Archive for the ‘Hebrews 5’ Category
Above: The Healing of the Blind Man of Jericho
A Mosaic in Ravenna, Italy
Image in the Public Domain
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According to the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship (ILCW) Lectionary (1973), as contained in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) and Lutheran Worship (1982)
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Jeremiah 31:7-9
Psalm 126
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:46-52
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Almighty and everlasting God,
increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity;
and, that we may obtain what your promise,
make us love what you command;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—Lutheran Book of Worship (1978), 29
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Almighty God, we pray,
show your humble servants your mercy,
that we, who put no trust in our own merits,
may be dealt with not according to the severity of your judgment
but according to your mercy;
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
—Lutheran Worship (1982), 87
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…he learnt obedience, Son though he was, through his sufferings; when he had been perfected, he became for all who obey him the source of eternal salvation and was acclaimed by God with the title of high priest of the order of Melchizedek.
–Hebrews 5:8-10, The Revised New Jerusalem Bible
Perfection, in this case, indicates suitability for one’s task(s). This is the same definition of perfection according to which sacrificial animals who fulfill the standards are perfect and the Bible says we should be perfect.
We have, then, questions to consider. What are our tasks, properly? What does God expect us and equip us (both collectively and individually) to do? And how can we discern these vocations?
The formerly blind man of Jericho understood his new vocation; he followed Jesus into Jerusalem for that fateful Passover Week. The narrative drops the man after Mark 10:52, but we can imagine how the erstwhile blind man felt about what he saw and how these experiences altered his life.
The readings from the Hebrew Bible speak of God restoring ancient Israel. Jeremiah 31:7-9 envisions the restoration of the remnant of the northern Kingdom of Israel into the Judean community. This matter raises the question of human willingness to welcome those brothers and sisters back into the fold.
May we refrain from overdoing individualism. The dominant ethos in the Bible is communitarian. So, may the individualistic focus subordinate to the communal focus as we ponder what God calls and equips us to do. Besides, we can accomplish more together than alone. The question is not, “What does God call and equip me to do?” as often as it is, “What does God call and equip us to do?”
People live in situations, not abstractions. Therefore, faithful response to this divine call will look different from place and time to place and time. The challenges and circumstances of one community may differ from those of another. So be it. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, not the cooking. Results matter.
One application of this principle of collectively responding faithfully to God is to the church as membership declines and budgets reduce. As I write this post, inflation is another challenge to already-tight congregational budgets. How can we best be the church when and where we are? How must we change? What must never change? The Episcopal catechism lists lay members as ministers before it lists ordained people as ministers. Yet, in a sacramental tradition, sacramentalists are crucial. So, a congregation lacking a priest has an additional challenge. Yes, such a congregation can rent a prieset for any given Sunday, but that is not the same as having a regular priestly presence.
Often we need something intangible more than we require something tangible. We need the imagination to think anew and to recognize what we have that is tangible and how to use it most effectively. We require the imagination to perceive God calling us and God’s call to us. We need the imagination to believe that we can fulfill the vocation(s) for which God equips us.
Then we will be perfect–suitable for our tasks.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MAY 3, 2023 COMMON ERA
THE TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF EASTER
THE FEAST OF CAROLINE CHISHOLM, ENGLISH HUMANITARIAN AND SOCIAL REFORMER
THE FEAST OF ANTONIN DVORÁK, CZECH ROMAN CATHOLIC COMPOSER
THE FEAST OF JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH HODGES, EPISCOPAL PRIEST, LITURGIST, ORGANIST, AND COMPOSER
THE FEAST OF MARIE-LÉONIE PARADIS, FOUNDER OF THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY
THE FEAST OF SAINTS MAURA AND TIMOTHY OF ANTINOE, MARTYRS, 286
THE FEAST OF SAINT TOMASSO ACERBIS, CAPUCHIN FRIAR
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Adapted from this post
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Above: St. Augustine in His Study, by Vittore Carpaccio
Image in the Public Domain
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According to the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship (ILCW) Lectionary (1973), as contained in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) and Lutheran Worship (1982)
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Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:11-16
Hebrews 5:7-9
John 12:20-33
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Almighty God, our redeemer, in our weakness we have failed
to be your messengers of forgiveness and hope in the world.
