Scriptures and Readings for December 2

1 Advent, Year A
December 2, 2007
Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary
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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.

For a method to read and pray with the scriptures you might try to use the ancient
practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). I've written some instructions on how
to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link:
http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html

We use the Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary.

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Collect

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put
on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which
your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the
last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge
both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through
him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen.
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The Scriptures
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Psalm 122
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Isaiah 2:1-5

The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come
the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
Many peoples shall come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths."
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the LORD!
_______________________

Isaiah has an image of international peace mediated by Israel.
How might our nation mediate peace?
_________________________________________________________

Psalm 122 Laetatus sum

I was glad when they said to me, *
"Let us go to the house of God."

Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;

To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Holy One, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of God.

For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
"May they prosper who love you.

Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.

For my kindred and companions' sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.

Because of the house of the Holy One our God, *
I will seek to do you good."

(Saint Helena Psalter)

_______________________

Imagine a community which "is at unity with itself"; with "peace within your walls
and quietness within your towers." What would need to happen to establish such
a community?
_________________________________________________________

Romans 13:11-14

You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from
sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;
the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works
of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in
the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and
licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its
desires.
_______________________

What do you need to do today to wake up and live more fully?
_________________________________________________________

Matthew 24:36-44

Jesus said to the disciples, "But about that day and hour no one knows,
neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as
the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as
in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying
and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they
knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will
be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one
will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal
together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore,
for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand
this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the
thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his
house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of
Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
_______________________

Sometimes life seems so normal, then an unexpected catastrophe hits and changes
everything. How are you prepared spiritually?
__________________________________________________________|

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

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go to our Subscriptions page -- http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id137.html and
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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 November 25

Pentecost 26; Proper 29, Year C
November 25, 2007
Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary

_______________________________________________________
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.

For a method to read and pray with the scriptures you might try to use the ancient
practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading). I've written some instructions on how
to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link:
http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html

_______________________________________________________

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of Lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Scriptures

Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43

_______________________________________________________

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the LORD.
Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd
my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and
you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says
the LORD. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands
where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall
be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd
them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing,
says the LORD.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous
Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and
righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live
in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The LORD is our righteousness."

__________
Jeremiah is dejected over the poor rulers (shepherds) who are failing the people.
He speaks this prophecy of hope. How might this be meaningful for you today?
___________________________________________________

The Psalm

Psalm 46 Page 727, 728 BCP

Deus noster refugium

God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the mountains be toppled into the depths of the sea;

Though its waters rage and foam, *
and though the mountains tremble at its tumult.

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, *
the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be overthrown; *
God shall help her at the break of day.

The nations make much ado, and the kingdoms are shaken; *
God has spoken, and the earth shall melt away.

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, *
what awesome things he has done on earth.

It is he who makes war to cease in all the world; *
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear, and burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations;
I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

___________

This is a psalm that is often used at funerals.
It is also appropriate in times of national emergency or need.
How does it speak to you?
_____________________________________________________

Colossians 1:11-20

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power,
and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving
thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints
in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into
the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him
all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether
thrones or dominions or rulers or powers-- all things have been created through
him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from
the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all
the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile
to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the
blood of his cross.

_________

What is this passage saying about Jesus? This is a "high" view of Jesus.
How does this passage complement the gospel account of the crucifixion?
_____________________________________________________

Luke 23:33-43

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there
with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, "Father,
forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots to divide
his clothing. The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross; but the leaders
scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah
of God, his chosen one!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him
sour wine, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was
also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews."
One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you
not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you
not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed
have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but
this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come
into your kingdom." He replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in
Paradise."
_____________

What is it about the reign of Jesus that makes this portrayal of kingship meaningful?
What does this say about Jesus' authority as Sovereign and Ruler?
____________________________

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:
www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html

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 and Reflection Questions for November 18

November 18, 2007
Pentecost 25; Proper 28, Year C
Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary

_____________________________________
The Scriptures

Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19

_______________________________________________________

Malachi 4:1-2a

See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.

__________

When have you seen goodness triumph over evil?
___________________________________________________

The Psalm

Psalm 98 Page 727, 728 BCP

Cantate Domino

1 Sing to the LORD a new song, *
for he has done marvelous things.

2 With his right hand and his holy arm *
has he won for himself the victory.

3 The LORD has made known his victory; *
his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.

4 He remembers his mercy and faithfulness to the house of Israel, *
and all the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.

5 Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands; *
lift up your voice, rejoice, and sing.

6 Sing to the LORD with the harp, *
with the harp and the voice of song.

7 With trumpets and the sound of the horn *
shout with joy before the King, the LORD.

8 Let the sea make a noise and all that is in it, *
the lands and those who dwell therein.

9 Let the rivers clap their hands, *
and let the hills ring out with joy before the LORD,
when he comes to judge the earth.

10 In righteousness shall he judge the world *
and the peoples with equity.

___________

Imagine the mood of this psalmist.
Now, remember a day of gladness and joy. What happened? How did you feel?
What words from this psalm connect with your experience?
_____________________________________________________

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Now we command you, beloved, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from believers who are living in idleness and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us; we were not idle when we were with you, and we did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it; but with toil and labor we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you. This was not because we do not have that right, but in order to give you an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: Anyone unwilling to work should not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right.

_________

Where do you see hard work and just compensation in our society?
Where do you see idleness?
Does your thought about those who are idlers move more naturally toward those who are wealthy and not working or those who are poor and not working? Why?
_____________________________________________________

Luke 21:5-19

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down."

They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, `I am he!' and, `The time is near!' Do not go after them.

"When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

"But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls."

_____________

What potential external circumstance frightens you the most?
How would you cope if that dread thing happen?
____________________________

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:
Praying the Scriptures with Lectio (http://www.stpaulsfay.org/id272.html)

Scriptures for November 11

Sunday, November 11 24 Pentecost; Proper 27, Yr C Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary The Collect O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Scriptures Job 19:23-27a Psalm 17:1-9 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Luke 20:27-38

Job 19:23-27a

Job said,

"O that my words were written down!

O that they were inscribed in a book!

O that with an iron pen and with lead

they were engraved on a rock forever!

For I know that my Redeemer lives,

and that at the last he will stand upon the earth;

and after my skin has been thus destroyed,

then in my flesh I shall see God,

whom I shall see on my side,

and my eyes shall behold, and not another."

__________

What do you believe in so strongly that it could be inscribed in rock?
___________________________________________________

Psalm 17:1-9; Book of Common Prayer, p. 600

Exaudi, Domine

1

Hear my plea of innocence, O LORD;
give heed to my cry; *
listen to my prayer, which does not come from lying lips.

2

Let my vindication come forth from your presence; *
let your eyes be fixed on justice.

3

Weigh my heart, summon me by night, *
melt me down; you will find no impurity in me.

4

I give no offense with my mouth as others do; *
I have heeded the words of your lips.

5

My footsteps hold fast to the ways of your law; *
in your paths my feet shall not stumble.

6

I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; *
incline your ear to me and hear my words.

7

Show me your marvelous loving-kindness, *
O Savior of those who take refuge at your right hand
from those who rise up against them.

8

Keep me as the apple of your eye; *
hide me under the shadow of your wings,

9

From the wicked who assault me, *
from my deadly enemies who surround me.

___________

What would you ask of God?
_____________________________________________________

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

_________

How would you articulate your sense of calling from Jesus?
What do you want to stand firm in and hold fast to?
_____________________________________________________

Luke 20:27-38

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and asked him a question, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her."

Jesus said to them, "Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive."

_____________

Have you ever had someone try to catch you in a trick question? What happened?
What is this argument about?
_______________________________________________________

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