Bowing out

As you can see, recently I have really struggled to achieve my aim. That was to post by 9.00 UK time daily. Circumstances have conspired against this, so for now I am going to pause and have a rethink.

To the person who has looked at the post most days - thanks very much for following.

alistair

Reflecting on the 27th Sunday in ordinary time

Where we have come from (readings for Sunday 6th October

Habakkuk 1.1-4, 2.1-4

Psalm 37.1-9

2 Timothy 1.1-4

Luke 17.5-10

Readings for 7th October

Psalm 3

Habakkuk 1.5-17

James 1.2-11

Readings for today

Psalm 3

Habakkuk 2.5-11

1 John 5.1-5, 13-21

thought for today

These lections from Habakkuk are a little odd - but that's partly because the Sunday OT lesson just gone was a bit of an odd selection being part of the prophets first complaint to God, and the end of his second, and the the beginning of God's first answer. I can see that the lectionary compilers were really wanting us to read chapter 2.1-4 with its famous verses about standing on the watchtower and the righteous living by faith, and then give us some context without the challenge of all of chapters 1 and 2. The daily lectionary is then trying to fill in the gaps.

So I suggest reading Habakkuk's first complaint and God's firt answer (1.1-11) and then, after a break the second round of the dialogue (1.12 - 2.19). 

The key theme of Sunday's readings was of course faith. and the readings from James and 1 John help us to continue to think about faith. Faith that is both a gift from God, and a response to God's love shown in Jesus.

But apart from Hab 2.4 - I am not sure how to make an easy connection between the first 2 chapters of Habakkuk and these excerpts from non Pauline letters. Perhaps you can!

Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission

Approaching the 27th Sunday in ordinary time

Where we are heading (readings for Sunday 6th September):

Habakkuk

Psalm 37.1-9

2 Timothy 1.1-4

Luke 17.5-10

Readings for 3rd September

Psalm 37.1-9

2 Kings 18.1-6, 28-36

Revelation 2.8-11

Readings for today

Psalm 37.1-9

2 Kings 19.8-20, 35-37

Revelation 2.12-29

thought for today

we return to the story of sennacherib and Hezekiah that we dipped into in August. I read chapters 18 and 19 right through this morning and am wrestling how Hezekiah's trust or not relates the letters to the churches of asia minor in Revelation and then to our life today. It strikes me that though Chapter 18 begins with a statement of how much Hezekiah trusts God, when trouble( in the shape of an invading army) comes - his first response is to try to buy himself out of it. It is only when prompted by his wall commanders and Isaiah push him that Hezekiah finds he can trust God. The churches of asia minor needed a little reminder also, and maybe we do too.

Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission

Reflecting on the 26th Sunday in ordinary time (part 3)

Where we have come from (readings for Sunday 29th September):

Amos 6.1, 4-7

Psalm 146

1 Timothy 5.6-19

Luke 16.19-31

Readings for today

Psalm 62

Hosea 12.2-14

Matthew 19.16-22

thought for today

In amongst Hosea's subtle challenge to the people of the southern kingdom using his dealings with Jacob so long before as a frame of reference, is the confident statement of Ephraim (the tribe tracing its lineage to one of the sons of Joseph): "Ah, I am rich, I have gained wealth for myself; in all of my gain no offense has been found in me that would be sin." Ephraim, like ourselves much of the time, has got the wrong end of the stick completely. Wealth is neither a proof of goodness nor a cover from sin. It is always something that comes into our hands in trust from God. God always has something to say about our relationship with money, and the way that we use it in spending, saving and lending. And at the end of the day God may well ask us at some point to relinquish it for his sake.

Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission

Reflecting on the 26th Sunday in ordinary time (part 2)

Where we have come from (readings for Sunday 29th September):

Amos 6.1, 4-7

Psalm 146

1 Timothy 5.6-19

Luke 16.19-31

Readings for today

Psalm 62

Hosea 10.9-15

James 6.1-6

thought for today

Hosea chastises those who put their trust in armies, and James those who trust in wealth. We are still trying to learn the lesson. O Lord help us to trust in you.

Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission

Reflecting on the 26th Sunday in ordinary time (part 1)

Where we have come from (readings for Sunday 29th September):

Amos 6.1, 4-7

Psalm 146

1 Timothy 5.6-19

Luke 16.19-31

Readings for today

Psalm 62

Amos 6.8-14

Revelation 3.14-22

thought for today

The psalmist encourages not to trust in extortion. We make think that we would do nothing of the sort. But we do, all too often, put our trust in financial packages and products, even if they are ethical, rather than in God. Are we among the 'complacent' described by Amos and John the Divine? O Lord help us to put our whole trust in you, our rock and salvation; and to share as we are able with all your peoples.

Revised Common Lectionary copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission