This week finds us working our way through the last bits of Deuteronomy as Israel is given instruction on setting up a new society in the Promised Land. Reading these chapters I have found myself wondering what excitement and a certain bit of anxiety that Israel must have felt at their new life in a new land. How would we today go about ordering a new society?
The psalms (53-58) strike me as having a Lenten flavor, as they deal with deceit, treachery, godless people -- people not getting along with one another. Next week we will move into much more joyous territory with the psalms.
If you are following The Center for Biblical Studies calendar, you will this week be at the mid-point of Luke, reading the parables, a literary form that Luke employs with particular skill. Pause to contemplate these parables (The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Prodigal Son)as we pass the mid-point of Lent.
And, if you are following an alternative New Testament reading schedule, you will be in the early chapters of I Corinthians, a book rife with the tension of how does a community work out its life together.
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Yours in Christ,
Joseph Pace
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
How much of the Bible do the Jews read? How old is the Gospel?
The question arose last week as to how much of the Bible the Jews read and if any part of the Bible is more important than another to the Jews. The first five books, which you probably have read by now, are known as the Torah, or the Books of Moses. These five books, each on its own scroll, are to be found in the ark in synagogues and temples. The Torah is divided into weekly passages and reading the Torah (in Hebrew) is a high point of the weekly liturgy.
The remainder of what we know as the Old Testament is divided into the Prophets and Writings (which includes Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes).
The four books known as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were accepted as the four canonical gospels by the end of the second century. All gospels began as oral tradition and by the end of the first century had been written down. The first three gospels are known as the Synoptics (seen through same eyes) because they are believed to have drawn upon a common source, now lost. Of these, Mark is the earliest, written around 70 CE, with Matthew and Luke following. (Acts, by the way, is the second volume of Luke.) John, which was written between 90-120 CE, differs significantly in tone and chronology of Jesus' life.
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The remainder of what we know as the Old Testament is divided into the Prophets and Writings (which includes Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes).
The four books known as the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were accepted as the four canonical gospels by the end of the second century. All gospels began as oral tradition and by the end of the first century had been written down. The first three gospels are known as the Synoptics (seen through same eyes) because they are believed to have drawn upon a common source, now lost. Of these, Mark is the earliest, written around 70 CE, with Matthew and Luke following. (Acts, by the way, is the second volume of Luke.) John, which was written between 90-120 CE, differs significantly in tone and chronology of Jesus' life.
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Monday, February 27, 2012
Questions for March
For the Hebrew Scriptures and the Psalms:
Now that you are more than half way through the Pentateuch do you have a sense why these books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) are so important to Jews?
Much of the second half of the Pentateuch has to deal with laying down the laws and order that Israel will follow once they cross over into the Promised Land. Do these laws seem onerous to you or do they seem important for Israel's new community life? Some of the punishments (such as stoning for adultery) seem extreme to modern ears. Why do you think some crimes were punished so harshly?
The Psalms have long been considered the Church's hymnbook, not just because they offer praise of God, but because they contain all the human emotions from joy to rage. Have you been surprised how strong some of the emotions are?
For the New Testament:
If you are currently reading Luke, you are reading the only childhood stories of Jesus in the gospels. Why do you think so few of the childhood stories have been recorded in the gospels?
Think back to Matthew and compare the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke. Have you noticed that Matthew tells the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of Joseph, Luke from the perspective of Mary?
Now that you are more than half way through the Pentateuch do you have a sense why these books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) are so important to Jews?
Much of the second half of the Pentateuch has to deal with laying down the laws and order that Israel will follow once they cross over into the Promised Land. Do these laws seem onerous to you or do they seem important for Israel's new community life? Some of the punishments (such as stoning for adultery) seem extreme to modern ears. Why do you think some crimes were punished so harshly?
The Psalms have long been considered the Church's hymnbook, not just because they offer praise of God, but because they contain all the human emotions from joy to rage. Have you been surprised how strong some of the emotions are?
For the New Testament:
If you are currently reading Luke, you are reading the only childhood stories of Jesus in the gospels. Why do you think so few of the childhood stories have been recorded in the gospels?
Think back to Matthew and compare the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke. Have you noticed that Matthew tells the story of Jesus' birth from the perspective of Joseph, Luke from the perspective of Mary?
