesy. The number is significant, 12. They are the New Israel, a special theme of Luke both in the Gospel and in the Acts of the Apostles. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Acts:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Why is the laying on of hands so important?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Where do you hear the Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">To what or whom does the Spirit call you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 1:4-11</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDSzzIGaE6fCD3ODx1JQ1x_IeYbO1vbz2wtLy-2NmYasgnNupUrsKrPv37jTvCwmQDXvTpbayV-x6BqySF4vIU51wXZkYKW5Fo-KstgL8_M3TXtQscA4tY2qH81y09hiLS_ms2ZGkzI/s500/baptismjesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDSzzIGaE6fCD3ODx1JQ1x_IeYbO1vbz2wtLy-2NmYasgnNupUrsKrPv37jTvCwmQDXvTpbayV-x6BqySF4vIU51wXZkYKW5Fo-KstgL8_M3TXtQscA4tY2qH81y09hiLS_ms2ZGkzI/s320/baptismjesus.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Baptism of Jesus in Mark forms a central part of his Prologue (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/1/2" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Mark 1:2-15</a>). Here Mark is setting up a stage setting for his audience, formed after the Easter event. It is with Easter eyes that Mark wants his readers to perceive Jesus and his ministry. The scene is simple and brief, filled with the ordinary things of life. In his commentary on Mark, M. Eugene Boring, sees the audience, and the characters of the Gospel as having different orientations and perceptions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">“</span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The reader, but not the participants in the body of the narrative, is party to these extraordinary scenes, events, and voices, and is prepared to understand the story in a way that they cannot—until after the cross and resurrection.”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[10]</span></b></span></span></span></a></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">So we read and perceive with a different knowledge or experience of the characters. This is especially clear in the Baptismal story where the Spirit and the Voice are internal perceptions on the part of Jesus, and not of John or the other witnesses of the Baptism. Mark focuses on Jesus, and has John say almost immediately, “One mightier than I is coming after me.”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a> This internal experience is followed after the Baptism in the Temptation with the note, “At once the Spirit drove (Jesus) out into the desert.”<a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a> It reminds me very much of the early chapters in Nikos Kazantzakis’ <u>The Last Temptation of Christ</u>, where Jesus is pursued by a dark spirit, which in my thinking, turns out to be the Spirit/Voice of God. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">So if we follow Mark’s urging, we can only read/hear/pronounce this story with Easter eyes, ears, and lips. We know the outcome, so that this Jesus, The Risen One, can mold for us a way of living in life with both a holy call, and the troubles of life. Baptism sends Jesus into both temptation and ministry. And that is where we live – in the midst of both.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What do you Easter eyes have you see in Jesus?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Could the Voice be talking to you as well?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">How are you a beloved son or daughter?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOTJ3_hIlCkZoo7DCy9gaCz_5Cn0WPv3KlbvWUe_L5hoytQxTSgAe293A57Tq62oFuP2ooazn07aT7QrgANqmEpy4B5tBJ8qjjQ9jaKjG8NitiNt57ghI8-N6PJHnsZAHTQ2O_qKW0uw/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOTJ3_hIlCkZoo7DCy9gaCz_5Cn0WPv3KlbvWUe_L5hoytQxTSgAe293A57Tq62oFuP2ooazn07aT7QrgANqmEpy4B5tBJ8qjjQ9jaKjG8NitiNt57ghI8-N6PJHnsZAHTQ2O_qKW0uw/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">General Idea:<span> </span>Experiencing the Spirit<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Instance 1:<span> </span>Knowing the Spirit in our very existence, a creature in Creation, (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Instance 2:<span> </span>Hearing God’s voice in Creation and in life (Psalm 29)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Instance 3:<span> </span>Feeling God’s touch in the Laying on of Hands, and in the Spirit, (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Instance 4:<span> </span>Listening to our internal experience (knowledge) of God (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2021, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Book of Common Prayer, page 858f.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[2]</span></span></a> Isaiah 11:2-3<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[3]</span></span></a> Daily Readings from the Writings of Saint John Chrysostom, page 15f.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p></div><div id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[4]</span></span></a> I Corinthians 11:4-11<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn5"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[5]</span></span></a> Alter, R. (2004), <i>The Five Books of Moses, A Translation and Commentary, </i>W. W. Norton & Company, New York, Kindle Edition, Location 969.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn6"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[6]</span></span></a> Ibid, location 998.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn7"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[7]</span></span></a> John 1:4-5<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn8"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[8]</span></span></a> Jones, A. (2006), <i>Common Prayer on Common Ground, A Vision of Anglican Orthodoxy, </i>Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, Kindle Edition, page 1.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn9"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[9]</span></span></a> Acts 1:5; 11:16<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn10"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[10]</span></span></a> Boring, M. (2006), <i>Mark, A Commentary, </i>Westminster John Know Press, Louisville, Kindle Edition, Location 1562.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn11"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[11]</span></span></a> Mark 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="ftn12"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="applewebdata://DF0A402E-FE0A-4FD3-AFE2-071FBFC3CC38#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[12]</span></span></a> Mark 1:12</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-49132911750970729432020-12-30T16:15:00.002-08:002020-12-30T16:15:22.321-08:00The Second Sunday after Christmas, 3 January 2021<p> <b style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="color: #212121; font-size: 16.5pt;">The Second Sunday after Christmas, 3 January 2021</span></b></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">People looking for the Propers for The Epiphany of our Lord<a href="http://breakopenword.blogspot.com/2011/12/epiphany-of-our-lord-jesus-christ-6.html"> can find them here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC/Christmas/Christmas2.html"><span style="color: #2196f3;">The Second Sunday after Christmas, 3 January 2021</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Jeremiah 31:7-14<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Psalm 84<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23, or St. Luke 2:41-52, or St. Matthew 2:1-12<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">The Collect:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-S01VyxpWJT0vBAO4CWn45qeY-RvsBgMgzQA77q91gNdVr8I-gWtfOjdiBZuVcH-PpOMhrht422N2kVoni-gjnLKhgt4GMlS_2nWM-gkzxjk2509SZnIdDdglrSfmb36xQF70khz4tg/s1024/visit-of-magi-1024x665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-S01VyxpWJT0vBAO4CWn45qeY-RvsBgMgzQA77q91gNdVr8I-gWtfOjdiBZuVcH-PpOMhrht422N2kVoni-gjnLKhgt4GMlS_2nWM-gkzxjk2509SZnIdDdglrSfmb36xQF70khz4tg/s320/visit-of-magi-1024x665.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Background: From Christmas to Epiphany</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">In past comments I’ve described the important days that immediately follow Christmas, namely St. Stephen’s Day (26 December), St. John’s Day (27 December), and The Holy Innocents (28 December). In the Lutheran and Episcopal Calendars, there are provisions for Christmas I and Christmas II, the Sundays following Christmas. The Roman calendar is different, with its provision for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph that falls on the Sunday immediately following Christmas. The Gospel for that celebration is the account of the Presentation (<a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/luke/2/22"><span style="color: #2196f3;">St. Luke 2:22-40</span></a>). The Gospels for the first and second Sundays of Christmas in the Episcopal and Lutheran Calendars are the Prologue to the Gospel of John (<a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/john/1"><span style="color: #2196f3;">John 1</span></a>) for the First Sunday, and a choice of Gospels for the Second Sunday – the Gospel for Holy Innocents Day (<a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/matthew/2/13"><span style="color: #2196f3;">St. Matthew 2:13-23</span></a>) although leaving out Herod’s rage and the slaughter of the Innocents, the trip with the adolescent Jesus to the Temple (<a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/luke/2/41"><span style="color: #2196f3;">St. Luke 2:41-52</span></a>) and finally the Gospel for the Feast of the Epiphany (<a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/matthew/2"><span style="color: #2196f3;">St. Matthew 2:1-12</span></a>). The first of January is observed in the Roman calendar as The Octave Day of the Nativity of Our Lord, the Solemnity of Mary the holy Mother of God, with a reprise of the <a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/luke/2"><span style="color: #2196f3;">Lucan Birth Narrative</span></a>. In the Lutheran and Episcopal Calendars it is observed as the Holy Name with the Gospel, <a href="http://new.usccb.org/bible/luke/2/15"><span style="color: #2196f3;">St. Luke 2:15-21</span></a>, the same as the Roman Gospel, but with the verses speaking of the circumcision of Jesus (which preserves the older name for the day). The Roman calendar observes the Epiphany on the nearest Sunday (this year the 4</span><sup><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 8.5pt;">th</span></sup><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">), while the Episcopal and Lutheran Calendars keep it on its usual day but with the option of reading its Gospel on Christmas II.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Jeremiah 31:7-14</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Thus says the LORD:</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">proclaim, give praise, and say,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Save, O LORD, your people,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">the remnant of Israel."</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">among them the blind and the lame, those with child and</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">those in labor, together;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">a great company, they shall return here.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">With weeping they shall come,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and with consolations I will lead them back,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">I will let them walk by brooks of water,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">for I have become a father to Israel,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and Ephraim is my firstborn.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Hear the word of the LORD, O nations,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and declare it in the coastlands far away;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">say, "He who scattered Israel will gather him,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and will keep him as a shepherd a flock."</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">For the LORD has ransomed Jacob,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">over the grain, the wine, and the oil,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and over the young of the flock and the herd;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">their life shall become like a watered garden,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and they shall never languish again.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and the young men and the old shall be merry.