lection reflection (3 Dec 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Isaiah 1.10-20
This passage is one of my favorite, and also one of the most terrifying, passages in all of Isaiah. It is a favorite of mine because it calls us back to the simple good works that ought to be the natural overflow of every Christian's life: "Remove your evil deeds from my sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do . . .
Posted in: reflections
new (church year), new bible reading habits
This Sunday marks the first Sunday in Advent and the start of the new church year! While many people are already thinking about what resolutions they want to make (and subsequently break) at the beginning of 2019 in just over a month, let me encourage the start of the church year (i.e. this Sunday, 2 December) to be the time when you . . .
Posted in: reflectionstheology
lection reflection (30 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Today is the feast day of St. Andrew, so we're taking a break from our regular readings. Andrew was one of Jesus' first disciples and one of those who responded to the call of John the Baptist ("Behold, the lamb of God!") by following Jesus. According to Catholic Online:
Per Christian tradition, Andrew went on . . .
Posted in: reflections
lection reflection (29 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Ephesians 1.15-23
St. Paul's prayer in this passage is familiar and intriguing. In it, he prays that we might have knowledge of God and our salvation; the hope to which we are called; the wealth of our inheritance; and the greatness of God's power. Wow! I forced myself to read through that list several times and not gloss . . .
Posted in: reflections
lection reflection (28 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Zechariah 12.1-10
This passage continues the stream of multiple Messianic prophecies--more than any other minor prophet, I think (though I haven't done a complete count). Verse 10 in today's passage is quoted by John when describing the Roman soldier piercing Jesus' side at his crucifixion. But what about mourning? There . . .
Posted in: reflections
lection reflection (27 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Zechariah 11.4-17
Today's passage tells a parable of the Lord abandoning his people in judgment--typical of what we've been reading in the prophets. The covenant with God is symbolically and visibly broken by the breaking of the shepherd's staff and the people left to fend for themselves. Toward the end, God pronounces . . .
Posted in: reflections
lection reflection (26 Nov 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
As we enter in to the final week of the church year, both the historic and modern lectionaries focus on the final coming of Christ as King and Lord, as Redeemer and Judge, as Victor and Ruler. The modern lectionary followed by many churches in the West added the feast of Christ the King to specifically point both believers and non-believers . . .
Posted in: reflections
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