The clergy of St. Chrysostom’s Church are writing this weekly blog of commentary on the Bible. Beginning the Tuesday before the First Sunday in Advent, November 28, 2010, we will post weekly comments on readings from Matthew’s Gospel, and John’s Gospel where the lectionary indicates. A post on this upcoming Sunday's reading follows and a schedule of the specific readings for the year is attached.
Each Tuesday we will post commentary written by one of us on the upcoming Sunday Gospel. We will also post the sermon from the Sunday before (normally on the Gospel reading for that day).
These postings are intended for:
· anyone who wishes to read the Bible regularly;
· church school teachers and youth leaders in preparing classes – and parents who might talk about the readings with their children;
· those preparing for confirmation, both teenagers and adults;
· newcomers to the church – either to this parish or to any church;
· newcomers and long time members alike who may be seeking.
The Rev. Danielle Thompson and I both warmly encourage anyone who might wish to gather in small groups of people for discussion of the readings – for instance, on a weekday at a mutually convenient time, here in St. Chrysostom’s, or for that matter down in the Loop. We will welcome online questions or comments by direct contact with one of us on email. Questions and answers we may print on the blog will be with the questioner’s permission.
In the Book of Common Prayer, in the Ordination rites for bishops, priests and deacons, each person being ordained says:
…and I solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to
salvation; (Book of Common Prayer, page 526)
salvation; (Book of Common Prayer, page 526)
And then there is this direction:
The Ordinand then signs the above Declaration in the sight of all present. (Book of Common Prayer, page 527).
The service – however large and formal – stops, while the person being ordained signs this.
We call the Bible the Word of God, because God speaks us by means of the Bible, through the stories and images, poetry and prayers in the many books that are the Bible. As we read the Gospel stories of Jesus, and as we read from the other books of the Bible, God makes use of the stories and images and teachings and poetry and songs to speak to us in a living contemporary way here in Chicago in 2010-2011. The Holy Spirit living in us will inspire us as we read. Oh, not always, not in reading everything. But it is important to pay attention to images or phrases or passages that catch out attention – or indeed perplex us and stump us! I believe it is good to spend some time with those passages and to ask God – God, what are you trying to say to me by means of these words? Or in this image?
I believe God makes use of the Biblical imagery to speak to us about God’s love for us, God’s mercy and forgiveness – and also about things God calls us to do as disciples of Jesus in 2010-2011 here in Chicago.
For instance we will read in Matthew how Jesus called the fishermen to follow him as disciples. I believe God calls each one of us – yes, truly, in the common sense meaning of “true”, literally – to follow Jesus as disciples day by day here in Chicago. God gives us this ancient story of Jesus calling the disciples, to speak to us here today.
Beginning this year long reading from Matthew – and beginning our blog, intentionally providing commentary for study – may we give a tip of the clergy’s hats to our colleagues the Rector and staff of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest, who gave us the exciting idea of an intentional year long course of Bible study. Our format has turned out to be rather different from theirs! But our warm thanks to our colleagues! And to our Bishop who enthusiastically drew our attention to what the staff at Lake Forest were doing.
May God bless our reading from the Word of God.
(The Reverend Ray Webster)
