Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, October 9, 2011, the Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

Posted each Thursday, Lectionary Ruminations focuses on the Scripture Readings, taken from the New Revised Standard Version, for the following Sunday per the Revised Common Lectionary. Comments and questions are intended to encourage reflection for readers preparing to teach, preach, or hear the Word. Reader comments are invited and encouraged. All lectionary links are to the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible via the PC(USA) Devotions and Readings website, but if you prefer another translation, feel free to use that instead. (Other references may be linked to the NRSV via the oremus Bible Browser.) Lectionary Ruminations is also cross-posted on my personal blog, Summit to Shore.

Exodus 32:1-14
v. 1 The people grow impatient with Moses and in the vacuum left by his leadership turn to Aaron. What lessons can pastors learn from this?

v. 2 As of the closing bell last Wednesday, the spot price of Gold was

v. 3 An example of group think?

v.4 Why a calf? Why is “calf” singular and “gods” plural?

v. 7 Finally, God speaks up. It is about time!

v. 9 What does it mean to be stiff necked.

v. 10 Is God offering Moses a bribe? A reward? A temptation?

v. 11 Note that God is the God of Moses, not of the people. Is Moses buttering-up God?

v. 13 Why are the women never mentioned?

v. 14 God changes the divine mind?

vs. 1-14 Is there a a kernel of a Stewardship Sermon anywhere in this Reading?

Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
v. 1 According to the rules of logic, must not love endure forever in order to be steadfast?

v. 4 What does it mean to be remembered by God?

v. 5 This is beginning to sound like a nationalistic Psalm.

v. 6 Here is a good phrase to include in a prayer of confession of sin.

v. 19 Are we to read this as a comment on how our ancestors in verses 6 sinned?

v. 23 Is Moses an illustration of what it means to “stand in the breach”?

Philippians 4:1-9
v. 1 How and why are the Philippians Paul’s “joy and crown”?

v. 3 Whom is Paul addressing as “my loyal companion”? What does this verse possible say about women serving as leaders in the early church? Is “The Book of Life” available from Amazon.com and/or available for download on a kindle?

v. 4 This is surely an often quoted verse.

v. 6 Does the advice of this verse depend on the fact that “The Lord is near”?

v.9 I wish we knew exactly what the Philippians had learned, received, heard, and seen.

Matthew 22:1-14
v. 1 In seems the author is aware that Jesus often spoke in parables.

v. 2 Here is “a kingdom parable”. Must we equated the king with God and the son with Jesus?

v. 4 Was there not a previous parable where a king sent slaves?

v. 5 What does it mean to “make light of” something?

v. 10 So the kingdom of God is filled with both good and bad?

v. 11 How gosh, going to a royal underdressed!

v. 12 I think he should have answered “Your slaves invited me and I was gathered in with everyone else here”.

v. 13 I know this is only a parable, but still, this seems like harsh punishment simply for showing up at a royal wedding underdressed.

v. 14 What is the difference between being “called” and “chosen”.

ADDENDUM
In addition to serving as the half time Pastor of North Church Queens an writing Lectionary Ruminations, I also tutor part time. If you or someone you know needs a tutor, or if you would like to be a tutor, check out my WyzAnt  page and follow the appropriate links.