GeoFee
I am who I am becoming...
Each Monday morning I look up and read through the lectionary passages for the coming Sunday. On Tuesday morning I write down first impressions to guide my reflections through the week. I am going to place those first impressions here and welcome supportive or contradictory responses.
Sunday, December 15 - Advent 3 / Joy
Luke 1: 46b-55 / James 5: 7-10 / Isaiah 35: 1-10 / Psalm 146: 5-10
This week Joy is at the centre of our attention. I am reminded of the song which speaks of the Joy of the Lord being our strength. The Luke passage stands near the heart of Joy. A young woman hears from God that she will bear a child who will change the world. The text expresses her Joy concerning the coming of a new world order. An order based on a just distribution of life’s goods among all peoples.
James encourages patience as we watch and wait for the appearing of God in our experience. We are also encouraged to build up our faith and work cooperatively rather than competitively. James points to the prophets of ancient Israel as examples of a life lived according to the way of God.
Isaiah is a visionary poet who sees into the way of God. His narrative this week makes known the new way of life which is hoped for. All conflict between creatures and creation is resolved. We are told that God is in motion to reconcile and make new. This involves a process of refining by which all that works against our joy is removed so that the treasure of life is revealed and Joy liberated.
The Psalm lets us know that confidence in God who is the creator of all that has being. This God is presented as faithful in all times. That faithfulness being expressed as the inclusion of those excluded by social form and convention. Again we notice the call for justice. This will mean the ending of all exploitation and oppression by persons addicted to power. This hope brings Joy to those who trust it and work towards its realization.
Sunday, December 15 - Advent 3 / Joy
Luke 1: 46b-55 / James 5: 7-10 / Isaiah 35: 1-10 / Psalm 146: 5-10
This week Joy is at the centre of our attention. I am reminded of the song which speaks of the Joy of the Lord being our strength. The Luke passage stands near the heart of Joy. A young woman hears from God that she will bear a child who will change the world. The text expresses her Joy concerning the coming of a new world order. An order based on a just distribution of life’s goods among all peoples.
James encourages patience as we watch and wait for the appearing of God in our experience. We are also encouraged to build up our faith and work cooperatively rather than competitively. James points to the prophets of ancient Israel as examples of a life lived according to the way of God.
Isaiah is a visionary poet who sees into the way of God. His narrative this week makes known the new way of life which is hoped for. All conflict between creatures and creation is resolved. We are told that God is in motion to reconcile and make new. This involves a process of refining by which all that works against our joy is removed so that the treasure of life is revealed and Joy liberated.
The Psalm lets us know that confidence in God who is the creator of all that has being. This God is presented as faithful in all times. That faithfulness being expressed as the inclusion of those excluded by social form and convention. Again we notice the call for justice. This will mean the ending of all exploitation and oppression by persons addicted to power. This hope brings Joy to those who trust it and work towards its realization.