Break Open the Word

The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18 – 8 September 2019 Track One: Jeremiah 18:1-11 Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17 Track Two: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 1 Philemon 1-21 St. Luke 14:25-33 Background: Pottery during Jeremiah’s time The pottery that was made during the United Monarchy (1000-586 BCE) saw improvements and refinements, using a red slip that was smoothed and burnished by hand. The pottery of the northern kingdom disappeared with the Assyrian assault and is not discussed here. Judean pottery, however was notably different and became more and more refined, especially through the use of a wheel burnish.   The slip (red or orange) was applied while the pot was still on the wheel, and then was burnished   by hand or using smoothing tools. Track One: First Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-11 T he word that came to Jeremiah from the  Lord : "Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words." So I wen...

The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, 1 September 2019 Track One: Jeremiah 2:4-13 Psalm 81:1, 10-16 Track Two: Sirach 10:12-18, or Proverbs 25:6-7 Psalm 112 Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 Saint Luke 14:1, 7-14 Background: Ancient Dining Dining wasn’t necessarily at home as prepared food could be obtained at shops in cities and small towns. Social dining was limited to those families of means. A house might have a kitchen along with a garden for vegetables and herbs, and sometimes a trained chef. Meals were usually held in the cool of the evening, where guests were entertained in a room  triclinium  specifically designed for such a purpose. The diners reclined on permanent couches and leaned on the left elbow. Depending on the local culture, women were included with the men, although in Judea that may not have been true. The food was served by a servant.  Track One: First Reading: Jeremiah 2:4-13 H ear the word of the  ...