Renew us by your Holy Spirit, that we may follow your commands
and proclaim your reign of love;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
—Lutheran Book of Worship (1978), 19
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Almighty and eternal God, because it was your will that your Son
should bear the pains of the cross for us
and thus remove from us the power of the adversary,
help us so to remember and give thanks for our Lord’s Passion
that we may receive remission of our sins
and redemption from everlasting death;
through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
—Lutheran Worship (1982), 38
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Lent is a penitential season, and these are readings suited for Lent. They are especially suitable for the penultimate Sunday of the season.
One theme in the canonical Gospels is the priority of following Jesus. “Hate” is an unfortunate translation choice in John 12:25. The meaning is to “love less than,” not to hate, as we first understand “hate.” Therefore, John 12:25 should read:
Whoever loves his life more than me loses it, and whoever loves me more than his life (or loves his life less than me) in their world will preserve it for eternal life.
Jesus (suitable for his purpose–the meaning of “perfect” in Hebrews 5:9) had the credentials to demand and to command so high a priority.
The covenant written on hearts is possible. The Pauline tradition affirms this; the Holy Spirit makes such a covenant possible. This thread continues into the writings of St. Augustine of Hippo, who wrote at length and exercised logic. A terribly simplistic reduction of paragraphs from St. Augustine of Hippo reads:
Love God and do as you please.
When one reads the full, germane text carefully, one sees the logic, lifted from St. Paul the Apostle’s discourses about natural/unspiritual people and spiritual people in 1 Corinthians 2. In Pauline terms, spiritual people–who share the will of God–can do what they please, for they want what God wants.
That is an advanced spiritual state–one I do not pretend to have reached. Yet I continue to muddle through each day, trying to live well in God, in whom I trust. That is something, anyway. Jesus can use it and multiply it, fortunately.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 16, 2023 COMMON ERA
THE TWENTIETH DAY OF LENT
THE FEAST OF SAINT ADALBALD OF OSTEVANT, SAINT RICTRUDIS OF MARCHIENNES, AND THEIR RELATIONS
THE FEAST OF SAINT ABRAHAM KIDUNAIA, ROMAN CATHOLIC HERMIT; AND SAINT MARY OF EDESSA, ROMAN CATHOLIC ANCHORESS
THE FEAST OF SAINT JOHN CACCIAFRONTE, ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK, ABBOT, BISHOP, AND MARTYR, 1183
THE FEAST OF SAINT MEGINGAUD OF WURZBURG, ROMAN CATHOLIC MONK AND BISHOP
THE FEAST OF THOMAS WYATT TURNER, U.S. ROMAN CATHOLIC SCIENTIST, EDUCATOR, AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST; FOUNDER OF FEDERATED COLORED CATHOLICS
THE FEAST OF WILLIAM HENRY MONK, ANGLICAN ORGANIST, HYMN TUNE COMPOSER, AND MUSIC EDUCATOR
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Adapted from this post
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Above: Icon of the Crucifixion
Image in the Public Domain
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According to the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship (ILCW) Lectionary (1973), as contained in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978) and Lutheran Worship (1982)
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Isaiah 52:13-53:12 or Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 22:1-23 (LBW) or Psalm 22:1-24 (LW)
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42 or John 19:17-30
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Almighty God, we ask you to look with mercy on your family;
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed
and to be given over to the hands of sinners
and to suffer death on the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
OR
Lord Jesus, you carried our sins in your own body
on the tree so that we might have life.
May we and all who remember this day find new life
in you now and in the world to come,
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
—Lutheran Book of Worship (1978), 20
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Almighty God, graciously behold this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed,
to be given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death on the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
—Lutheran Worship (1982), 45
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Words and rituals have power. (That is a quintessential Lutheran theological statement.) In my denomination, The Episcopal Church, the liturgy for Good Friday is powerful and solemn. It concludes with people leaving in silence.
