|
Folks,
The lessons for this coming Sunday include from John's gospel more about the "eating of the living bread" trying to show the crowd, with this symbolism, how much he cared about people, along with admonishments from Ephesians commending sobriety and from the OT Kings 1 more about Solomon's wisdom. Of these lesson, it seems clearly wise to value and follow Paul's advice to the church in Ephesus. To me the gospel lesson is a bit difficult, especially because it sounds like cannibalism and (of course) it is not recorded to have happened (though one might enjoy reading The Passover Plot by Hugh Schonfield, who amusingly suggests what really might have happened, concluding "Whether Jesus rose from the dead, he certainly rose in the theology of the church)." Of the many centuries of church debates on these points (eg transubstantiation) - in ecclesial history and as result, I favour seeing the entire matter as words in which Jesus demonstrates his love for humankind, which I think is their only real import. The "regal" lesson from Solomon makes clear that he will end up being most ways the most respected and greatest OT "King of the Jews" ruling well and fairly and building the first temple in Jerusalem., and with his enormously sensible request in his conversation with God for wisdom rather wealth or long life, God sees fit not only to grant this request but also adding long life and prosperity as well. We note that in addition to the passage from I Kings Thus an excellent complementary reading is an alternate lesson from Proverbs (of Solomon) which Wiki describes as "an example of biblical wisdom literature and raises questions about values, moral behavior, the meaning of human life, and right conduct" with the "fear of (respect for) God "as wisdom's beginning and adding and adding "Wisdom is praised for her role in creation; God acquired her before all else, and through her, He gave order to chaos. Since humans have life and prosperity by conforming to the order of creation, seeking wisdom is the essence and goal of life." All I can say about Solomon's request is "go and do likewise" - may we all seek God's wisdom even as we proceed in the spirit of God's love! Our love to all, Bart (and Tony!) and for all of us at St Matthew parish in San Ardo! Events St Matthew Church in San Ardo will be having Morning Prayer this Sunday at 10am. and our fellow mission St Luke Church in Jolon will be doing the same, led by Tony(!) and our friend SuRay! Also at St Luke our friend Daphne Denny, who is q89te the traveler and recently visited Indonesia, tells of this event: "The Weeds with Adam Henry will present a concert this coming Saturday, August 17, at 7 pm, at St. Luke's Episcopal in Jolon. A $20.00 donation is requested." Out here in the "sticks" we can laugh a little about going somewhere to see "The Weeds" since they most everywhere on the beautiful ranch landscape! Other Events The folks at St Luke Church in Atascadero tell us that there will be a picnic on Sep 7 at Atascadero Lake Park to welcome their new Priest-in-Charge, Rev Linzi Stahlecker! Rev Linzi will also be serving St Benedict Church, Los Osos. Congrats to all! St Paul Cathedral in San Diego tells us that this Sunday's Forum at 9am will feature Prof John Koenig of General Seminary, NYC to speak about "Our Calling" The Cathedral also tell sus that Sunday's Choral Even will be in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 6pm. Note that most of the Cathedral events can be attended via Zoom - for details go to www.stpaulcathedral.org The Cathedral's Young Adult Bible Study will take place on We Aug 21 at 7pm and a Young Adults Brunch Sunday after 10:30am services. Folks at St Barnabas Church in Arroyo Grande tell us they will be participating in a Free Repair Cafe - This Saturday, August 17th, 1pm-4:30pm. Get free help fixing: household appliances, outdoor gear and apparel, phones, laptops, game consoles, bikes, tools, clothing and more! Bring items to Oak Park Christian Church: 386 N Oak Park Blvd, Grover Beach And they remind us of their Annual Parish Campout at Lopez Lake beginning on Sep 20 at 3pm and going thru Sep 22 at 11am. They also remind that the Free Repair Cafe is this Saturday, August 17th, 1pm-4:30pm. Get free help fixing: household appliances, outdoor gear and apparel, phones, laptops, game consoles, bikes, tools, clothing and more! Bring items to Oak Park Christian Church: 386 N Oak Park Blvd, Grover Beach Our friends at the Metropolitan Community Church's Council of Elders tell us about some sad events in various parts of Europe with instances of hate speech followed by violence. We are sorry to have to report such things. For more about MCC worldwide go to https://www.mccchurch.org/landing.html From the Diocese The annual Mary Lou Thompson ECW (Episcopal Church Women) Retreat will be Sep 13-16 at St Francis Retreat near San Juan Bautista - this year with the theme "Leading with the Heart". For full info go to https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=639238ac37&e=f136cc0442
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|