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">I will turn their mourning into joy,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">I will give the priests their fill of fatness,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">says the LORD.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7SNvn9YyuGf_SNSc0BqmR_e63Jh6Suusivgu4qSqYHub1EcRgmcpYHRgvozgwwYBfER0rz0h74PTdzMdzCalWvgIZHSP_981egBZ0q4uqg3FlntweANDi8sCGDbouAf7sWVlTTVNFgo/s1000/exile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7SNvn9YyuGf_SNSc0BqmR_e63Jh6Suusivgu4qSqYHub1EcRgmcpYHRgvozgwwYBfER0rz0h74PTdzMdzCalWvgIZHSP_981egBZ0q4uqg3FlntweANDi8sCGDbouAf7sWVlTTVNFgo/s320/exile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">These words seem familiar to us, in that we have probably read them, or at least phrases like them in the material from II Isaiah. There is scholarly debate on the “genuineness” of these sections – how much is Jeremiah and how much is from another source, and from what period of his ministry did these words come? It is clear that Jeremiah proclaims a hopeful message here, either in retrospect to the victims in the northern kingdom, or currently to the exiles in Babylon. None-the-less they are hopeful, and messianic words for us, following the Christmas feast. There is a hint of what will become the universalism of Jeremiah, <i>“and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth” </i>and his emerging theology of the “remnant.” God is the one who is seen as scattering the flock and then calling them back, the traditional prophetic theme of faithlessness, punishment, and then return. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Jeremiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How is God’s Word for you a gushing brook?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Has God made highways through the desert for you?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Have you made that happen for others?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Psalm 84 or 84:1-8 <i>Quam dilecta!</i></span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">The sparrow has found her a house</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts,</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">my King and my God.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Happy are they who dwell in your house! *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">they will always be praising you.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">They will climb from height to height, *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">hearken, O God of Jacob.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Behold our defender, O God; *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and look upon the face of your Anointed.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">For one day in your courts is better than a thousand in my own room, *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">and to stand at the threshold of the house of my God</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">For the LORD God is both sun and shield; *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">he will give grace and glory;</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">No good thing will the LORD withhold *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">from those who walk with integrity.</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">O LORD of hosts, *</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">happy are they who put their trust in you!</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNDt6rd6ZTaTP-idjH4SpqqVgFEQHwFPagRnDK8L6QDe9asMARORKPRgohLx9Sc_ASF-ak7SxRVjNS21Wp-B2huOlU0RshgoQGRLtSXJESgR04Ttx1MPpJpSWw2xbEzm8d8meku2Wguw/s606/temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="491" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNDt6rd6ZTaTP-idjH4SpqqVgFEQHwFPagRnDK8L6QDe9asMARORKPRgohLx9Sc_ASF-ak7SxRVjNS21Wp-B2huOlU0RshgoQGRLtSXJESgR04Ttx1MPpJpSWw2xbEzm8d8meku2Wguw/s320/temple.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">This pilgrim song uses powerful language to describe the author’s longing (the verbs in Hebrew add an almost sexual intensity to the phrases) for the “courts of the Lord’s house.” The temple precincts are seen as inclusive rather than exclusive, for even small birds are welcome there, nesting in the cracks in the façade. The pilgrimage that is described here, <i>‘Happy are the people whose strength is in you! Whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way’ </i>are reminiscent of the sentiments in the passage from Jeremiah in the first reading (and equally reminiscent of readings from II Isaiah.) The following verses about the gushing springs especially recall the Jeremiah and II Isaiah passages. As the pilgrims make their way up to Jerusalem, they and the verses that describe them become aware of the wall towers (ramparts) that protect the holy city, and provide entry to the place where God dwells. It is also the place from which the King administers justice, and so some of the pilgrim’s fervor and prayers are centered on the Davidic kingship, which God has anointed as protector and “shield”. In the final verses however, God is revealed as a shield, <i>‘For the Lord God is both sun and shield.’ </i>Thus dwelling in the capitol, as opposed to dwelling in the midst of the wicked, is the preferable way – for God withholds nothing from those <i>‘who walk with integrity.’</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Psalm 84:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways are you a pilgrim?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How does the church or your faith enable your pilgrimage?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What is your spiritual destination?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYfGhcqsiMCXNtMxP3M-AsRhg6DVaOxtV7Ma0VK5fbgkaIGEzvN0-PaLGwzx-R39K0FAoN0QLH9SRGGhDS4N5kyJ9fHfKcG1NQHrQ5w2aViEC0voV2VN2USdWrlF8u485W-0nbSNo2eI/s1897/venicreator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1897" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYfGhcqsiMCXNtMxP3M-AsRhg6DVaOxtV7Ma0VK5fbgkaIGEzvN0-PaLGwzx-R39K0FAoN0QLH9SRGGhDS4N5kyJ9fHfKcG1NQHrQ5w2aViEC0voV2VN2USdWrlF8u485W-0nbSNo2eI/s320/venicreator.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">In preparing to read this passage or to preach on it, or even to spend some time of devotion with it, it might be helpful to recognize the strong baptismal background evident in the initial verses. And if we are tempted to look for a personal predestination here, we will be disappointed, for the community seems to be the focus of God’s actions toward us, and the center from which praise is rendered to God. The second section (verses 15-19a) reveals the mystery of reconciliation. Again, the community of saints is the focus. The section begins with a prayer for <i>“wisdom and revelation” </i>so that we might know him, and through him the mystery (the hope) to which we are called – both Jew and Gentile. There is no fulfillment here, but only initiation and prayer. As we launch into the Sundays after Epiphany, and meditate on the ministry and teaching of Jesus, these passages seem to provide and excellent place and manner of beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open Ephesians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What does God intend for you?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">In what ways do you look back to your Baptism?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How do you look forward from your Baptism?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Matthew 2:13-15,19-23</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead." Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgdVnDpgUyaCIUiZU4f4wYCbBqVx50732xXqRpZEN8H8ZS7syjGEybhzikWu2Gu2ka0Lcu00oNSZLD_D1HfTGgUBC0_zqEByDq1lhJZUKVhJ1iE3yTxcqObkWhzVrwIn0LefT134iQgQ/s700/sadao-watanabe-three-wise-men-angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgdVnDpgUyaCIUiZU4f4wYCbBqVx50732xXqRpZEN8H8ZS7syjGEybhzikWu2Gu2ka0Lcu00oNSZLD_D1HfTGgUBC0_zqEByDq1lhJZUKVhJ1iE3yTxcqObkWhzVrwIn0LefT134iQgQ/s320/sadao-watanabe-three-wise-men-angel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Or</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Luke 2:41-52</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Now the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem every year for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day's journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIOrAQh-vf_rss3QA1qgUHonDcs41xsRzSghe1gayszw_i8tJwUYV7-IJRYlh4gW-_1xmG3l6Q4Km3DDn87HUdrgF6v0zFYrp1WbaP-8C7fD8BsQ05tO1pMgnTaXHfXZVFXOce4cB_Xw/s409/jesustemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIOrAQh-vf_rss3QA1qgUHonDcs41xsRzSghe1gayszw_i8tJwUYV7-IJRYlh4gW-_1xmG3l6Q4Km3DDn87HUdrgF6v0zFYrp1WbaP-8C7fD8BsQ05tO1pMgnTaXHfXZVFXOce4cB_Xw/s320/jesustemple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Or</span></i><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Matthew 2:1-12</span></b><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">`And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">for from you shall come a ruler<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">who is to shepherd my people Israel.'"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage." When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw3ndcJv5P2MrNiDrRB9bzu6UfX2itbjZPx-7A29vR54pE6v310RX5l_3K83CuusvssSYj95KZpiMfWM7bitGuXW_zxkVsmlyD6ioZ6VWnf5-oa2HufakTh17EI51gyAWO-U26mFeHpI/s1080/the.nursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw3ndcJv5P2MrNiDrRB9bzu6UfX2itbjZPx-7A29vR54pE6v310RX5l_3K83CuusvssSYj95KZpiMfWM7bitGuXW_zxkVsmlyD6ioZ6VWnf5-oa2HufakTh17EI51gyAWO-U26mFeHpI/s320/the.nursery.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">For the liturgy planner, or for the preacher we are met with a dizzying collection of Gospel possibilities. This richness is not one of largess so much as indecision as to the actual nature of the day. Is it a belated Holy Innocents/Christmas, or looking ahead to Jesus and the Holy Family, or incorporating Epiphany? In the first selection we see Jesus placed by Matthew in the heart of the history of Israel – actually in the heart of their Salvation History. The second selection, from Luke sees the fulfillment of that vision of Jesus in the heart of Judaism. It is he who knows and understands the ancient teachings. The lesson might also be about what it means to be a family, family with father and mother, or family as the community of faith. The final anticipatory passages from Matthew that deal with the Magi opens the door to Jesus in the midst of the nations – in the heart of the Gentile, if you will.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Breaking open the Gospel: <o:p></o:p></span></p><ol start="1" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What is the heart of the faith of Israel?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">What is the heart of the faith of Christianity?<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="color: #757575; line-height: 19.2pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">How are these combined in your heart?<o:p></o:p></span></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span style="color: #757575; font-size: 11.5pt;">Questions and comments copyright © 2020, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-64317837903760801382020-12-23T14:55:00.000-08:002020-12-23T14:55:09.299-08:00The First Sunday after Christmas, 27 December 2020<p> <b style="font-family: Palatino;"><span style="color: #212121;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearABC/Christmas/Christmas1.html" style="color: #954f72;">The First Sunday after Christmas, 27 December 2020</a></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;">Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;">Psalm 147<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;">Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;">St. John 1:1-18<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #757575;">The Collect for this Sunday:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;">Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Ddkqt2BZXuxSDV0QuswUEL_7rMmFIoUOK6LxArbvQgOKXiRCJISZ1pmmEBNy8zdjtSPJgQzYWJX4Y-v9NO7oem7pdZprGOc_29OPtpNkJnWHcydhvK7Ls4g8ciGLwAncXiJR7BIZDk/s259/john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Ddkqt2BZXuxSDV0QuswUEL_7rMmFIoUOK6LxArbvQgOKXiRCJISZ1pmmEBNy8zdjtSPJgQzYWJX4Y-v9NO7oem7pdZprGOc_29OPtpNkJnWHcydhvK7Ls4g8ciGLwAncXiJR7BIZDk/s0/john.