Sometimes one should be silent. I invite you, O reader, to read the assigned portions of scripture aloud or to listen to them. Let them sink in. Let them exercise their power over you. And digest them in silence.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
APRIL 15, 2022 COMMON ERA
GOOD FRIDAY
THE FEAST OF SAINT OLGA OF KIEV, REGENT OF KIEVAN RUSSIA; SAINT ADALBERT OF MAGDEBURG, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP; SAINT ADALBERT OF PRAGUE, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP AND MARTYR, 997; AND SAINTS BENEDICT AND GAUDENTIUS OF POMERANIA, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYRS, 997
THE FEAST OF SAINTS DAMIEN AND MARIANNE OF MOLOKAI, WORKERS AMONG LEPERS
THE FEAST OF SAINT FLAVIA DOMITILLA, ROMAN CHRISTIAN NOBLEWOMAN; AND SAINTS MARO, EUTYCHES, AND VICTORINUS OF ROME, PRIESTS AND MARTYRS, CIRCA 99
THE FEAST OF SAINT HUNNA OF ALSACE, THE “HOLY WASHERWOMAN”
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Adapted from this post
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Above: Effects of Acid Rain on a Forest in the Czech Republic, 2006
Photographer = Lovecz
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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Exodus 34:1-10 or 1 Kings 22:29-43
Psalm 62:1-8, 11-12
Hebrews 5:12-6:12
Mark 9:30-37
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The key mark of discipleship is servanthood.
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Some themes recur in the readings for this week:
- God is faithful.
- Trust in God.
- Do not commit apostasy.
- People reap what they sow.
- Christ is the exemplar of the type of service that defines greatness.
Exodus 34:7 requires unpacking. The principle that God punishes or forgives members of subsequent generations based on the sins of an ancestor exists also in 1 Kings 21:29, Nehemiah 9:17, Deuteronomy 5:9, Numbers 14:18, Psalm 103:8, Joel 2:13, and Jonah 4:2. Yet we read the opposite view–individual moral responsibility–in Ezekiel 18 and Jeremiah 31:29-30. The Bible contradicts itself sometimes.
The best explanation for the opinion we read in Exodus 34:7 comes from Professor Richard Elliot Friedman: effects of one’s actions are apparent generations later. I recognize ways in which actions of two of my paternal great-grandfathers influence me indirectly. This is one example of something, that, from a certain point of view, looks like intergenerational punishment and reward by God.
The decisions of others influence us. Some of them even restrict our options. We may suffer because of the decisions of those who have preceded us; we may suffer because of their sins. This is the way of the world. Yet we are morally responsible for ourselves and each other, not those who have died. No, they are responsible for their sins, just as we are responsible for ours.
May we–individually and collectively–refrain from visiting the consequences of our sins on those who will succeed us. We owe them that much, do we not?
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 25, 2019 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT JAMES BAR-ZEBEDEE, APOSTLE AND MARTYR
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Adapted from this post:
https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2019/07/25/devotion-for-proper-22-year-b-humes/
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Above: Jezebel and Ahab, by Frederic Leighton
Image in the Public Domain
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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Exodus 33:12-23 or 1 Kings 21:1-24
Psalm 61:1-5, 8
Hebrews 4:14-5:5, 7-9
Mark 9:14-29
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According to Psalms 14 and 53, the fool/benighted man, an amoral person, thinks incorrectly that God either does not care (TANAKH: The Holy Scriptures, 1985) or is absent (Mitchell J. Dahood, 1968). The erroneous assumption of the fool/benighted man is that God either does not want to answer prayers or cannot do so. Therefore, from that perspective, one must and can rely on one’s own powers and devices. This is the root of evil.
God does care. God is present. God does answer prayers. Sometimes the answer is “no,” which we may not like. God loves us, but is not our vending machine.
St. Augustine of Hippo wrote,
We pray that we may believe and believe that we may pray.
We can simultaneously have faith and doubts. I know this spiritual state. Perhaps you do, too, O reader. We can have enough faith to pray yet not enough to assume that God will answer as we desire. To anyone who knows this spiritual state, I say,
Welcome to the human race. You stand in the company of the communion of saints.
When we cannot pray, or be mindful of God, yet want to do so, we are not bereft. That desire is a solid beginning, a foundation on which God can build.
