Lectionary Ruminations for Sunday, June 24, 2012, the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

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.

First Reading - 1Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49

v. 32 What is the relationship between David and Saul at this point?  Why does David refer to himself in the second person?

v. 33 Typical advice to a young pastor going up against entrenched interests of an older generation?

v. 34 Lions, (but no tigers), and bears, Oh my!

v. 36 Is the reference to “this uncircumcised Philistine” a racial slur or just trash talk before the battle?

v. 37 While David makes it sound in verses 34-36 that he deserved all the credit for defeating lions and bears, he now gives credit to God.  In this regard, you may want to take another look at last week’s Psalm.

v. 38 What is the irony that Saul clothes David with his (Saul’s) armor?

v. 39 Is this really a comment about armor or a veiled comment about political reality?

v. 40 Is there any symbolism in David choosing “five” smooth stones?  You may want to take a look at Eugene Peterson’s book Five Smooth Stones.

v. 42 Déjà vu

v. 43 Whose gods?

v. 45 Look again at last week’s Psalm.

v. 47 What might this verse say about the military doctrine of “Shock and Awe”?

v. 48 Since David ends up felling this Philistine with one smooth stone, why did David pick put five smooth stones in his bag?

Psalm - Psalm 9:9-20

v. 9 Why does this verse not fit the circumstances of the First Reading?

v. 10 While the previous verse may not fir the circumstances of the First Reading, I think this verse does.

v. 12 Who avenges blood and what does that mean?

v. 15 Can you think of any nation caught in the very trap it set for others?

v. 17 What, and where, is Shoel?

v. 20 Good advice, even, or especially, for Americans.

Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

v. 1 Who are “we”?

v. 2 Is this a quote from Scripture?

v. 3 What accusations is Paul defending his ministry against?

vs. 4-5 Poor Paul!

vs. 6-10 Did anyone ever argue that Paul was humble?

v. 12 Ouch!

Gospel - Mark 4:35-41

v. 35 What day? Who are “them”?

v. 36 What does the comment “just as he was” mean?  What does it add to the text and its meaning?

v. 38 How could Jesus know they were perishing if he was sleeping through the storm?  Even though this is Mark and not John, is there more than one level of meaning here?

v. 39 What point is being made?

v. 40 Again, is there more than one level of meaning here?

v. 41 When was the last time you were filled with great awe?  Is their question rhetorical?

ADDENDUM

In addition to serving as the half time Pastor of North Church Queens and 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.