Beginning a Third Month
As the Book of Numbers begins to wind down and Deuteronomy picks up, we hear more of the final preparations for entering into the Promised Land. Moses attempts to organize the people -- who seem to mightily resist organization -- and battles are fought.
Psalm 51, the great Lenten psalm which we heard Sunday sung by the choir as the Miserere mei, Deus, pops up this week in our reading, a truly divine coincidence in scheduling.
And if you are following the schedule I recommended some time ago (Matthew, Romans, Mark, I & II Corinthians, Luke, Acts...) you are in the early chapters of Mark; and if you're following the Bible Challenge schedule you are in the early chapters of Luke. In either case, you are reading Jesus' early teachings.
Share your comments by clicking on "comments" below. There are some annoying security checks in using this blog. I apologize for them, but this format is said to be the best available to avoid spammers. Share your comments.
Psalm 51, the great Lenten psalm which we heard Sunday sung by the choir as the Miserere mei, Deus, pops up this week in our reading, a truly divine coincidence in scheduling.
And if you are following the schedule I recommended some time ago (Matthew, Romans, Mark, I & II Corinthians, Luke, Acts...) you are in the early chapters of Mark; and if you're following the Bible Challenge schedule you are in the early chapters of Luke. In either case, you are reading Jesus' early teachings.
Share your comments by clicking on "comments" below. There are some annoying security checks in using this blog. I apologize for them, but this format is said to be the best available to avoid spammers. Share your comments.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Lent Begins
Today, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent is a great day to join us in the Bible Challenge if you have not already done so. Click on the Center for Biblical Studies link to the right for a schedule of where we currently are in our reading, or just begin with Genesis 1, Psalm 1 and Matthew 1 -- 3 OT chapters, 1 psalm and 1 New Testament chapter a day. You'll catch up.
The Old Testament readings for today -- Numbers 12-14 -- speak well to the beginning of Lent. Israel is on the verge of coming into the promised land and in spite of this great blessing the people act, well, like people, complaining among themselves, becoming jealous, thinking maybe it was better just to have stayed in Egypt.
Psalm 44 is beautifully paired with the readings from Numbers.
And, if you are following the Bible Challenge schedule you are beginning Luke and hearing the story of the Annunciation, a new promise for the world.
If you're following my recommended schedule of reading Romans after Matthew, you are today finishing Romans, nearing the end of Paul's argument that the good news of Jesus is for all people. All of these readings are great material for Lenten meditations.
To add your comments to this blog, click on the red Comment below.
The Old Testament readings for today -- Numbers 12-14 -- speak well to the beginning of Lent. Israel is on the verge of coming into the promised land and in spite of this great blessing the people act, well, like people, complaining among themselves, becoming jealous, thinking maybe it was better just to have stayed in Egypt.
Psalm 44 is beautifully paired with the readings from Numbers.
And, if you are following the Bible Challenge schedule you are beginning Luke and hearing the story of the Annunciation, a new promise for the world.
If you're following my recommended schedule of reading Romans after Matthew, you are today finishing Romans, nearing the end of Paul's argument that the good news of Jesus is for all people. All of these readings are great material for Lenten meditations.
To add your comments to this blog, click on the red Comment below.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Open Forum
How is your reading going? Do you have any general comments or reflections to share? Let us know by clicking on the word "comments" in red next to the date at the end of this post.
And plan to stop in at the next brief Bible Challenge update meeting in the Reception Room after the 10:30 service on Sunday, March 4 to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have!
And plan to stop in at the next brief Bible Challenge update meeting in the Reception Room after the 10:30 service on Sunday, March 4 to share your experiences and ask any questions you may have!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February Considerations: The New Testament
If you have begun to read The Gospel of Mark this month note how choppy and abrupt the gospel sounds. Favorite words are "immediately" or (in the King James Version) "straightway." Why do you think the gospel is in such a hurry, jumping from scene to scene?
And, if you are following the alternate suggestion of reading Romans this month, you are reading what is considered one of the most complicated books in the New Testament. Romans sets out the heart of St. Paul's philosophy, his belief that the good news of Christ has come for Jews as well as non-Jews, Gentiles. Some have suggested Paul is setting aside Judaism, but note as you read Romans the great love and respect Paul has for Judaism and how important he believes Judaism is to the development of Christian thought.
