Scriptures & Reflection Questions for November 25

Pentecost 26; Proper 29, Year C
November 25, 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

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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

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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."

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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?
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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.

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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?
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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.

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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?
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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."
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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?
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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