We err when we place ourselves–individually and/or collectively–in the center of theology and spirituality. God is the only proper center.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
JULY 25, 2019 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINT JAMES BAR-ZEBEDEE, APOSTLE AND MARTYR
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Adapted from this post:
https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2019/07/25/devotion-for-proper-21-year-b-humes/
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Above: A Crucifix
Photographer = Kenneth Randolph Taylor
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For Holy Wednesday, Year 1, according to the U.S. Presbyterian lectionary of 1966-1970
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Everlasting God, who delivered the Children of Israel from cruel captivity:
may we be delivered from sin and death by your mighty power,
and celebrate the hope of life eternal within your promised kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
—The Worshipbook–Services and Hymns (1972), 145
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Hebrews 5:5-10
Luke 22:24-34
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The author of the misnamed Epistle to the Hebrews (neither an epistle nor to Hebrews), whoever he was (Origen said that only God knew who wrote it) did not read the Gospel of John. The most probable reason for this was that the “Epistle to the Hebrews” predated the Fourth Gospel.
The reading from Hebrews 5 may mystify a Christian shaped by the Johannine Gospel. What does it mean that Christ learned obedience via his sufferings? And what about Christ being perfected? The divine passive in the latter case indicates that God was the actor, the one who perfected Christ. But was not Jesus already perfect–always perfect? The confusion does not cease even when one realizes the particular meaning of perfection in this case–suitability to be the ultimate sacrifice.
None of this inconsistency constitutes a difficulty for me, for I am not a fundamentalist. I acknowledge the obvious fact–that the New Testament contains mutually exclusive points of view presented and authoritatively. I prefer the Johannine perspective to that of the author of the “Epistle to the Hebrews” when the two contradict each other.
Both readings (Luke 22 and Hebrews 5) agree on the priority of obeying God. The ethic of service (from Luke 22) fits hand-in-glove with the obedience of Jesus (Hebrews 5). One may also ponder John 12:26 (from the previous post‘s readings), about following Jesus, who loved us all the way to an ignominious execution–his execution, in the Gospel of John.
Robert C. Wright, the Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta, likes to say,
Love like Jesus.
When one considers that statement in the full context of Christ’s life, one realizes that this is no feel-good slogan, but a challenge to discipleship, to cross-bearing.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
NOVEMBER 13, 2018 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF HENRY MARTYN DEXTER, U.S. CONGREGATIONALIST MINISTER AND HISTORIAN
THE FEAST OF SAINT ABBO OF FLEURY, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBOT
THE FEAST OF SAINT BRICE OF TOURS, ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP
THE FEAST OF SAINT NICHOLAS TAVELIC AND HIS COMPANIONS, ROMAN CATHOLIC MARTYRS
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Above: St. John the Baptist Preaching, by Mattia Preti
Image in the Public Domain
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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning:
Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them,
that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of life,
which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
—The Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 236
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Numbers 14:1-25
Psalm 144
John 3:22-38
Hebrews 5:11-6:20
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Happy are the people to whom such blessings falls;
happy are the people whose God is the LORD.
–Psalm 144:15, The New Revised Standard Version (1989)
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Timothy Matthew Slemmons, in creating his proposed Year D, has grouped stories of rebellion against God and cautions against opposing God together in Advent. It is a useful tactic, for, as much as one might know something, reminders prove helpful.
In Hebrews we read of the reality of apostasy (falling away from God) and the imperative of not doing so. It is a passage with which those whose theology precludes the possibility of apostasy must contend. I, as one raised a United Methodist and, as of a few years ago, converted to affirming Single Predestination, know much about the theology of free will in relation to salvation. On a lighter note, I also recall an old joke about Methodists: Not only do they believe in falling from grace, but they practice it often. (If one cannot be religious and have a well-developed sense of humor, one has a major problem.) Although I like Methodism in general (more so than certain regional variations of it), I cannot be intellectually honest and return to it, given Methodist theology regarding the denial of Single Predestination.
As Hebrews 6:19-20 tells us, the faithfulness of God is the anchor of our souls, and Jesus is a forerunner on our behalf. In John 3:22-38 we read of his forerunner, St. John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus, not to himself. I have no doubt that
He must grow greater; I must become less.
–John 3:30, The Revised English Bible (1989),
words attributed to St. John the Baptist, are not historical. Neither do I doubt their theological truth. St. John the Baptist probably said something to the effect of that sentence, I argue. I also insist that those words apply to all of us in the human race. Jesus must grow greater; each of us must become less. To act according to the ethos of glorifying oneself might lead to short-term gain, but it also leads to negative consequences for oneself in the long term and for others in the short, medium, and long terms.
