Scriptures & Questions for October 28

22 Pentecost; Proper 25, Year C
October 28th, 2007


The Scriptures

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22
Psalm 84:1-6
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Luke 18:9-14

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Jeremiah (14:7-10,19-22)

Although our iniquities testify against us,
act, O LORD, for your name's sake;
our apostasies indeed are many,
and we have sinned against you.
O hope of Israel,
its savior in time of trouble,
why should you be like a stranger in the land,
like a traveler turning aside for the night?
Why should you be like someone confused,
like a mighty warrior who cannot give help?
Yet you, O LORD, are in the midst of us,
and we are called by your name;
do not forsake us!

Thus says the LORD concerning this people:
Truly they have loved to wander,
they have not restrained their feet;
therefore the LORD does not accept them,
now he will remember their iniquity
and punish their sins.

Have you completely rejected Judah?
Does your heart loathe Zion?
Why have you struck us down
so that there is no healing for us?
We look for peace, but find no good;
for a time of healing, but there is terror instead.
We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD,
the iniquity of our ancestors,
for we have sinned against you.
Do not spurn us, for your name's sake;
do not dishonor your glorious throne;
remember and do not break your covenant with us.
Can any idols of the nations bring rain?
Or can the heavens give showers?
Is it not you, O LORD our God?
We set our hope on you,
for it is you who do all this.
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The people call upon God in a time of travail, but God does not act on their behalf. They will have to suffer the consequences of their actions.
What do you think about this passage? It comes from the days of Israel's defeat and exile.
Are there things that our nation is doing which we may have to suffer for?
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Psalm (84:1-6) Page 707, BCP Quam dilecta!

1 How dear to me is your dwelling, O LORD of hosts! *
My soul has a desire and longing for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh
rejoice in the living God.

2 The sparrow has found her a house and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young; *
by the side of your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

3 Happy are they who dwell in your house! *
they will always be praising you.

4 Happy are the people whose strength is in you! *
whose hearts are set on the pilgrims' way.

5 Those who go through the desolate valley will find it a place of springs, *
for the early rains have covered it with pools of water.

6 They will climb from height to height, *
and the God of gods will reveal himself in Zion.

_____________

This is a wonderful psalm to use before worship or prayer.
Try using this psalm as you begin a period of prayer.
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2 Timothy (4:6-8,16-18)
I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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When have you felt yourself defended and upheld by God when nothing else seemed to support you?
How might these be welcome words as you approach the last years of your life?
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Luke (18:9-14)
Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

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Who do you look up to as a model or hero?
Is there someone whose goodness or courage or dedication intimidates you?
Why? What is there about their character that seems beyond your measure?

Is there anyone, or any group, that you find you have an instinctive aversion toward?
Why?
Is there anything about them that is part of your own character or "shadow"?
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go to our Subscriptions page -- http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id137.html and follow the instructions.

On most weekdays I send a Morning Reflection to this same list, offering a thought about the readings from the Daily Office.


Lowell


The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, AR

The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Our Rule of Life:
We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Check our website: www.stpaulsfay.org

Scriptures & Reflection Questions for October 14

20 Pentecost; Proper 23, Year C
October 14, 2007

The Collect for the Day
Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Scriptures