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b>Background: The Three Days</b><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;">Often missed in parish life, are the three days that follow The Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day. They are instructive to those who wish to follow Jesus in the days that honor his birth, for they describe what is required of those who will follow. The Days honor St. Stephen the First Martyr (26 December), St. John Apostle and Evangelist (27 December), and The Holy Innocents (28 December). The dates in the Eastern Church depend on whether the Gregorian (beginning 9 January) or Julian Calendar (1 day later in December) is being used. Some have described these saints in terms of martyrdom: Stephen martyr and will and in deed, John martyr in will but not in deed, and the Innocents martyr not in will but in deed. Each of the days explores an aspect of following Christ and grants a certain depth to the holiday that they follow. Each of them had or has customs that are followed on their specific days, a way of taking the practice in to common life. <span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #757575;">First Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3</span></b><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,<br />my whole being shall exult in my God;</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,<br />he has covered me with the robe of righteousnes</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,<br />and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">For as the earth brings forth its shoots,<br />and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise<br />to spring up before all the nations.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,<br />and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">until her vindication shines out like the dawn,<br />and her salvation like a burning torch.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">The nations shall see your vindication,<br />and all the kings your glory;</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">and you shall be called by a new name<br />that the mouth of the Lord will give.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,<br />and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><b><br /></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAQxsnFfh_VSFyr4hAdurY1Uw3P39W0plLpYWRpe0vLeQM8VYYxYwXC41UqpCc2ncC9la8B80TZCb6FNnpBLzeqQiFWuXRmOeiHcDUVedEfUnJ2dLwWe3NHh2-GXBq_wXzI8qhv_USzQ/s600/Sunset-Youth-600x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAQxsnFfh_VSFyr4hAdurY1Uw3P39W0plLpYWRpe0vLeQM8VYYxYwXC41UqpCc2ncC9la8B80TZCb6FNnpBLzeqQiFWuXRmOeiHcDUVedEfUnJ2dLwWe3NHh2-GXBq_wXzI8qhv_USzQ/s320/Sunset-Youth-600x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;">Our reading begins with passages of anticipatory praise, somewhat like the psalms of thanksgiving which look forward to accomplished deeds well in advance of their being realized. It is not only an internalized psychological state of joy, but is shown in the garments worn, expressing thanks and praise to God. In reading and interpreting these verses it is good to keep in mind the opening verse of this chapter.<span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i>The spirit of YHWH is upon me,</i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i>Because YHWH has anointed me.</i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i>He has sent me to bring good tidings to the poor, </i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i>To bind up the broken hearted; </i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i>To declare liberty to the captives,</i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i>And the opening to those who are bound…</i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;">The anticipation of salvation, redemption and restoration (“They build up the ancient ruins”, v.4.) are both hoped for and given thanks for. <span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;">The verses that follow in chapter 62 begin the third of the laments that are evident in chapters 60-62. The first two laments deal with the enemies that Israel has confronted, and secondly a lament that remembers the ancient ruins. Finally, in these verses the lament is met with God’s return to the chosen people. It is best expressed in verses 1, <i>“I cannot keep silent – until (the coming of salvation for Jerusalem), </i>and 6 and 7, <i>“I have set watchers that they shall not be silent – until (the coming of salvation for Jerusalem.”</i> The combination of hope, promise and subsequent realization is matched with praise, thanksgiving and joy. This makes for a profound comment on the coming of Jesus, anticipated and praised.<span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">Breaking open Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -21.3pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575;">1.</span></b><span style="color: #757575;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;">What do you hope for, which you already give thanks for?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -21.3pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575;">2.</span></b><span style="color: #757575;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;">What are the laments of your life?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -21.3pt;"><b><span style="color: #757575;">3.</span></b><span style="color: #757575;"> </span><span style="color: #262626;">How have they been soothed?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b><span style="color: #757575;">Psalm 147 </span></b><b><i>Laudate Dominum</i></b><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">[1 Hallelujah!<br />How good it is to sing praises to our God! *<br />how pleasant it is to honor him with praise!</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem; *<br />he gathers the exiles of Israel.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">3 He heals the brokenhearted *<br />and binds up their wounds.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">4 He counts the number of the stars *<br />and calls them all by their names.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; *<br />there is no limit to his wisdom.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">6 The Lord lifts up the lowly, *<br />but casts the wicked to the ground.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; *<br />make music to our God upon the harp.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">8 He covers the heavens with clouds *<br />and prepares rain for the earth;</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">9 He makes grass to grow upon the mountains *<br />and green plants to serve mankind.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">10 He provides food for flocks and herds *<br />and for the young ravens when they cry.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">11 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *<br />he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">12 But the Lord has pleasure in those who fear him, *<br />in those who await his gracious favor.]</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">13 Worship the Lord, O Jerusalem; *<br />praise your God, O Zion;</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">14 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *<br />he has blessed your children within you.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">15 He has established peace on your borders; *<br />he satisfies you with the finest wheat.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">16 He sends out his command to the earth, *<br />and his word runs very swiftly.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">17 He gives snow like wool; *<br />he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">18 He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *<br />who can stand against his cold?</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">19 He sends forth his word and melts them; *<br />he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">20 He declares his word to Jacob, *<br />his statutes and his judgments to Israel.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">21 He has not done so to any other nation; *<br />to them he has not revealed his judgments.<br />Hallelujah!</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykxaOZR1XcpUt0AD0uyL_ZL92wLyMk0dpzrBClLYyO9RTa98FX3uxynfrICrzEiqrNqj54Ezjfd8VBIqXkMQFXe4dottj0BVE4k2GebqrSdJEJ8fkmAyrpR3ocG9rbwubiepjMq6HSYs/s385/Hallellujah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykxaOZR1XcpUt0AD0uyL_ZL92wLyMk0dpzrBClLYyO9RTa98FX3uxynfrICrzEiqrNqj54Ezjfd8VBIqXkMQFXe4dottj0BVE4k2GebqrSdJEJ8fkmAyrpR3ocG9rbwubiepjMq6HSYs/s320/Hallellujah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;">We have clues as to when with psalm was written in the second verse, <i>“the Lord rebuilds Jerusalem” </i>and again in verse 14, <i>“For he has strengthened the bars of your gates.” </i>There are several references to the exile, <i>“healer of the broken-hearted”, </i>which is now assuaged by God’s love and comfort of God’s people. There are several references to power, specifically military power, in the lines about the strength of the horse and the strength of a man. The purpose of these allusions is to underscore that it was not military might that accomplished the return to Jerusalem, but God’s good word and intention. The final verses are a reverie on the breath of God – the wind and word of God’s mouth that makes all things possible. <span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">Breaking open Psalm 147:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #262626;">1. What in your life has God renewed?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #262626;">2. How did you praise God for that?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #262626;">3. What is God’s word for you?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b>Second Reading: </b><b><span style="color: #757575;">Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7</span></b><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbK5fq8m3OtFZsKuTohwCqc5v3kQfwVN32OMAiPDn7QFx73L0jxLdDVbXFboeHMw8XzYL8oCnCzZY7qrtRwI4DMQ1faXsZS1EO_RuHExajPjOWW2ZeSIi0ECfVEd7f8m8PcFjuxPApXw/s318/fatherchildren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbK5fq8m3OtFZsKuTohwCqc5v3kQfwVN32OMAiPDn7QFx73L0jxLdDVbXFboeHMw8XzYL8oCnCzZY7qrtRwI4DMQ1faXsZS1EO_RuHExajPjOWW2ZeSIi0ECfVEd7f8m8PcFjuxPApXw/s0/fatherchildren.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;">Here Paul speaks to the people of Galatia about what it means to be an heir, a son, and a daughter. It might be helpful for you to read the entirety of <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/galatians/3" style="color: #954f72;"><span style="color: #2196f3;">Chapter 3</span></a> in that it gives the principles of the argument that Paul is attempting to make here: Abraham, the Law, and the Promise. Paul contrasts the binding nature of Law with the faith that designates us as children of God. Thus, there are no distinctions, Jew – Greek, male – female, etc. Paul argues for a recognition of a change of status. His readers would have known both states – slavery and inheritance. It is that contrast that he wants them to understand and to realize their own change of status, <i>“so you are no longer a slave.”</i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">Breaking open Galatians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #262626;">1. What are the rules that constrict your life?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #262626;">2. How can you be freed from them?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: #262626;">3. How are you a slave, an heir?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><b>The Gospel: St. </b><b><span style="color: #757575;">John 1:1-18</span></b><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><i><span style="color: #757575;">And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'") From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known.</span></i><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9mDXGyAuCMpL3eQTxpdTVI0JpbiCcCyMjB_bJM8WACBSrDehPVLFMmbmwnyaXtpGNBkkHI8HMnczLkfzJPv6P2FV12lzQ74TexfWOaXMDC5oHLy1qnisB3n5LbGSuOCLd-p4g8KnIjs/s2048/Christ_pantocrator_de_saint_sava.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9mDXGyAuCMpL3eQTxpdTVI0JpbiCcCyMjB_bJM8WACBSrDehPVLFMmbmwnyaXtpGNBkkHI8HMnczLkfzJPv6P2FV12lzQ74TexfWOaXMDC5oHLy1qnisB3n5LbGSuOCLd-p4g8KnIjs/s320/Christ_pantocrator_de_saint_sava.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #333333;">Just as the prologue in the reading from Hebrews (see the Lectionary for Christmas Day III), so the Prologue of John is a forecast of both themes and symbols that will become central to our understanding of his theology. Some think that it was originally an early Christian hymn to the Logos, given its structure and poetic content. It is interrupted, in a way, with the appearance of the Baptist – the forerunner and broadcaster of this same message. </span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #333333;">Although there is a Greek influence here, we must not be forgetful of the Jewish core to this composition, formed as it is on the account of creation itself. All things, including Jesus, either begin here, or in the case of Jesus are present here to be a part of the spirit-infused creation that will make for life. The Word, the <i>ru’ah</i>, the spirit, Jesus, and God are all in relationship here, making for something new. That the essential content of John’s Gospel is God’s gift of life to a dying word – a gift made possible by the one who is offered on the tree – is an extension of the story that will be, and was seen in several iterations though prophets, psalmists, and historians. The culmination is finally reached in this phrase, <i>“and the Word became flesh.” </i>In the incarnation there is now a connection with humankind as well, a realization that we are all a part of this story. The traditional Christmas text from Luke tempts us to see the nativity as something outside of ourselves. John’s Prologue brings us right into the center with all things. </span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"> <span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">1. What is the gift that John gives us here?