The call of God entails the spiritual vocation of humility, or, in simple terms, of being down to earth. The highest and chief end of man, the Westminster Catechisms teach us correctly, is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. To arrive at that point one must trust in and follow God, whom we ought not to forget or neglect at any time, but especially in December, in the immediate temporal proximity of the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
AUGUST 22, 2016 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF JACK LAYTON, CANADIAN ACTIVIST AND FEDERAL LEADER OF THE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
THE FEAST OF JOHN DRYDEN, ENGLISH PURITAN THEN ANGLICAN THEN ROMAN CATHOLIC POET, PLAYWRIGHT, AND TRANSLATOR
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Adapted from this post:
https://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2016/08/22/devotion-for-the-fourth-sunday-of-advent-year-d/
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Above: The Parable of the Sower
Image in the Public Domain
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The Collect:
Eternal God, you draw near to us in Christ, and you make yourself our guest.
Amid the cares of our lives, make us attentive to your presence,
that we may treasure your word above all else,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
—Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 43
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The Assigned Readings:
Genesis 12:10-20 (Thursday)
Genesis 13:1-18 (Friday)
Genesis 14:1-16 (Saturday)
Psalm 15 (All Days)
Hebrews 5:1-6 (Thursday)
Ephesians 3:14-21 (Friday)
Luke 8:4-10 (Saturday)
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Yahweh, who can find a home in your tent,
who can dwell on your holy mountain?
Whoever lives blamelessly,
who acts uprightly,
who speaks the truth from the heart,
who keeps the tongue under control,
who does not wrong a comrade,
who casts no discredit on a neighbour,
who looks with scorn on the vile,
but honours those who fear Yahweh,
who stands by an oath at any cost,
who asks no interest on loans,
who takes no bribe to harm the innocent.
No one who so acts can ever be shaken.
–Psalm 15, The New Jerusalem Bible (1985)
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Abram (later Abraham) was a fascinating, contradictory, and frequently puzzling figure, for he was a human being. In Genesis 12-14 alone he pretended that Sarai (his wife) was his sister, lied to the Pharaoh (who, unlike Abram, suffered because of the lie), prospered (in large part due to that lie), remained in Canaan and engaged in warfare while Lot, his nephew, moved to Sodom. At the end of Chapter 14 Abram encountered Melchizedek, hence one reason for the reading from Hebrews 5, I suppose.
The traditional name of the reading from Luke 8 is the Parable of the Sower. Nevertheless, the emphasis in the story is the soils, so, as some commentators I have read have argued, we should refer to the Parable of the Four Soils. Each of us is, under the best circumstances, good soil, albeit not entirely so. That is a fact of human nature. Abram/Abraham and Sarai/Sarah had serious defects of character, as did St. Paul the Apostle. Likewise, you, O reader, and I have character flaws. Nevertheless, may the lovely prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 be others’ prayer for us and our prayer for others.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
MARCH 16, 2016 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF SAINTS ADALBALD OF OSTEVANT, RICTRUDIS OF MARCHIENNES, AND THEIR RELATIONS
THE FEAST OF SAINTS ABRAHAM KIDUNAIA, ROMAN CATHOLIC HERMIT, AND MARY OF EDESSA, ROMAN CATHOLIC ANCHORESS
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Adapted from this post:
https://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/devotion-for-thursday-friday-and-saturday-before-proper-11-year-c-elca-daily-lectionary/
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Above: The Dogma of the Redemption, by John Singer Sargent
Image Source = Library of Congress
(http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2003689379/)
Reproduction Number = LC-USZ62-133671
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The Collects:
Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed,
to be given over to the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death on the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
or
Merciful God, your Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to himself.