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Psalm 111 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19 _______________________________________________________ 2 Kings (5:1-3, 7-15c) Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favor with his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man, though a mighty warrior, suffered from leprosy. Now the Arameans on one of their raids had taken a young girl captive from the land of Israel, and she served Naaman's wife. She said to her mistress, "If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy." When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, "Am I God, to give death or life, that this man sends word to me to cure a man of his leprosy? Just look and see how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me." But when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, he sent a message to the king, "Why have you torn your clothes? Let him come to me, that he may learn that there is a prophet in Israel." So Naaman came with his horses and chariots, and halted at the entrance of Elisha's house. Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean." But Naaman became angry and went away, saying, "I thought that for me he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and would wave his hand over the spot, and cure the leprosy! Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them, and be clean?" He turned and went away in a rage. But his servants approached and said to him, "Father, if the prophet had commanded you to do something difficult, would you not have done it? How much more, when all he said to you was, `Wash, and be clean'?" So he went down and immersed himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; his flesh was restored like the flesh of a young boy, and he was clean. Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel." ___________ This story was told during a time when Aram (Syria) was powerful and Israel was weak. In what contexts do you think of yourself as somewhat privileged, more powerful or intellegent? What have you learned from people who are humble or of lower estate than you? _______________________________________________________ The Psalm Psalm 111 Confitebor tibi 1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, * in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation. 2 Great are the deeds of the Lord! * they are studied by all who delight in them. 3 His work is full of majesty and splendor, * and his righteousness endures for ever. 4 He makes his marvelous works to be remembered; * the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He gives food to those who fear him; * he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6 He has shown his people the power of his works * in giving them the lands of the nations. 7 The works of his hands are faithfulness and justice; * all his commandments are sure. 8 They stand fast for ever and ever, * because they are done in truth and equity. 9 He sent redemption to his people; he commanded his covenant for ever; * holy and awesome is his Name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; * those who act accordingly have a good understanding; his praise endures for ever. _________ For what are you thankful to God this day? _____________________________________________________ 2 Timothy (2:8-15) Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David -- that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful-- for he cannot deny himself. Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. _________ What does this passage mean to you? _____________________________________________________ Luke (17:11-19) On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." ____________________ What does it mean that they followed Jesus' instruction "Go and show yourselves to the priests" even before they had been healed? In what ways do you take things for granted and fail to offer thanks? What is the significance that it was a Samaritan who returned to thank Jesus? ______________________________________________________

For a way to Pray with these scriptures, go to the following link for instructions about how to use Lectio Divina with the Sunday readings: http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html

Readings for October 7

19 Pentecost; Proper 22, Year C

October 7th, 2007
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How to use this page:

Print this and read a different passage each day and think about it. Some questions are offered to help stimulate your reflection. You'll find your experience of worship on Sunday will be intensified.

If you would like to comment on these scriptures or have some on-line conversation about them, please go to scripture blog and click the "comments" button at the bottom.

We use the Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary.
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Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray,
and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of
your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving
us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits
and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

The Scriptures

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 Psalm 37:1-10 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10 _______________________________________________________ Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous-- therefore judgment comes forth perverted. I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith ___________ What frustrates you about our society? What would you ask God to do to bring justice to our day? _______________________________________________________ The Psalm Psalm 37:1-10 Noli aemulari 1 Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; * do not be jealous of those who do wrong. 2 For they shall soon wither like the grass, * and like the green grass fade away. 3 Put your trust in the LORD and do good; * dwell in the land and feed on its riches. 4 Take delight in the LORD, * and he shall give you your heart's desire. 5 Commit your way to the LORD and put your trust in him, * and he will bring it to pass. 6 He will make your righteousness as clear as the light * and your just dealing as the noonday. 7 Be still before the LORD * and wait patiently for him. 8 Do not fret yourself over the one who prospers, * the one who succeeds in evil schemes. 9 Refrain from anger, leave rage alone; * do not fret yourself; it leads only to evil. 10 For evildoers shall be cut off, * but those who wait upon the LORD shall possess the land. _________ When have you had to be very patient? When have you held your tongue or resisted your anger? What happened? _____________________________________________________ 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am grateful to God-- whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did-- when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. _________ Is there a time in your past when your faith seemed more alive? If so, what might help you rekindle that faith? How might you describe the spiritual treasure that has been entrusted to you? _____________________________________________________ Luke 17:5-10 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, `Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Would you not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, `We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!' __________ What kind of metaphor would you use to describe the nature of your faith? How much thanks and acknowledgment do you need when you do your duty? ______________________________________________________

To subscribe or unsubscribe to this email list, go to our Subscriptions page -- http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id137.html and follow the instructions. On most weekdays I send a Morning Reflection to this same list, offering a thought about the readings from the Daily Office. Lowell The Rev. Lowell Grisham St. Paul's Episcopal Church Fayetteville, AR The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church is to explore and celebrate God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love. Our Rule of Life: We aspire to... worship weekly pray daily learn constantly serve joyfully live generously.