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">2. When does the Christian story begin for you?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><span style="color: #262626;">3. How does it end?</span><span style="color: #757575;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #757575;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #757575;">Questions and comments copyright © 2020, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Palatino; margin: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-17189894722130175772020-12-15T21:15:00.005-08:002020-12-15T21:16:30.185-08:00The Fourth Sunday of Advent, 20 December 2020<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv4_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Fourth Sunday of Advent, 20 December 2020</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">II Samuel 7:1-11, 16<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Romans 16:25-27<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Luke 1:26-38<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Canticle 3 or </span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Canticle 15<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">or</span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPcDy8Ten7PZwHd78Uj3sSOaNYxeXrTo7IWPEVP04JeR-gKzucqpn7WEx5zh1yF0VCPqcdA1Oph6ln3tCHNVk4xmUx3eRDNEPRCqb2ajYswGhtpAB0ytf1sPvPOGMljeRbyUElR1exiQ/s1200/david.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPcDy8Ten7PZwHd78Uj3sSOaNYxeXrTo7IWPEVP04JeR-gKzucqpn7WEx5zh1yF0VCPqcdA1Oph6ln3tCHNVk4xmUx3eRDNEPRCqb2ajYswGhtpAB0ytf1sPvPOGMljeRbyUElR1exiQ/s320/david.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: David<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we have several references to David, an understandable inclusion that stems from the view that Jesus is “the Son of David.” It might be a good time then to look at Luke’s use of this term (Matthew uses it as well) to understand its intent and value. For that study we ought to look at <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/20/41">Luke 20:41-44</a>,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.65pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“</span></i><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">Then he said to them, “How do they claim that the Messiah is the Son of David?</span></i></span><a name="50020042" style="box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none; transition: 0.3s;"></a><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span> <span class="txt"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0cm;">For David himself in the Book of Psalms says:<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.65pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="pof" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0cm 28.65pt 0cm 2cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">‘The Lord said to my lord,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="pof" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0cm 28.65pt 0cm 2cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">“Sit at my right hand <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="pof" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0cm 28.65pt 0cm 2cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">till I make your enemies your footstool.”’</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="pof" style="font-size: medium; margin: 0cm 28.65pt 0cm 2cm; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 28.65pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><a name="50020044"></a><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">Now if David calls him ‘lord,’ how can he be his son?”</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; margin-right: 28.55pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is Jesus’ answer to the scribes who have asked Jesus about the resurrection (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/20/27">see Luke 20:27-40</a>). Jesus in turn questions them about the connection of the Messiah and the title “Son of David” – what is its meaning? Jesus unsettles the very basis of patriarchal society. How can a son be “lord”, when the father must be the lord. Messiahship and all of the expectations that accompany it become all muddled as Jesus stirs the theological and political pots. The expectation was for a Davidic Messiah who would rid the Jews of the meddlesome Romans. Jesus, however, is asking them to entertain an entirely different proposition. Jesus sees the Messiah (the Christ) as being more than a son of David. By using the quote from <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/110">Psalm 110:1</a>, Jesus makes an even greater claim, for the “lord” he is talking about is <i>the Lord, </i>YHWH, who will raise Jesus from the dead. Luke wants us to look beyond David and see Jesus as the Risen One. In Advent, we don’t look for the coming baby, but rather remember the child who is the Risen One.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: II Samuel 7:1-11, 16<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When the king was settled in his house, and the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent." Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> is with you."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">But that same night the word of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus, says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus, says the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> declares to you that the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5i88PP1o-UxNDzopsJlJIRZrr7OOfhsW59OueVGAC5H6MUNfrvO7g6yXUrCeqq1BvVgJKmhUzqFMKB_W9MdTNpCls8aoDFZZgeobUQQ4U3GvqF_xaoNZMIY-yTaqkuYsj1WYtgxbbnU/s299/kingdavid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5i88PP1o-UxNDzopsJlJIRZrr7OOfhsW59OueVGAC5H6MUNfrvO7g6yXUrCeqq1BvVgJKmhUzqFMKB_W9MdTNpCls8aoDFZZgeobUQQ4U3GvqF_xaoNZMIY-yTaqkuYsj1WYtgxbbnU/s0/kingdavid.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">If we look backward from this story, we will see a David who has brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, a hint at the desire to build a temple, and his break with Michal, daughter of Saul. It’s time then to look beyond these things, and that is what happens here with the oracle of Nathan. It is the first of David’s dealings with Nathan – a much later encounter will be much more dramatic. What happens here, however, is a rehearsal of YHWH’s choice of David as leader, and an indication that YHWH will continue to make certain that David’s house that “shall be made sure forever.” With this vision we have the foundations of what would become a messianic expectation that would bring Israel hope in the midst of exile, and other difficulties.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Of special value in these verses is the review of God’s deal with a wandering Israel. God’s leadership of and connection with Israel is made vivid in this verse: “And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them.” There is a permanence hinted at here that applies much more widely than just to the House of David. That David should be seen later, through the scrim of the ages of exile, and persecution, as the hope made manifest in Jesus is the point here. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open II Samuel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Have you reviewed what God has done for you and your family?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How are you God’s agent in your community?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Do you have a “prophet” who keeps you in touch with God’s intents for you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Canticle 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Song of Mary</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> <i>Magnificat</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Luke 1:46-55<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * <br />for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">From this day all generations will call me blessed: *<br />the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has mercy on those who fear him *<br />in every generation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has shown the strength of his arm, *<br />he has scattered the proud in their conceit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *<br />and has lifted up the lowly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has filled the hungry with good things, *<br />and the rich he has sent away empty.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *<br />for he has remembered his promise of mercy,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The promise he made to our fathers, *<br />to Abraham and his children for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 2cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 2cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -1cm;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *<br />as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 30pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjDcNVJCoinE-v7MO5PxqDZfUQbwa_S8G22BmuTBr566JTS40C4lMdhJR0FRkhCn5b6eLSn_w3KP6advxBFsY7DXi_iu8t1xC3q1Gaacrx3-jYQPBth-1EJQcF_GWQH-Qpg21FsyKwWY/s255/magnificat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjDcNVJCoinE-v7MO5PxqDZfUQbwa_S8G22BmuTBr566JTS40C4lMdhJR0FRkhCn5b6eLSn_w3KP6advxBFsY7DXi_iu8t1xC3q1Gaacrx3-jYQPBth-1EJQcF_GWQH-Qpg21FsyKwWY/s0/magnificat.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Some commentators ask us to entertain the notion that it is actually Elizabeth who sings this song made up of various pieces of psalmody, some of it from the Septuagint. It is also helpful if you read Hannah’s song in </span><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/2"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I Samuel 2:1-10</span></a><span style="font-family: Palatino;">, which may have supplied Luke or the tradition with a great deal of imagery and phrasing. Regardless of who is responsible for the song, there is a great deal of theology in its two sections. The first section (verses 46-50) speaks to an individual joy in what God has done for her. That she should be blessed, and that God has done great things, are seen as realities for the woman who sang this. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The second section (verses 51-55) speaks of the blessings that are to be given to Israel. The phraseology is strong, almost strident – “He has shown might with his arm.” God here is related to all of Israel, not to just one individual. Fred Danker in his commentary comments, “Typical of prophetic language is the use of the past tense to describe the certainty of fulfillment for God’s promises.”<a href="applewebdata://63F2A54A-48D3-46E9-AFFD-E8141C1B1278#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Luke loves to tie the details and promises of the Hebrew Scriptures to the new Kingdom of Heaven, and to the nations that are called to it. Here, however, the promises ae for Israel, and Abraham and his descendants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Magnificat:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the social aspects of this song?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Do you hear a call to do something in these verses?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are you called to do?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<br /><br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Misericordias Domini<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 Your love, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, for ever will I sing; *<br />from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 For I am persuaded that your love is established for ever; *<br />you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 "I have made a covenant with my chosen one; *<br />I have sworn an oath to David my servant:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 'I will establish your line for ever, *<br />and preserve your throne for all generations.'"<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">19 You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people: *<br />"I have set the crown upon a warrior<br />and have exalted one chosen out of the people.