Grant that we who have been born out of his wounded side may at all times
find mercy in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 31
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The Assigned Readings:
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Psalm 22
Hebrews 10:16-15 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
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Some Related Posts:
Isaiah 52-53:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/thirty-ninth-day-of-lent-good-friday/
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/devotion-for-monday-and-tuesday-after-the-second-sunday-after-epiphany-year-a-elca-daily-lectionary/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/proper-24-year-b/
Hebrews 10:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/thirty-ninth-day-of-lent-good-friday/
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/10/03/week-of-3-epiphany-wednesday-year-1/
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/week-of-3-epiphany-thursday-year-1/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/devotion-for-the-third-day-of-easter-tuesday-in-easter-week-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/devotion-for-the-fourth-day-of-easter-wednesday-in-holy-week-lcms-daily-lectionary/\
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/proper-28-year-b/
Hebrews 4:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/devotion-for-the-thirty-seventh-day-of-lent-wednesday-in-holy-week-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/devotion-for-the-fifth-and-sixth-days-of-lent-year-a-elca-daily-lectionary/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/proper-23-year-b/
Hebrews 5:
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/week-of-2-epiphany-monday-year-1/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/fifth-sunday-in-lent-year-b/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/proper-24-year-b/
John 18-19:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/thirty-ninth-day-of-lent-good-friday/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/fortieth-day-of-lent-holy-saturday/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/proper-29-year-b/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/devotion-for-june-18-19-and-20-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/devotion-for-june-21-and-22-lcms-daily-lectionary/
Prayer for Good Friday:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/prayer-for-good-friday/
Grant, Lord Jesus, That My Healing:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/grant-lord-jesus-that-my-healing/
To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/to-mock-your-reign-o-dearest-lord/
Throned Upon the Awful Tree:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/09/26/throned-upon-the-awful-tree/
How Can I Thank You?:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/how-can-i-thank-you/
O Christ, Who Called the Twelve:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/07/01/o-christ-who-called-the-twelve/
How Wide the Love of Christ:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/06/30/how-wide-the-love-of-christ/
Beneath the Cross of Jesus:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/beneath-the-cross-of-jesus/
Darkly Rose the Guilty Morning:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/darkly-rose-the-guilty-morning/
O Jesus, We Adore Thee:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/o-jesus-we-adore-thee/
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/o-sacred-head-now-wounded/
Stabat Mater:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/stabat-mater/
Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/ah-holy-jesus-how-hast-thou-offended/
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross/
My Song is Love Unknown:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/my-song-is-love-unknown/
In the Cross of Christ I Glory:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/10/20/in-the-cross-of-christ-i-glory/
Hymn of Promise:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/hymn-of-promise/
O Jesus, Youth of Nazareth:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/o-jesus-youth-of-nazareth-by-ferdinand-q-blanchard/
For the Cross:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/for-the-cross/
O Blessed Mother:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/o-blessed-mother/
O Word of Pity, for Our Pardon Pleading:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2012/08/08/o-word-of-pity-for-our-pardon-pleading/
Sing, My Tongue, the Glorious Battle:
http://gatheredprayers.wordpress.com/2013/10/31/sing-my-tongue-the-glorious-battle/
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Psalm 22, which begins with
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,
and are so far from my salvation,
from the words of my distress?
O my God, I cry in the daytime,
but you do not answer;
and by night also, but I find no rest.
–Verses 1-2, Common Worship (2000)
ends in thanksgiving for what God has done. This fact applies well to the Easter Triduum, but I choose not to pursue that line of thought further in this post, for to do so would be to get ahead of this day’s portion of the narrative.
Faithful people of God read Isaiah 52:13-53:12 for centuries before the crucifixion of Jesus. As obvious as that statement might seem, it might also surprise some people accustomed to only one lens through which to interpret it. So what about Jewish readings of the passage? The servant of God could be the whole Israelite nation or just the pious minority thereof or a particular holy person, maybe Jeremiah. All of these are possible. The words also fit Jesus well.
I publish these words in the vicinity of Thanksiving Day (U.S.A.) 2013 and shortly before the beginning of the season of Advent. I know that Christmas leads to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There is much occurring theologically in these assigned readings. Among them are a condemnation of unjust violence and a reminder that God is more powerful than our hatred and fear.
It is well and good to salute Jesus, but that alone is insufficient. We have no mere hero and martyr. No, we have a Lord and Savior, whom we are supposed to follow. He said to keep his commandments and to love each other as he loved his Apostles. Fortunately, we have access to grace, or else accomplishing these goals would be impossible.
So may we heed the advice of Hebrews 10:24:
…and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works….
–Revised Standard Version—Second Edition (1971)
If certain people had thought that way, they would not have sought to kill Jesus.
