Reflections for Sunday (5/30) Pt. II

Right now I am choosing to focus on John's witness.
The lectionary text alone is a little obscure, just Jesus talking about the Spirit's coming and work. Jesus explains why the Spirit must come (we cannot bear to hear everything Jesus would say), and what the Spirit will confer (guide us to the truth, declare what is to come).

Of course, Jesus didn't just say this out of the blue. The context of this is Jesus washing the disciple's feet. Afterward he launches into one of this looooooong Johannine monologues, which this is from. After that Jesus prays for the disciples and heads for the cross.

The resources I am using right now include:

The ELCA's prayer of the day:
Almighty Creator and ever-living God:
we worship your glory, eternal Three-in-One,
and we praise your power, majestic One-in-Three.
Keep us steadfast in this faith,
defend us in all adversity,
and bring us at last into your presence,
where you live in endless joy and love,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

Brian P. Stoffregen's exegetical notes. Particularly the sections discussing doctrine and "lived religion," how the Spirit leads, and how the Spirit declares.

The New Proclamation Commentary. Specifically the first section and the part about the Gospel.

Particularly I am interested in how Jesus says we cannot bear to hear everything he says now, but when the Spirit comes we will be lead into all the truth. Another interesting thing the New Proclamation Commentary pointed out was the presence in absence. Right now (largely due to the class's discussion) I am interested in the role of such a doctrinal concept.

I look forward to hearing what y'all have to say, and fleshing these ideas out myself.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

in measured hundredweight and penny pound

Image
when the man comes 'round Sixth Sermon from the book of Revelation: passages from chapters 17 & 19 Today’s scripture isn’t THE End , but it’s pretty darn close.  This is the Final battle. The battle that ushers in The End. The battle where Good and Evil have it out. The battle that determines what The End will look like. And honestly, it doesn’t go down the way we were expecting.  First of all, it’s no actual battling in this battle.  There’s no fighting! Jesus just shows up. The only weapon he wields is his presence, his word. And it’s enough!!! Because secondly, the battle is over before it even begins! Jesus simply arrives, and his mere presence is enough to subdue the enemies of God. This Final Battle does not go the way we would expect. Without any fighting, concluding before it can even begin. Of all the surprises, though, the biggest is something of a detail , so let me read the passage to you: “(Jesus, the Rider of the white horse)
Read more

i take flight

Image
on borrowed time A sermon on the conclusion to Philippians : Seeing as my second month of sabbatical is about to begin, let’s play a little game !   One of the express intents of sabbatical is to provide rest . And while I could provide of list of the things that tire me out, I think we would all agree that what’s really tiresome about a vocation are its worries . So, let me ask you, what do you think I worry about? What do you think keeps me awake at night? Or, since you all know me, when have you actually seen me worrisome? Go ahead! Really think about it. The rest of the sermon will work better if you engage. What do you think I worry about? I came up with this idea for this game while working on the first draft of the sermon. Initially, I made a list of things I worry about. However , the prospect of reading that aloud seemed so dull and so trying that I couldn’t countenance the thought of subjecting you all to that. Nevertheless, now that I’ve asked, it only seems pro
Read more

anywhere you wanna go

Image
i really want to roll with you a sermon on S. Paul's perfect opening salvo of 1 Corinthians : How’s it going ? How did last week go ? And how do you feel about this upcoming one? Or, what about you ? How are you ? I mean, really , how are you?   Or, what about that old question? You know, the one clergy used to ask, but now , for whatever reason, never seem to anymore. You know the question. How is it with your soul ? Well, how is it? I mean it! How goes it? Take a moment to consider the inquiry. Whichever one you like, too. As it suits you. How are you ? How’s life ? How’s your soul ? Well? Honestly, you probably won’t be asked to consider your interior life this week. What’s more, you won’t be asked in a place like this . This is a space that’s as sacred as it is safe . You’re in practically the ideal place to consider how it’s going. Not only are you protected , eternity itself is also shedding its indelible light upon your reflections.   Not bad. Huh? But that’s not all,
Read more