tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post301695641663855645..comments2023-11-03T05:46:44.728-04:00Comments on RevGalBlogPals: Tuesday Lectionary Leanings- Gifts vs. Presence editionStephanie Anthony/She Revhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10089531643725874239noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-27503014997929589742008-01-04T12:26:00.000-05:002008-01-04T12:26:00.000-05:00I'm a little late posting, but appreciated reading...I'm a little late posting, but appreciated reading. I, too, am working with the "home by another way" piece. I went to a youth conference as a high schooler where this was the theme. I don't remember the content, but the phrase jumped at me and the Spirit spoke.<BR/><BR/>Since this is also a communion week for us I am incorporating that into my thoughts, and basically have the idea that encounters with Christ should change us so much that we cannot live the way we did before. Discovering (or being led to) Jesus can be dangerous from the viewpoint of whatever it is that previously reigned in our lives (Herod, work, school, addiction, pride, etc.) because meeting him, encountering him should result in full worship (the magi fell down), and a redirection of the way we usually do things.<BR/><BR/>This is my first Sunday in my new church, my second call. I have moved from associate pastor ministry to solo pastor ministry, so I'm trying to breathe deep as I move into a new discipline of weekly preaching. Any extra prayers folks have would be appreciated!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06719153477558047286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-45775365777759530502008-01-03T13:09:00.000-05:002008-01-03T13:09:00.000-05:00listing - I also was wondering about the "more har...listing - I also was wondering about the "more harm than good" aspect of the wise one's journey. But not sure how it would preach, exactly ("keep trying, even though you leave destruction and heartbreak in your wake" ? - maybe not...) <BR/><BR/>cheesehead and songbird -- love the home by anohter way thoughts<BR/><BR/><BR/>Because of my context, I'm concentrating on Isaiah, I think, and on the reality of imagination.Jennifer Garrison Brownellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10170014214291920971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-3462526599247245452008-01-02T21:59:00.000-05:002008-01-02T21:59:00.000-05:00I don't have to preach this week as I'm on vacatio...I don't have to preach this week as I'm on vacation, and I just wanted a chance to type that.;)<BR/><BR/>Enjoying others' thoughts, though.Jeff Nelsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15077957635136271689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-29724560026121124122008-01-02T17:51:00.000-05:002008-01-02T17:51:00.000-05:00From WH Auden's Christmas Oratorio:At least we kno...From WH Auden's Christmas Oratorio:<BR/>At least we know for certain that we are three old <BR/> sinners.<BR/>That this journey is much too long, that we want our <BR/> dinners,<BR/>And miss our wives, our books, our dogs,<BR/>But have only the vaguest idea why we are what we <BR/> are.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07287169546184325690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-72155034049461719482008-01-02T16:29:00.000-05:002008-01-02T16:29:00.000-05:00The idea of the wise men "just showing up" really ...The idea of the wise men "just showing up" really jived with what I was thinking about this week. Namely about offering our presence in situations where there isn't really anything else we can do (an experience I had this week). Also, showing up when God calles to us. I'm not preaching this week but I <A HREF="http://snowonroses.blogspot.com/2008/01/ephiphany-sermon-showing-up.html" REL="nofollow">wrote one anyway</A>, it leaned heavily on call and response to call as "showing up."Josephine-https://www.blogger.com/profile/12328106972076348785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-45929711128710327652008-01-02T01:36:00.000-05:002008-01-02T01:36:00.000-05:00auntie knickers ... I love it too. Our Bible group...auntie knickers ... I love it too. Our Bible group does a similar thing (though we meet fortnightly) and one of us prepares questions about the Gospel for the following Sunday. <BR/><BR/>(We decided against discussing the preceding Sunday as it could easily develop into a criticism of whoever happened to preach and also exclude those who were not in the service)<BR/><BR/>I think we've learnt a lot by doing this - but not as much variety as is on this thread each week<BR/><BR/>We meet on Tuedays too but because of the time difference I usually can't take much from here with me (unfortunately) ... nor can I use it for ideas for when it's my turn to ask questions - but I guess it's good we (I) have to think for myself