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">20 I have found David my servant; *<br />with my holy oil have I anointed him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">21 My hand will hold him fast *<br />and my arm will make him strong.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">22 No enemy shall deceive him, *<br />nor any wicked man bring him down.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">23 I will crush his foes before him *<br />and strike down those who hate him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">24 My faithfulness and love shall be with him, *<br />and he shall be victorious through my Name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">25 I shall make his dominion extend *<br />from the Great Sea to the River.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">26 He will say to me, 'You are my Father, *<br />my God, and the rock of my salvation.'<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F2cc9jRppASH6ldgFlSfUB5Syo2wFKXGy2AnJNeD-fBzZ2rdCUcdJxJWkr2LMkz_pfhIILhLl1r641WsBupIQZ23k5k8ouMlA6YDPUeODiWiMsQ7eDW4FFRsx1aGQY5NM4WjwS7w3_o/s800/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F2cc9jRppASH6ldgFlSfUB5Syo2wFKXGy2AnJNeD-fBzZ2rdCUcdJxJWkr2LMkz_pfhIILhLl1r641WsBupIQZ23k5k8ouMlA6YDPUeODiWiMsQ7eDW4FFRsx1aGQY5NM4WjwS7w3_o/s320/dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In this psalm we have a prayer that either celebrates or looks forward to the end of the exile for Israel. It also looks forward to the restoration of the Davidic kings, and thus has a thematic unity with our readings for today. The psalm begins with an introduction to the notion of a long-lasting dynasty for David. In the elided verses (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/89/6">6-19</a>), God is celebrated as king, and what he has done as creator is recalled. Our reading takes up with David again, noting him as a leader and as a chosen one. God, through the voice of the psalm, pledges support and protection for David. Many of the graces that are given to David are reflective of the graces that God has as creator, “I will set his hand upon the sea, his right hand upon the rivers.” This translation, in the New American Bible, doesn’t have the dynastic and political nuance that is evident in the translation in our reading, <i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I shall make his dominion extend from the Great Sea to the River.” </span></i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In other words, the Davidic kings shall rule from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates. I once heard this quoted by an older woman knitting and rocking in her chair at Kibbutz Lavi in Israel. She was countering the claims of the Palestinian peoples in Israel. Sometimes what we see or hear in the psalms becomes a seedbed of controversy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 89:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What does this psalm say about David?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does this psalm relate to the role of Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is your theology used politically?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Romans 16:25-27<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_6GNX8PerS_UnaBJTtyAfi5LZ4aDFw_wRiPthnN6cEtpmWSTbgVaJlt4hbNayRKhZjC2SxFy09gnVUaBf7SBB0K2-ME40sXebSIJkLSOlchMlifb8k7uiI7tkwzE-U1WN4H0TaEGb40/s1364/anongodarchitect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="995" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_6GNX8PerS_UnaBJTtyAfi5LZ4aDFw_wRiPthnN6cEtpmWSTbgVaJlt4hbNayRKhZjC2SxFy09gnVUaBf7SBB0K2-ME40sXebSIJkLSOlchMlifb8k7uiI7tkwzE-U1WN4H0TaEGb40/s320/anongodarchitect.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It is interesting that in these final verses of the Letter to the Romans, we meet Phoebe who is a deacon at the Church at Cenchreae. She apparently is delivering the letter to the Romans, and they are persuaded to “receive her in the Lord in a worthy manner of the holy ones.” The letter ends with a doxology, which is our reading for today. This doxology does not appear in all the manuscripts and is sometimes placed after <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/14/12">14:12</a>. What catches our attention here is <i>“the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long age.” </i>Christian theology has always seen a connection of the Salvation History of Israel, with the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is that Salvation History that gives us sufficient background to understand all that Jesus does and is. Paul cites the sources of “prophetic writings”, and God as well. But it is her that Paul acknowledges that the implications of Salvation History expand far beyond what was originally thought. For this revelation is to be “made known to all nations.” That is the hope of Advent, not the cradle, not the Crèche, not the tree. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Romans:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are your Advent hopes?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How is your history connected to Salvation History?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who was responsible for making this revelation known to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Luke 1:26-38</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mtvbQmGkMz4FMvhPr8MYZ23QsHa38TgGo3gVAx8oBIaRWbAh18gIg_ZW1L0vWyjiXi5AYYD0nHoK5RHHdr-p2DtG6IQV5wLOyn_C8gu_7aSvbfmqvt8ziYhKLzi_oLeigFvb0lrn60g/s273/220px-Annunciation_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mtvbQmGkMz4FMvhPr8MYZ23QsHa38TgGo3gVAx8oBIaRWbAh18gIg_ZW1L0vWyjiXi5AYYD0nHoK5RHHdr-p2DtG6IQV5wLOyn_C8gu_7aSvbfmqvt8ziYhKLzi_oLeigFvb0lrn60g/s0/220px-Annunciation_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Annunciation to Mary, in Luke, is modeled on several examples from the Hebrew Scriptures: 1) the divine messenger, 2) the emotions of the recipient, 3) the message itself, 4) questions from the recipient, and 5) Acceptance. We see this in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/16">Genesis 16-17</a>, Ishmael and Isaac, <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/judges/13">Judges 13</a>, Samson, <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/1">I Samuel 1</a>, Samuel. What we have here is a confluence of traditions about the birth of Jesus, and a Luke who forms these traditions into a narrative that speaks to his agenda in his Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel begins in Jerusalem, and will end dramatically in Jerusalem, but in this instance, we are brought to Galilee, where the ministry of Jesus will begin in earnest. We will be drawn again to Jerusalem in order for Luke to tie Jesus to David, the king, but the beginning of Jesus’ story really begins with this announcement in Galilee. What we have in Luke is the juxtaposition of the grandiose and the commonplace: Jerusalem and Nazareth, Gabriel and Mary, the mighty and those of low estate, angels and shepherds. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In earlier readings, today, we have seen David, as chosen by God and favored by God. But here it is Mary, and we are clued into that by the angel’s greeting, “O favored one”. Both the greeting and the titled are related to the Greek word for “grace”. Like David, Mary is the recipient of God’s grace, in ways that will challenge her and our imaginations. One wonders if her being overcome by the Holy Spirit engendered not only the Child in her womb, but her prophetic nature as well, speaking in clear and definite tones in the Magnificat. Fred Danker writes in his commentary on Luke with regard to Mary calling herself a “handmaid of the Lord”, “Mary is therefore a model of what Israel ought to be, and her self-description is a mark of identity for the new community.”<a href="applewebdata://63F2A54A-48D3-46E9-AFFD-E8141C1B1278#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">When has the word of the Lord come to you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who are the angels in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In what ways are you a handmaid of the Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGukPZ3ean3QVheS7H6K-8UZCqDeFFOIKL6Gi1DPgH3PrLKxk_q46ddu_tNghe6d-paDkgqz3dRQOYCG0lTTWWWC4kLQ9QhqtE2heX0DF8YTgaHR7xDZphJ2EfxsZra-pdokYRUYgmPxo/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGukPZ3ean3QVheS7H6K-8UZCqDeFFOIKL6Gi1DPgH3PrLKxk_q46ddu_tNghe6d-paDkgqz3dRQOYCG0lTTWWWC4kLQ9QhqtE2heX0DF8YTgaHR7xDZphJ2EfxsZra-pdokYRUYgmPxo/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Anointed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 1: Anointed to rule (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 2: Anointed to sing (<i>Magnificat</i> and Psalm 89)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 3: Anointed with revelation (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Instance 4: Anointed with the Holy Spirit (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2020, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://63F2A54A-48D3-46E9-AFFD-E8141C1B1278#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Danker, F. (1988), <i>Jesus and the New Age – A Commentary on St. Luke’s Gospel, </i>Fortress Press, Philadelphia, page 43.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://63F2A54A-48D3-46E9-AFFD-E8141C1B1278#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Ibid, page 40.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-60663782873057594222020-12-08T21:14:00.000-08:002020-12-08T21:14:02.016-08:00The Third Sunday of Advent, 13 December 2020<p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv3_RCL.html" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">The Third Sunday of Advent, 13 December 2020</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">1 Thessalonians 5:16-24<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">John 1:6-8,19-28<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 126<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">or</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Canticle 15<span style="color: black;"> (or 3)<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="CitationList" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPlFzp9WgeUrK9znNYjnfzWvEiOavJwlYJrFtXAVij162B4RfM0okm-nfP7Do_qMfLA5PRPQM5hjkgSuksuXPMFfe9r7Xr2wjWdf-qjLKMERapqbJ3m3JPAI6i9eZGKlcu3F0rMZ53ak/s500/john-the-nazirite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPlFzp9WgeUrK9znNYjnfzWvEiOavJwlYJrFtXAVij162B4RfM0okm-nfP7Do_qMfLA5PRPQM5hjkgSuksuXPMFfe9r7Xr2wjWdf-qjLKMERapqbJ3m3JPAI6i9eZGKlcu3F0rMZ53ak/s320/john-the-nazirite.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Background: Nazirite<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">As the readings reflect on John the Baptist, it might be good for us to look at the nazirite, a person who took a vow of abstinence from certain things. A description of the vow is found in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/numbers/6" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Numbers 6:1-21</a>, where we read that these persons were to abstain from alcohol, grapes in general, shaving or cutting their hair, and contact with the dead. Offerings were described in cases of defilement, or anniversaries of their dedication. There are two notable examples of Nazirites in the Hebrew Scriptures, Samson (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/judges/13" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Judges 13:5</a>) and Samuel (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/1/11" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">I Samuel 1:11</a>). The office is also mentioned in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/2/11" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Amos 2:11</a>. The practice was known in the Maccabean and Inter-Testamental period and is part of Luke’s story of the birth of John the Baptist. “He shall be great in the sight of the Lord and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filed with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1/15" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Luke 1:15</a>). In Acts, Luke mentions that Paul had cut off his hair because of a vow that he had taken. Sources such as Eusebius also report that James, the brother of Jesus, and Bishop of Jerusalem was also a nazirite.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The spirit of the Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span> is upon me,<br />because the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has anointed me;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed,<br />to bind up the brokenhearted,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">to proclaim liberty to the captives,<br />and release to the prisoners;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">to proclaim the year of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>'s favor,<br />and the day of vengeance of our God; <br />to comfort all who mourn;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">to provide for those who mourn in Zion—</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">to give them a garland instead of ashes,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the oil of gladness instead of mourning,<br />the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">They will be called oaks of righteousness,<br />the planting of the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, to display his glory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">They shall build up the ancient ruins,<br />they shall raise up the former devastations;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">they shall repair the ruined cities,<br />the devastations of many generations.