Following this ethic requires us to seek not affirmation of our opinions, doctrines, and social status, but that which is best for others. Obeying our Lord and Savior—taking up a cross and following him—entails thinking more about others than about oneself. This is difficult yet for the best overall.
Good Friday is a holy day for me. The Episcopal Church’s liturgy for the day moves me deeply, doing what good ritual ought to do—take one out of daily routines and transport one into a different spiritual atmosphere. Reading the assigned lessons has taken me only a short distance along that path, but that brief trip suffices for now. The material is emotionally difficult. It it is not, that fact might speak poorly of the reader.
May divine love fill your soul, O reader, and inspire you to love and good works.
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
THE FEAST OF GEORGE DAWSON, ENGLISH BAPTIST AND UNITARIAN PASTOR
THE FEAST OF DOROTHY DAY, SOCIAL ACTIVIST
THE FEAST OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE CHURCH OF NORTH INDIA, 1970
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Adapted from this post:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/devotion-for-good-friday-years-a-b-and-c-elca-daily-lectionary/
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Above: Crucifix, Tyrol, Italy, Between 1890 and 1900
Image Creator = Detroit Publishing Company
Image Source = Library of Congress
(http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002711133/)
Reproduction Number = LC-DIG-ppmsc-09744
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The Collect:
Lord God, our strength, the struggle between good and evil rages within and around us,
and the devil and all the forces that defy you tempt us with empty promises.
Keep us steadfast in your word, and when we fall, raise us again and restore us
through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
–Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006), page 26
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The Assigned Readings:
1 Kings 19:1-8 (5th Day)
Genesis 4:1-16 (6th Day)
Psalm 32 (Both Days)
Hebrews 2:10-18 (5th Day)
Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (6th Day)
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Some Related Posts:
1 Kings 19:
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/devotion-for-september-1-2-and-3-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2012/07/16/proper-7-year-c/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/10/03/proper-14-year-b/
Genesis 4:
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/week-of-6-epiphany-monday-year-1/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/devotion-for-the-first-sunday-in-lent-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2010/11/12/week-of-proper-1-monday-year-1/
Hebrews 2:
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/week-of-1-epiphany-tuesday-year-1/
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/week-of-1-epiphany-wednesday-year-1/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/devotion-for-the-thirty-fifth-day-of-lent-monday-in-holy-week-lcms-daily-lectionary/
Hebrews 4-5:
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/week-of-1-epiphany-saturday-year-1/
http://adventchristmasepiphany.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/week-of-2-epiphany-monday-year-1/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/devotion-for-the-thirty-seventh-day-of-lent-wednesday-in-holy-week-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2011/07/27/fifth-sunday-in-lent-year-b/
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/devotion-for-the-thirty-eighth-day-of-lent-maundy-thursday-lcms-daily-lectionary/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/proper-23-year-b/
http://ordinarytimedevotions.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/proper-24-year-b/
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You are a place for me to hide in;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with songs of deliverance.
–Psalm 32:8, Common Worship (2000)
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The theological problem of why people suffer is a golden oldie. Some attempts to answer it prove unsatisfactory, often blaming the victim. The arguments of Job’s alleged friends come to mind immediately. Such theodicies cross the line separating good piety from idiocy and cruelty.
The assigned readings for these two days offer some scenarios in which people suffer:
- Suffering results from one’s own sin, as in Psalm 32.
- Suffering results from another person’s malice, as in the other lessons.
And sometimes God provides for a suffering person, as in 1 Kings 19 and Genesis 4. In the latter case, divine protection covered a murderer. In offer no explanations or justifications. No, I function merely as a reporter.
Yet I know that suffering can lead to useful spiritual lessons. And I take great comfort in the truth that God, by virtue of the Incarnation, sympathizes with us in our weakness and suffering. We are not alone, no matter how much we might feel alone. Thanks be to God!
KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR
NOVEMBER 18, 2013 COMMON ERA
THE FEAST OF ARTHUR TOZER RUSSELL, ANGLICAN PRIEST AND HYMN WRITER
THE FEAST OF SAINT HILDA OF WHITBY, ROMAN CATHOLIC ABBESS
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Adapted from this post:
http://lenteaster.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/devotion-for-the-fifth-and-sixth-days-of-lent-year-a-elca-daily-lectionary/
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BLOGA THEOLOGICA 
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