- Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10
- Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 15
- 1 Corinthians 12: 12-14, 27
- Luke 1: 1-4, 4: 14-21
- Celebrating the Liturgy of the Word
- Too bad that no one thought to write down the commentary that Ezra gave on the Book of the Law when he read and interpreted it to the people. What background do you think Ezra had that equipped him to interpret the law to the people?
- Do you think that God's word needs interpretation?
- Is that interpretation something that we can/should do strictly alone, in a faith sharing setting, or both?
- Where do you get your faith sharing?
- You are what you think
- Each week we seek forgiveness and God's mercy for since of thought, word, and deed. How do your thoughts influence your actions?
- How can our words influence our actions?
- If you know in your mind that your beliefs need to change, but your heart is not in it, is it possible to gradually change your heart merely by verbalizing something that your mind assents to?
- If that is the case, does reciting the Creed each week make us better people?
- You are only as healthy as your sickest member
- Unity seems in short supply Christians these days. What sort of priority do you think that should have among all of the things that we collectively and individually are dealing with in these times?
- Is achieving wholeness within God's people something that is only a concern to the leaders of our various groups?
- What can we do to help?
- Standing your ground
- It's helpful to ask yourself from time to time why the Lectionary readings are organized the way that they are. This week's Gospel is something of a cliff hanger. Jesus makes what must have seemed an astounding declaration, and then we pause in the narrative for a week-long commercial break. Don't miss out next week for the stirring conclusion.
- Do you think that you have an anointing?
- Do you think that you need to broadcast that anointing to those around you?
- When was the last time that you told someone that you felt called of God into some ministry, some change in your career, some decision in your life?
- How am I growing in God's word today, this week, this year?
- Am I willing to be convinced of the truth of something, even if it takes me out of my comfort zone into uncharted waters?
- Am I willing to grow closer to God by dialog with others who many not hold my views?
- Am I willing to be bold in my ministry?
Gifted and Anonymous
We've all found ourselves in a room full of strangers.
Standing awkwardly, libation in hand, wondering
Wondering how long before the social torture ends
And you can go home, curl up with a good book,
And enjoy the company of someone who understands.
You decide to make the best of it, and try to strike up
Strike up a conversation with the person next to you.
You consider the usual openers, like "what do you do?"
Or, "whereabouts are you from?" to start things off.
Instead, unbidden, you utter "who are you, really?"
And that other person gazes long into your eyes
Looking to see if you really meant the question.
They come to a decision, and they begin:
"I'm a pilgrim, a priest, a poet, a philosopher.
I don't earn a dime for any of those roles, but they define me.
My pilgrimage lies in how I get there, not where I'm going.
My priesthood is founded on offering myself to others.
The poetry of my life is recited in my actions.
And my questions frame the philosophy of my existence.
I try my best to remain true to myself in obedience."
Then your partner in this strange endeavor sighs, and asks:
"What are you most afraid of, what keeps you up at night?"
And suddenly you see yourself, with all your foibles,
And you are suddenly very fond of the who of you
And the answer to that frightening question comes:
"I don't fear failure, or poverty, or even indifference.
I fear meaninglessness, my own cowardice and laziness,
I so want to do things that matter, to matter myself.
To rise above my fears, extend myself, transcend myself
So that I can make a difference."
Give it a try next time you're in a social setting,
One that needs a little stirring up.
I guarantee at least someone will know that you were there.
Which could be all that it takes to start both of you
On a pilgrimage of discovery.
Shalom!
Standing awkwardly, libation in hand, wondering
Wondering how long before the social torture ends
And you can go home, curl up with a good book,
And enjoy the company of someone who understands.
You decide to make the best of it, and try to strike up
Strike up a conversation with the person next to you.
You consider the usual openers, like "what do you do?"
Or, "whereabouts are you from?" to start things off.
Instead, unbidden, you utter "who are you, really?"
And that other person gazes long into your eyes
Looking to see if you really meant the question.
They come to a decision, and they begin:
"I'm a pilgrim, a priest, a poet, a philosopher.
I don't earn a dime for any of those roles, but they define me.
My pilgrimage lies in how I get there, not where I'm going.
My priesthood is founded on offering myself to others.
The poetry of my life is recited in my actions.
And my questions frame the philosophy of my existence.
I try my best to remain true to myself in obedience."
Then your partner in this strange endeavor sighs, and asks:
"What are you most afraid of, what keeps you up at night?"
And suddenly you see yourself, with all your foibles,
And you are suddenly very fond of the who of you
And the answer to that frightening question comes:
"I don't fear failure, or poverty, or even indifference.
I fear meaninglessness, my own cowardice and laziness,
I so want to do things that matter, to matter myself.
To rise above my fears, extend myself, transcend myself
So that I can make a difference."
Give it a try next time you're in a social setting,
One that needs a little stirring up.
I guarantee at least someone will know that you were there.
Which could be all that it takes to start both of you
On a pilgrimage of discovery.
Shalom!
No comments:
Post a Comment