Scripture Introductions

Third Sunday after Epiphany January 24, 2010 Scripture Introductions by Stewart Clarke
You may want to revise, adapt, correct, or replace these introductions. The whole point is to honour the Scriptures and the interest and intelligence of our congregations. (What you find in parentheses, you may want to skip, and anything in footnotes you may want to ignore. Or not!) If you wish, you could consider Haiti and reflect on the total disruption of Judaic society as the Babylonians over-ran and destroyed Jerusalem and Judah, followed by the Exile in Babylon. And, then, in time, there is repopulation and reconstruction and, in our first reading, the review and renewal of the laws of the land, the society and their faith. The Epistle reading may be a reminder of the wide variety of skills required to rebuild, and, hopefully, renew and strengthen/purify Haiti, and the Gospel reading can suggest priorities of meeting peoples' real needs3 rather than catering to those in positions of power or graft.
The first reading is from the book of Nehemiah (among the books of history in our Bible, but among the "Writings" in the Hebrew Scriptures4) Nehemiah, one of the Jewish community in exile in Babylon who had done well and risen to be a senior civil servant5, had come to Jerusalem as governor, and taken over the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Under his driving spirit, the walls were completed. But something more was required. The builders had faced down the challenge of nearby rulers, but still more was needed. They needed a reminder and assurance of who they were. So the people were gathered to a reading of Scripture. (What was read is not indicated. It could have been Scriptures collected and edited during the Exile. Ezra appears for the first time in this book, standing on a dais, reading and interpreting. ) Let's listen to the account of this historic moment in Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10. You may wish to reserve your acclaim to follow the Gospel reading, or use traditional words, or say something like: May we hear and respond to God's words with joy and commitment, Amen
The Psalm is of universal praise to God, with special emphasis on God's Law, one of God's blessings to people. Let's.. Psalm 19 (VU p.740)
(The Epistle raises the possibility, if you will, of Paul's wit and humour. {ahem!}) Apparently, some in the church of Corinth thought that they were superior to others because of their special gifts. Paul has a choice. He can try to argue and convince them, but, if they are really full of themselves, this won't work very well. He can, however, try another way: humour, almost teasing. Let's listen to Paul's comments on parts of the Body of Christ - in argument - in: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a May we be blessed with the awareness of our part in the Body of Christ. Amen.
The Gospel reading tells of Jesus coming home. Following his baptism, he has spent a significant period in the wilderness (forty days that are simply ignored in this choice of readings6), reviewing his style of ministry. Now, in the synagogue, he publicly announces his style of ministry, and how it will reflect, sometimes in surprising or uncomfortable ways, what the prophet Isaiah had promised.7 (There is a strong practical emphasis, like spirituality in working clothes.) Let's rise to honour and be open to the Good News for us in: (Let's listen closely for the Good News for us in:) Luke 4:14-21 May we be reminded that God is at work through all the world's people (not just those with whom we are comfortable). Amen. It is appropriate to follow the readings with thanks and praise. (Comments to Stew at stewclarke@eastlink.ca.)