Scriptures and Reflection Questions for Feb. 13

6th Sunday after Epiphany, Year A

February 13, 2011

 

Episcopal Revised Common Lectionary

Year A

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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).  We've written some instructions on how to use Lectio with the Sunday Scriptures at the following link: Using Lectio Divina to pray the lections

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Collect 

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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The Lessons  

Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20

Psalm 119:1-8

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

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Ecclesiasticus 15:15-20

If you choose, you can keep the commandments,

    and to act faithfully is a matter of your own choice.

He has placed before you fire and water;

    stretch out your hand for whichever you choose.

Before each person are life and death,

    and whichever one chooses will be given.

For great is the wisdom of the Lord;

    he is mighty in power and sees everything;

his eyes are on those who fear him,

    and he knows every human action.

He has not commanded anyone to be wicked,

    and he has not given anyone permission to sin.

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How do you choose when you find yourself tempted to betray your values?  What helps you choose wisely and well?   

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Psalm 119:1-8  

Happy are they whose way is blameless, *

     who walk in your law, O God!

Happy are they who observe your decrees *

     and seek you with all their hearts!

Who never do any wrong, *

     but always walk in your ways.

You laid down your commandments, *

     that we should fully keep them.

Oh, that my ways were made so direct *

     that I might keep your statutes!

Then I should not be put to shame, *

     when I regard all your commandments.

I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *

     when I have learned your righteous judgments.

I will keep your statutes; *

     do not utterly forsake me.

The Saint Helena Psalter  

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How do you know yourself to be in a right relationship with God? 

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1 Corinthians 3:1-9

  

Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, "I belong to Paul," and another, "I belong to Apollos," are you not merely human?

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God's servants, working together; you are God's field, God's building.

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How might Paul's words impact us today?  ...in the Church?  ...in the community?  ...in the nation?  ...in the world?
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Matthew 5:21-37

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not murder'; and `whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, `You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.  

"You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

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 Jesus radicalizes the laws and statutes of the ancient scriptures.  To his hearers, his words would seem to make it impossible to follow the law and know that you are righteous.  Why is Jesus saying this?  What does Jesus intend to offer in the place of following good laws of behavior? 

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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