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For I the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> love justice,<br />I hate robbery and wrongdoing;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I will faithfully give them their recompense,<br />and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Their descendants shall be known among the nations,<br />and their offspring among the peoples;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">all who see them shall acknowledge<br />that they are a people whom the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,<br />my whole being shall exult in my God;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,<br />he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,<br />and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">For as the earth brings forth its shoots,<br />and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">so the Lord <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">God</span> will cause righteousness and praise<br />to spring up before all the nations.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 30pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNcxVRjfJFgAfQYy8MN6nvHKiFfrY1zRtTIjWAxfgNAlRkLafyrttXhI6TwWFnPOuMikNhXcrgTfGqC0hMSe3kxG995O3uTpNtKGpRSyRbjw_aPWTdFmEfSB8UV3PB7MqneRhHB1UaJk/s1300/ruins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNcxVRjfJFgAfQYy8MN6nvHKiFfrY1zRtTIjWAxfgNAlRkLafyrttXhI6TwWFnPOuMikNhXcrgTfGqC0hMSe3kxG995O3uTpNtKGpRSyRbjw_aPWTdFmEfSB8UV3PB7MqneRhHB1UaJk/s320/ruins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: right; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It isn’t certain who is speaking here. It might be either Zion herself, or it might be the prophet. It is a call of sorts, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,” and a call to mission as well. It might be helpful in your understanding of the context of this hymn to look at <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/leviticus/25/10" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Leviticus 25:10</a>. What is described here is a situation in which Israelite farmers lost their land and became slaves (indentured). Leviticus describes the Jubilee Year in which the land would be returned to the people. Thus, Isaiah describes a return to the land (in ruins), only this time the Jubilee was the effect of Cyrus the Mede’s Edict which allowed Israel’s return. Isaiah saw this as a year of jubilee and of restoration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I don’t understand why the framers of the lectionary omit verses 6-7. I shall note them here:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">You yourselves shall be called “Priests of the LORD,”</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">“Ministers of our God” you shall be called.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">You shall eat the wealth of the nations<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">and in their riches you will boast.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="txt"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Palatino; padding: 0cm;">Because their shame was twofold<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">and disgrace was proclaimed their portion,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">They will possess twofold in their own land;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #363936; font-family: Palatino;">everlasting joy shall be theirs.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 28.55pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">It may be a look back to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, when they were allowed to take the wealth of Egypt with them. It also suggests a spiritual role, and a superiority over the nations, that seems odd in this passage of Isaiah.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What follows is the triumph of Zion, but the whole people here, not just the monarchy. The honors and dignity of kings is applied to the prophet, the people, and to Zion. What is underscored here is the duties of a supreme people: justice, blessings, salvation, and righteousness. These are the gifts that God gives to a restored people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What have you been brought back to?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Did it bring you joy or sorrow?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the realities of a return?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 126 </span></b><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">In convertendo<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 <span> </span>When the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> restored the fortunes of Zion, *<br />then were we like those who dream.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 <span> </span>Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *<br />and our tongue with shouts of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3 <span> </span>Then they said among the nations, *<br />"The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has done great things for them."<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">4 <span> </span>The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> has done great things for us, *<br />and we are glad indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">5 <span> </span>Restore our fortunes, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />like the watercourses of the Negev.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">6 <span> </span>Those who sowed with tears *<br />will reap with songs of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 63.8pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">7 <span> </span>Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *<br />will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 36pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOjRqe7O0Fx18m1RayWx1fHjaV6Yso_7EbT5WsLGdbRdmxAKkPL0NLVNJkIh58IA9Yym8go7nDWwLoWFYqv9zTdH6PxFPQP8WlPMqZRdkl1FzHGQaFqNJz7p3iqTbiCkgaNL_E4QTV80/s2000/halleluiah.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKOjRqe7O0Fx18m1RayWx1fHjaV6Yso_7EbT5WsLGdbRdmxAKkPL0NLVNJkIh58IA9Yym8go7nDWwLoWFYqv9zTdH6PxFPQP8WlPMqZRdkl1FzHGQaFqNJz7p3iqTbiCkgaNL_E4QTV80/s320/halleluiah.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This psalm celebrates the same instance that Second Isaiah celebrates in the first reading – the return of Israel from the Babylonian captivity. Whether it is anticipatory, or reflective we are uncertain. Some see it (the return) as already begun but not complete. This psalm is used in Jewish households after the main meal on the Sabbath or festivals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The restoration may have been the return from Babylon, or it may have been some other stroke of good fortune. The reference to “those who dream” is probably more than what we see in our time as a fairytale, but rather revelation from God – from the prophets who dream, Joseph and company. Other thoughts about the dreaming are that it might be something that passes quickly, like a dream. The return from Babylon may have been a dream, but the realities may have been harsh. The psalm, however, rejoices in the moment with laughter and shouts of joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The rehearsal of “great things” that the nations see are quite real, or at least the images alluding to them are. When the wadis run with water the land is renewed and becomes fruitful. In contrast to this are the waters that ae tears, shed upon the land. The harvest, however, is joy. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 126:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are your dreams?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are your tears?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is the fruit you expect from the harvest of your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Or<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Canticle 15 </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Song of Mary</span></b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> <i>Magnificat</i></span><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">, </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Luke 1:46-55<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; * <br />for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">From this day all generations will call me blessed: *<br />the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has mercy on those who fear him *<br />in every generation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has shown the strength of his arm, *<br />he has scattered the proud in their conceit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *<br />and has lifted up the lowly.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has filled the hungry with good things, *<br />and the rich he has sent away empty.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *<br />for he has remembered his promise of mercy,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The promise he made to our fathers, *<br />to Abraham and his children for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 2cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *<br />as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 30pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -24pt; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn4uLi-zKfsIsXpPag7ZYPIcC2e_l8kyFaaNCfa7nmZOnebV0fXmckObXUz-bBy-EZCAs6kj5tHMdHmCL8YW_5tl2VWtpogzjZWrqoHgyQjz8juIBiykE5MjdLCJQhHhnXrfPWwzZ-Sc/s400/mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn4uLi-zKfsIsXpPag7ZYPIcC2e_l8kyFaaNCfa7nmZOnebV0fXmckObXUz-bBy-EZCAs6kj5tHMdHmCL8YW_5tl2VWtpogzjZWrqoHgyQjz8juIBiykE5MjdLCJQhHhnXrfPWwzZ-Sc/s320/mag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Some commentators ask us to entertain the notion that it is actually Elizabeth who sings this song made up of various pieces of psalmody, some of it from the Septuagint. It is also helpful if you read Hannah’s song in <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1samuel/2" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">I Samuel 2:1-10</a>, which may have supplied Luke or the tradition with a great deal of imagery and phrasing. Regardless of who is responsible for the song, there is a great deal of theology in its two sections. The first section (verses 46-50) speaks to an individual joy in what God has done for her. That she should be blessed, and that God has done great things, are seen as realities for the woman who sang this. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The second section (verses 51-55) speaks of the blessings that are to be given to Israel. The phraseology is strong, almost strident – “He has shown might with his arm.” God here is related to all of Israel, not to just one individual. Fred Danker in his commentary comments, “Typical of prophetic language is the use of the past tense to describe the certainty of fulfillment for God’s promises.”<a href="applewebdata://DFC65C4A-7F4B-4E15-90DC-929F8C0F5FD3#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> Luke loves to tie the details and promises of the Hebrew Scriptures to the new Kingdom of Heaven, and to the nations that are called to it. Here, however, the promises ae for Israel, and Abraham and his descendants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Magnificat:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the social aspects of this song?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Do you hear a call to do something in these verses?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are you called to do?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">I Thessalonians 5:16-24<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CFCu3Xnogxp1h3yzKAyUGKPFTGg118U9UOI3T2dVFXnrk3Q4u6Loqgrz10slDsI72jWvnAcomxqw3dZgMn8_Y6bEd8RzV2ePdoG1mNBJb0gdFuH4bc-caEqVn4e6-OO6N3MUTHVw6k8/s2000/pray.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CFCu3Xnogxp1h3yzKAyUGKPFTGg118U9UOI3T2dVFXnrk3Q4u6Loqgrz10slDsI72jWvnAcomxqw3dZgMn8_Y6bEd8RzV2ePdoG1mNBJb0gdFuH4bc-caEqVn4e6-OO6N3MUTHVw6k8/s320/pray.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Here Paul has several passages of exhortation and paraenesis that are directed to the church – advice about how one ought to live in community. There needs to be respect given to those who lead and to those who work within the church. Paul ends with elements that are quite necessary: joy, prayer, thanksgiving, openness to the Spirit, listen to the prophets, discern, and stay away from evil. As I look over this list (Paul loves lists) I see many things that are so important in this time of being separated from the church. The community still exists, and the need for prayer and joy is unparalleled. This is the third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete) and so the joy theme is important here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open I Thessalonians:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">What is your prayer life like?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">How do you listen for the Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">How do you wait upon the coming Jesus?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. John 1:6-8,19-28</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 1cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pOQ8gW7aZVAUBJ45bXCMenFKoNUGMC4jsX9z3McnycDgv78zcibTnvhKJKr_5n13j0OpUiDXKvlAHrKDFNBk-WMi_zsymcuUQFx49fUqi1seTPxeK8JvdAfgCIlAzP8_GSxmsW6QBkU/s750/JBap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pOQ8gW7aZVAUBJ45bXCMenFKoNUGMC4jsX9z3McnycDgv78zcibTnvhKJKr_5n13j0OpUiDXKvlAHrKDFNBk-WMi_zsymcuUQFx49fUqi1seTPxeK8JvdAfgCIlAzP8_GSxmsW6QBkU/s320/JBap.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">We have two sections from the Prologue of Saint John’s Gospel which introduce us to John the Baptist. The verb used here sees John as a creature in creation “sent by God.” Thus, we are introduced to a continuation of Salvation History. Later, John the Evangelist, will describe the Baptist as one who is sent to reveal Jesus to Israel (verse 31, “that he might be known to Israel.”) Here in verse 6, however, it is a proclamation for a much wider audience, “that all might believe through him.” The Creation theme is again seen in the reference to the Light – the True Light, but this John was not the light. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Raymond Brown, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John<a href="applewebdata://DFC65C4A-7F4B-4E15-90DC-929F8C0F5FD3#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="vertical-align: super;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a>, divides our reading into two parts. The first verses (6-8) are from the Prologue proper, and the second part (verses 19-28) are entitled “The Testimony of John the Baptist” (he defines the pericope as verses 19-34), and with it begins the main part of his commentary. He goes on to describe two interrogations of John first by priests and Levites, and then later by Pharisees. The two questions help us to realize the person of John the Baptist. To the question, “Who are you?” John says who he is not, Messiah, Elijah, the Prophet (although he certainly operates within that role). What he does admit to is straight out of Isaiah (<a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40/3" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">40:3</a>). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br />The second question comes from “some Pharisees”. John notes that they were “sent” but declines to tell us who did the sending. They want further definition about who John is. What is interesting here is that the questions are asked by ritual purists, and that John the Baptist, at least in Luke, is seen as the son of a priestly family. So, the answer about baptism makes sense, but John goes on to qualify it to a greater degree. “The one who is coming after me”, (or ‘the one who is to come’) is an ancient title for Elijah and defines the air of expectation in John’s answers. That one will be greater than John, and than Elijah. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Bethany that is mentioned here is not the town near Jerusalem, but rather a site in the Transjordan, that is no longer extant. It may be that the actual town is Bethabara, according to Origen. If so, it would be the site of the “crossing over” (see <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/joshua/3" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">Joshua 3</a>), then this may be seen as a parallel of Jesus to Joshua. There are also symbolic nuances to the name Bethany as well (house of testimony). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What questions do you have for John the Baptist?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who is your “voice crying in the wilderness”?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What does the voice tell you?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rUBUHRAk4F7CJzibqenOcBgxzYaqzY-6_AVKp0w-nPhi3gP3M-6JKnBNhVML3PNzcWCgkC-NipXisMzOhrAB5junCGR9JHOtsTFNwJiQLBQOtiZ_5JSR6MuC0oXLL8id4yPrvAUu2Rc/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rUBUHRAk4F7CJzibqenOcBgxzYaqzY-6_AVKp0w-nPhi3gP3M-6JKnBNhVML3PNzcWCgkC-NipXisMzOhrAB5junCGR9JHOtsTFNwJiQLBQOtiZ_5JSR6MuC0oXLL8id4yPrvAUu2Rc/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General Idea:<span> </span>Expectations and questions<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Example 1:<span> </span>What was Israel in exile expecting and what did it get? (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Example 2:<span> </span>What are the joys of faith? (Psalm 126, or Magnificat)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Example 3:<span> </span>How should we live in these times of trial and expectation? (Second Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0.0001pt 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Example 4:<span> </span>For what was John the Baptist really in expectation? (Gospel)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -4cm; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;">Questions and comments copyright © 2020, Michael T. Hiller<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm 24pt 0cm 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://DFC65C4A-7F4B-4E15-90DC-929F8C0F5FD3#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Danker, F. (1988), <i>Jesus and the New Age – A Commentary on St. Luke’s Gospel, </i>Fortress Press, Philadelphia, page 43.<o:p></o:p></p></div><div id="ftn2"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://DFC65C4A-7F4B-4E15-90DC-929F8C0F5FD3#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Brown, R. S.S. (1966), <i>The Anchor Bible, The Gospel According to John, </i>Doubleday & Company, Inc., New York. <o:p></o:p></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm 0cm 0cm 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4203483784342316008.post-48633290586776901162020-11-29T22:29:00.003-08:002020-11-29T22:29:22.355-08:00The Second Sunday of Advent, 6 December 2020<p> <a href="http://www.lectionarypage.net/YearB_RCL/Advent/BAdv2_RCL.html" style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">The Second Sunday of Advent, 6 December 2020</a></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Isaiah 40:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">2 Peter 3:8-15a<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Mark 1:1-8<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;">Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="CitationList"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Collect<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.<i> Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMiH3EHb8x-qvC0rGMrAJz0_voZQndq7jHIesOruOxxHqTJ9X0oYpcB2zR6oGxqUFCTugaCgmUuT2UPZGd-FsBMMstDrNEn-fJQtWlOpPZOI8kRWktgnOXuQtHPzIlaFtYHzu71L-G7k/s640/wilderness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMiH3EHb8x-qvC0rGMrAJz0_voZQndq7jHIesOruOxxHqTJ9X0oYpcB2zR6oGxqUFCTugaCgmUuT2UPZGd-FsBMMstDrNEn-fJQtWlOpPZOI8kRWktgnOXuQtHPzIlaFtYHzu71L-G7k/s320/wilderness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: right;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Background: The Wilderness<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">So often in the Scriptures we find holy men and women going to (or should I say returning to) the wilderness. We must remember that the wilderness not only surrounded Palestine, but was also the stage upon which enormous events occurred: the freedom from Egypt, the giving of the Law, the pilgrimages up to Jerusalem, the return from the Babylonian exile, the retreat of the Essenes, the ministry of John the Baptist, and the place of spiritual refreshment for Jesus. The words that represent “wilderness” in Hebrew (there are several) appear nearly 300 times in the Scriptures. The most cogent reason for this wealth of references is that the wilderness really represents the roots of the people. The movement from being nomads to city dwellers was not absent the influence of the desert. Israel’s rituals, rites, and customs come largely from the wilderness, as does her God. It is not an accident that the Essenes escaped the city, and urban culture, to be refreshed and purified in the desert. All of this leads us to John the Baptist, and Jesus’ own spiritual habits. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">This translation is from the Revised Standard Version (1952), but the layout of the verses is by Claus Westermann in his Commentary on Second and Third Isaiah.<a href="applewebdata://4D931160-8BF9-41A3-8C12-EA1EDCB90C80#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">[1]</span></b></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; 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width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">A voice cries:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“In the wilderness prepare<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">make straight in the desert<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the way for YHWH<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">a highway for our God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Let every valley be lifted up<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">And every mountain and hill<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">be made low;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Let the uneven ground become level<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and the rough places a plain,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and the glory of YHWH shall be revealed<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and all flesh shall see it together<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">for the mouth of YHWH has spoken.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">A voice cries: ‘Cry!’<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">And [I] say, ‘What shall I cry?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">All flesh is grass<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and its beauty<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">like the flower of the field.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The grass withers<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the flower fades<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">when the breath of YHWH<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">blows upon it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Surely, the people is grass!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The grass withers<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">but the word of our God stands for ever.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the flower fades,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Get you up into a high mountain,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O Zion, herald of good tidings!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Lift up your voice with strength,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Lift it up, fear not,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">say to the cities of Judah,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">‘Behold your God!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Behold YHWH the Lord!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">He comes with might<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and his arm rules for him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 212.7pt;" valign="top" width="284"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Like a shepherd who tends his flock,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">he gathers the lambs in his arms<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and carries them in his bosom,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">and leads those that are with young.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style="border: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 191.25pt;" valign="top" width="255"><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWOV4xJtDuVs4n7uYspLkwH1r8FL54iww8YrTU9igvbTh5xbyWP7cSTGksiOWyzTiZHGZk2Wz5my_khfpYgb9Qy_f3SFuKXCRmZiLrnRpv46fTigyAJbUlz_VW6ur0wfH_nMpqw_uCVQ/s2048/Good%252BShepherd%252B%2528color%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWOV4xJtDuVs4n7uYspLkwH1r8FL54iww8YrTU9igvbTh5xbyWP7cSTGksiOWyzTiZHGZk2Wz5my_khfpYgb9Qy_f3SFuKXCRmZiLrnRpv46fTigyAJbUlz_VW6ur0wfH_nMpqw_uCVQ/s320/Good%252BShepherd%252B%2528color%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In most prophetic works, the prophet recalls the call given by God to speak and to announce. It is generally agreed that Chapters 44-55, represent another voice that has been added to the classic Isaiah. This second of the Isaiahs writes in the sixth century BCE, during the Exile in Babylon. There is no formal introduction, or recounting of a call in these chapters, although this pericope has several instances of an invitation to speak God’s word.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There are three “cries” that parse the oracle that this Isaiah is called upon to pronounce. The first cry is one of comfort, an announcement that the punishment promised in First Isaiah is now over and that a time of return is promised. In Babylon, those in exile would have experienced sacred processions upon the royal highways, and here Isaiah calls for “highway for our God.” Difficulties (valleys, mountains, rugged land, and rough country) shall be eliminated so that the journey with God might be completed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In verse 6 we have another cry, “A voice says, ‘Cry’!” Here the command is not understood – “What shall I cry?” is asked. What is proclaimed may be a bit of a temptation. Being in exile, away from the land of the mothers and fathers, the exiles may have determined that their destiny has already be decided, “All flesh is grass…the grass withers, the flower wilts.” This is a lament (much like those in the psalms) in which the people seem resigned to something, a fading destiny. It is not like the word of God which stands for ever. So, there must be an additional cry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">In verse nine, on the top of a high mountain, the prophet or perhaps even the people themselves are invited to “cry out at the top of your voice.” What follows is an announcement (and here it is an excellent Advent reading) that god is coming with power. This powerful God with a strong arm is tempered with the vision as God as shepherd, that feeds the flock, and gathers the lambs. Israel is given the promise of not only return, but protection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Isaiah:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What have you been called to pronounce?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What is the good news for our time?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-right: 24.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino; mso-bidi-font-family: Palatino; mso-fareast-font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Who are the lambs and ewes in need of help in your world?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Benedixisti, Domine<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1 You have been gracious to your land, O <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>, *<br />you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *<br />and blotted out all their sins.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">8 I will listen to what the <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> God is saying, *<br />for he is speaking peace to his faithful people<br />and to those who turn their hearts to him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *<br />that his glory may dwell in our land.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">10 Mercy and truth have met together; *<br />righteousness and peace have kissed each other.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">11 Truth shall spring up from the earth, *<br />and righteousness shall look down from heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">12 The <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span> will indeed grant prosperity, *<br />and our land will yield its increase.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 63.8pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">13 Righteousness shall go before him, *<br />and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bV1J1oO2q150dRHP0XJ2caf8LqOBWiyFv4p2Ke3mB0-fwhLByBbZ5_B_EoBwZeZSmHpx_3neZIdytKO0kjmgZnPEMN_ot9rN3_EYhv0QhsfF6Tdh7IXn9uft_8ycxFMV4ySK899UQGk/s355/mercytruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bV1J1oO2q150dRHP0XJ2caf8LqOBWiyFv4p2Ke3mB0-fwhLByBbZ5_B_EoBwZeZSmHpx_3neZIdytKO0kjmgZnPEMN_ot9rN3_EYhv0QhsfF6Tdh7IXn9uft_8ycxFMV4ySK899UQGk/s320/mercytruth.jpg" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Here we have a psalm/prayer that yearns for a return to the land of the fathers and mothers, and out of the lands of exile. There are three sections, a) Section I, verses 2-3, a recollection of the favor that God once held for Israel, “You once favored, restored, forgave, pardoned,” b) Section II, <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85/9">verses 5-7</a>, a plea for restoration and mercy (this section is elided from our reading for today), and c) Section III, verses 8-13, in which the psalmist determines to listen for what God has to say. This final section is quite beautiful, almost romantic in its effect. Listen to the topics: peace, salvation, glory, love, truth, justice, and peace. All of these gifts will “spring up from the earth or look down from heaven.” A return to the promised lands will be of spiritual and earthly value. “Yes, the Lord will grant (God’s) bounty.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open Psalm 85:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">To what do you hope to return?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What has God restored in your life?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; mso-outline-level: 3; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">What are the gifts of your faith?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Second Reading: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">II Peter 3:8-15a<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and everything that is done on it will be disclosed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be in leading lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire? But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-right: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjYJxo9icYh0f-Tew7CUnx8-ZSmkefR2cdA9Fj5VWbz-QkIfFXbJrgO8qoaz9V50UYbQUxwwH30hzYhXsyqRaKQjzZkSgrDBeBkr0cf9fq7pyn_PHircmpUErfk6mDSVWwsxSX6Pn9pg/s1200/patience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="572" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjYJxo9icYh0f-Tew7CUnx8-ZSmkefR2cdA9Fj5VWbz-QkIfFXbJrgO8qoaz9V50UYbQUxwwH30hzYhXsyqRaKQjzZkSgrDBeBkr0cf9fq7pyn_PHircmpUErfk6mDSVWwsxSX6Pn9pg/s320/patience.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The problem that the author (most likely not Peter) addresses here is the problem of a delayed <i>parousia. </i>This is not a<u> </u>new problem, the Essenes at Qumran seemed to have wrestled with it as well. Thus, the author begins with a recounting of God’s view of time – “one day is like a thousand years.” This quotation from Psalm 89, seeks to serve as an explanation for the delay. There is a call for patience – a patience that is modelled on God’s own patience. God is taking God’s time because of the desire that all should be saved. So thus, Christians should bide their time and wait. The author does not leave us solely with the notion of waiting, but calls us to wait with purpose, so that we might be “without spot or blemish…at peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open II Peter:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you deal with the anxieties of this time?<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you wait for others, so that they might be saved?<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Do you have “spots” or “blemishes” that need to be healed? What are they?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The Gospel: St. Mark 1:1-8</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 78pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">who will prepare your way;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 78pt; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:<br />‘Prepare the way of the Lord,</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">make his paths straight,’”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt; text-indent: -24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 1cm; margin-right: 24pt;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkylVL7gGa6LvXiiTJz0H4NjidyXGTfYaNBCaRThkXdgtHfHpxRHYx1Fi9Hd30_bB_cI0tJt4ZA9WA_meHYUJ3gCL6_2UAEAB90XWVmjHZPTsQCh9PcjPNhMM1GmArlQ947xF_ay8kXM/s580/johnbap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkylVL7gGa6LvXiiTJz0H4NjidyXGTfYaNBCaRThkXdgtHfHpxRHYx1Fi9Hd30_bB_cI0tJt4ZA9WA_meHYUJ3gCL6_2UAEAB90XWVmjHZPTsQCh9PcjPNhMM1GmArlQ947xF_ay8kXM/s320/johnbap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">There is no infancy narrative in Mark. He begins his Gospel in an almost stark manner, and indicates that this beginning (or origin, or foundation, or starting point) will lead to greater things. Before Jesus begins his ministry, Mark ties him to the salvation history of Israel. The “Isaiah” that he quotes is really a conflation of <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/malachi/3">Malachi 3:1</a>, <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/40/3">Isaiah 40:3</a>, and <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/23/20">Exodus 23:20</a>. We will find that Mark uses references to both Second and Third Isaiah a great deal, for they wrote to an Israel freed from exile – a model of what Christ would bring. It also places Mark in their tradition of “universalism”, a covenant with YHWH that could be enjoyed by more than Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">The John that we meet in this brief introduction appears to us as a prophet proclaiming, and a Nazirite living in his vows. And what does this voice cry out about? The strong words are those of baptism, repentance, and forgiveness. There is, however, more to his message, “One mightier than I is coming after me.” In the altar piece at Isenheim, John stands pointing at the cross, and says: <i>“Illum oportet crescere me autem minui.”</i> (He must increase, but I must decrease.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-lr1EEaOUrTWGuYaArx9LU3KEkcooxaMPT7Y8bmwJKy3xX2xHLcRJIpk17iPMKxY5DtqzbsTjDelNzmW6WKKUG08-_Qoo31St6kVBIfd4CFzgBcHu0bicI4HmgegCQWnMl3R2bAXHho/s570/jbapisenheim.Jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-lr1EEaOUrTWGuYaArx9LU3KEkcooxaMPT7Y8bmwJKy3xX2xHLcRJIpk17iPMKxY5DtqzbsTjDelNzmW6WKKUG08-_Qoo31St6kVBIfd4CFzgBcHu0bicI4HmgegCQWnMl3R2bAXHho/s320/jbapisenheim.Jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Here Mark shows what he sees as John’s true purpose – forerunner, herald. Thus, Mark begins with an image redolent of the Hebrew Scriptures whose message points elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Breaking open the Gospel:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How does today’s church need to emulate John the Baptist?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How do you point to the Crucified One?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Palatino;">How might you decrease?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnrwbhYrvz-6xiwWr6cGym__t5akoa4EsJVRlU4n8az4nqIDtv7QUv_oZCoqsjUUJfJE-qUaxXYC0qcwu62oSK9YT7x0ERk36M1zdWX3ESglPOMwUS7V0bQntc-u6BYNCCq-LHjO7zrg/s320/preachingpoings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnrwbhYrvz-6xiwWr6cGym__t5akoa4EsJVRlU4n8az4nqIDtv7QUv_oZCoqsjUUJfJE-qUaxXYC0qcwu62oSK9YT7x0ERk36M1zdWX3ESglPOMwUS7V0bQntc-u6BYNCCq-LHjO7zrg/s0/preachingpoings.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">General idea: Comfort for our time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Suggestion 1: How might Isaiah’s ideas comfort our time? (First Reading)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Suggestion 2: How might peace come to our time through the words of the Psalm 85?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Suggestion 3: What in Christianity might give us patience?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 4cm; text-indent: -4cm;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Suggestion 4: What might increase in our time, or decrease?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Palatino;"> </span></p><div><br clear="all" /><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /><div id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 1cm; text-indent: -1cm;"><a href="applewebdata://4D931160-8BF9-41A3-8C12-EA1EDCB90C80#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Westermann, K. (1969), <i>Isaiah 40-66, A commentary, </i>The Westminster Press, Philadelphia, page 31f.<o:p></o:p></p></div></div>Michael T. Hillerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01126106285088894198noreply@blogger.com0