And, if you are following the alternate suggestion of reading Romans this month, you are reading what is considered one of the most complicated books in the New Testament. Romans sets out the heart of St. Paul's philosophy, his belief that the good news of Christ has come for Jews as well as non-Jews, Gentiles. Some have suggested Paul is setting aside Judaism, but note as you read Romans the great love and respect Paul has for Judaism and how important he believes Judaism is to the development of Christian thought.
February Considerations: The Psalms
Many of the psalms are known as lamentations, or complaints brought to God -- complaints against enemies as well as complaints even against God. The language of the psalms is somethings accusatory, wagging a finger at enemies and again, even at God. Note that no matter how strong the language of the psalm, the psalm always ends with praise of God. Even in the midst of trouble, the psalmist cannot help but praise God.
February Considerations: The Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament
The Old Testament readings for February focus on Leviticus and Numbers, portions of what are known as the "Holiness Code." This is a portion of the Old Testament people tend to skip over, but these chapters are fundamental for setting Israel apart as a people. Their intent is to establish guidelines for an orderly life for Israel, by setting forth rituals for community worship as well as directives on personal life.
Think about the unspoken rules and guidelines we follow in our community and personal life as you read through these verses which sometimes appear to be particularly rigid.
Think about the unspoken rules and guidelines we follow in our community and personal life as you read through these verses which sometimes appear to be particularly rigid.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Daily Devotions to Support Your Journey
The web for The Center for Biblical Studies site has a page for daily devotions to follow along in your reading the Bible day by day. Click on daily meditations to be directed to these meditations written by fellow Episcopalians. The meditations include questions for pondering as well as a daily prayer.
If you would like to vary your reading of the New Testament and not read all four gospels one after another, I suggest reading Romans after finishing Matthew. After Romans start Mark, followed by I and II Corinthians, then Luke, followed by Acts, the second volume of Luke. Meditations on the Center's web site (above) will however follow a straight reading through the New Testament. Enjoy. -- Joseph Pace
If you would like to vary your reading of the New Testament and not read all four gospels one after another, I suggest reading Romans after finishing Matthew. After Romans start Mark, followed by I and II Corinthians, then Luke, followed by Acts, the second volume of Luke. Meditations on the Center's web site (above) will however follow a straight reading through the New Testament. Enjoy. -- Joseph Pace
Bible Literacy
From Bishop Rowthorne, former Suffragan Bishop of CT and Bishop of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe, Retired:
What you are doing is rooted in the very beginnings of Anglicanism. Thomas Cranmer - moved by his passion for grounding the spiritual life of the English people in the Scriptures - appointed one chapter of the Bible to be read in church at Morning Prayer and one at Evening Prayer. These were whole chapters (no verses excluded) and were read in unbroken sequence.
Thus today - January 16 - the service in church included Genesis 28 and Matthew 14 (MP) and Genesis 29 and Romans 14 (EP). Tomorrow the readings would have been Genesis 30 and Matthew 15 (MP) and Genesis 31 and Romans 15 (EP). In this way over the course of a year almost the whole of the Old Testament was read through once and the New Testment three times. Even though people were largely illiterate they were made familiar with the Bible in a way that our lectionaries do not provide for so amply. And, sadly, our literate church members, unlike our Anglican forebears, are largely illiterate when it comes to what lies between the covers of the Bible.
So congratulations and great gratitude for what you are doing in the name of our Lord and for the health and well-being and effective witness of his Church!
What you are doing is rooted in the very beginnings of Anglicanism. Thomas Cranmer - moved by his passion for grounding the spiritual life of the English people in the Scriptures - appointed one chapter of the Bible to be read in church at Morning Prayer and one at Evening Prayer. These were whole chapters (no verses excluded) and were read in unbroken sequence.
Thus today - January 16 - the service in church included Genesis 28 and Matthew 14 (MP) and Genesis 29 and Romans 14 (EP). Tomorrow the readings would have been Genesis 30 and Matthew 15 (MP) and Genesis 31 and Romans 15 (EP). In this way over the course of a year almost the whole of the Old Testament was read through once and the New Testment three times. Even though people were largely illiterate they were made familiar with the Bible in a way that our lectionaries do not provide for so amply. And, sadly, our literate church members, unlike our Anglican forebears, are largely illiterate when it comes to what lies between the covers of the Bible.
So congratulations and great gratitude for what you are doing in the name of our Lord and for the health and well-being and effective witness of his Church!
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