first.seethroughfaithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15041055467020894063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-16776461769492954182008-01-01T21:06:00.000-05:002008-01-01T21:06:00.000-05:00I don't have to preach (ever), but it's great to r...I don't have to preach (ever), but it's great to read the different ideas you all have and then compare them to what I will hear on Sunday. Thanks all!Auntie Knickershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08854138665883068803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-52913858709748346412008-01-01T19:32:00.000-05:002008-01-01T19:32:00.000-05:00I'm reading "Listening For God" by Renita Weems (a...I'm reading "Listening For God" by Renita Weems (a Christmas gift!) and she talks about how the Exodus story also reflects this idea of returning home by another way.<BR/><BR/>The Exodus story tells of a "short cut" for the liberated Israelites, but God sent them in another direction (the Red Sea route) so that they could appreciate the journey itself as valuable. Apparently the other route (the one they didn't take) was more likely to be filled with disappointment and despair. <BR/><BR/>To follow that thought a bit further: does it make sense that the wise ones needed another way home because they too had to learn to appreciate the spiritual value of the journey itself?Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03407981987874669303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-61362646071677097342008-01-01T17:37:00.000-05:002008-01-01T17:37:00.000-05:00Great ideas...also thought of the O. Henry ""Gift ...Great ideas...also thought of the O. Henry ""Gift of the Magi" stroy, long a favorite...this is full of such symbolic richness, it seems to have a deep heart touch for us, doesn't it? Epiphany was very important in my own spiritual journey. Really does make me wish I were preachingRevDrKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06043193615563649333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-76613891714004822642008-01-01T16:54:00.000-05:002008-01-01T16:54:00.000-05:00Amahl and the Night Visitors is one of my favorite...Amahl and the Night Visitors is one of my favorite albums at this time. Martin Bell has a poem about stars and how they seem more to follow us as we drive through the countryside - so perhaps every place has a holy child with a star over her house.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07287169546184325690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-22694205777182166282008-01-01T15:03:00.000-05:002008-01-01T15:03:00.000-05:00oh- oh -oh-oh. Cheesehead, Home by Another Way, i...oh- oh -oh-oh. Cheesehead, Home by Another Way, is the name of a song on the James Taylor Album Never Die Young. It's about the Magi. Please check it out.<BR/><BR/>Also, there are a couple of lines in T.S. Eliot's poem, think it's called "The journey of the magi." It becomes, "A cold coming we had of it....", and I think he is quoting an anglican priest, Lancelot Andrewes.<BR/><BR/>Finally, the Henry van Dyke story, the 4th Wise Man, identifies the wise men as Zoroastrians. Don't know if there is any evidence for that, but it's interesting.<BR/><BR/>I'm not preaching this weekend, but I'll be hosting the preacher party, and there's LOTS of good stuff here.<BR/><BR/>I have preached on it before, we Always do epiphany, and most recently I talked about the "2 kings" (not the magi), but Jesus and Herod.Diane M. Rothhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07749136181846671327noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-83283234434342373772008-01-01T14:35:00.000-05:002008-01-01T14:35:00.000-05:00The wise mencame with giftsand bowed downto worshi...The wise men<BR/>came with gifts<BR/><BR/>and bowed down<BR/>to worship<BR/>this perfection.<BR/><BR/>I just love this. <BR/><BR/>Cheesehead - what an epiphany indeed. I love it :)<BR/><BR/>wonderful thoughts from you all ... thanks for sharing. I love this :)and what a GREAT start for NEW YEAR (public holiday here)<BR/><BR/>an aside : Listing Straight I can't find your blog ...seethroughfaithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15041055467020894063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-54867952965055038522008-01-01T14:26:00.000-05:002008-01-01T14:26:00.000-05:00I'm with Gord on the need to keep it short and sim...I'm with Gord on the need to keep it short and simple to make time for communion. <BR/><BR/>These are (as always) a terrific start to the week's ponderings. Thanks everyone!Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03407981987874669303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-81930317941767188312008-01-01T13:36:00.000-05:002008-01-01T13:36:00.000-05:00I'm not preaching this weekend as we are going to ...I'm not preaching this weekend as we are going to a training for an exciting MDG project that our diocese is planning for Lent. It occurs to me that there is a wonderful missional link with the gifts theme that I might use if I *were* preaching...since Jesus tells us that what we do unto the least of these we do unto Him...perhaps they are the ones we should be bringing all those great gifts and riches to....and linking it back to God with us...in them.RevDrKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06043193615563649333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-42301880822887042472008-01-01T12:08:00.000-05:002008-01-01T12:08:00.000-05:00I am going with gifts. It really isn't the focus ...<A HREF="http://riverviewrollson.blogspot.com/2008/01/looking-ahead-to-january-6-2008.html" REL="nofollow">I am going with gifts</A>. It really isn't the focus of the story as Matthew tells it but it is the focus of what the kings do in popular imaginations of the story.<BR/><BR/>I am thinking about what gifts we have to bring. If I am really ambitious I may use that to talk about why we are here as a part of the house of GOd in this place and time and what we have to offer that would be missed if we closed our doors.<BR/><BR/>Or then again, since it is also a communion SUnday I may keep it short and simple...Gordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03767921257861340046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-33789198934564003722008-01-01T11:58:00.000-05:002008-01-01T11:58:00.000-05:00Love the poem...almost makes me wish I were preach...Love the poem...almost makes me wish I were preaching this weekend. Also appreciate your take on the "why?" question, LS...Senior Pastor preached Sunday on Luke 2:1-7 and Matt 2:13-23 (I think), about the different stories of Christ's birth and Herod's evil intention...that God somehow caused it all to unfold as it needed to so that the Christ-child was both honored and protected. And of course noted Matt's emphasis on Jesus being like Moses.<BR/>Amazing how God works. I don't think God's much concerned with what color socks I wear today (or if I wear any at all) and I don't believe in God as puppet master tweaking every detail of our lives. But it's comforting to have faith that God not only takes an interest in what goes on with God's people, but also takes a part in our lives.RevAnnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06517879408823780530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-32910577441233050902008-01-01T11:56:00.000-05:002008-01-01T11:56:00.000-05:00I lived out "home by another way" in my travels ye...I lived out "home by another way" in my travels yesterday, and I think I will probably preach about being open to the unexpected. Lord knows, I need to hear that sermon myself! And for a church deep into the search process, it feels like an appropriate direction. What preconceived notions might they have, both the committee and the congregation? What were the Wise Men sure of, themselves? <BR/>Thanks, Listing, for this great introduction to the texts.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08235049965406944684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-81545786789124209982008-01-01T11:09:00.000-05:002008-01-01T11:09:00.000-05:00MMM, interesting way to look at this passage.I had...MMM, interesting way to look at this passage.<BR/><BR/>I had planned on using the Ephesians passage, but I am changing my mind. I don't even remember why, and I left my notes at hand. So as I have been away, I have been re-looking at the Matthew passage. The poem really struck me too. Wow. I'll be praying today to listen to God's direction.<BR/><BR/>Oh and BBT had a sermon called Home by another Way. Don't have it with me and not sure of what she said. But certainly when we encounter Jesus we often go another way.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14654861033242845082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-65957925739285990402008-01-01T11:04:00.000-05:002008-01-01T11:04:00.000-05:00um, that's "our" encounter.um, that's "our" encounter.Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18324456402703897094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-83800354344933345972008-01-01T11:03:00.000-05:002008-01-01T11:03:00.000-05:00I have been haunted by the fact that they went hom...I have been haunted by the fact that they went home by another way.<BR/><BR/>Those wise men started out as agents of Herod's destructive agenda, but once they saw what was True, they could no longer continue that path.<BR/><BR/>Isn't that what or encounter with Christ does for us? We can no longer follow on the way we intended. Our trajectory is forever changed.<BR/><BR/>Epiphany, indeed.Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18324456402703897094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-26843188228413658382008-01-01T10:56:00.000-05:002008-01-01T10:56:00.000-05:00I usually spend time reflecting on the meaning of ...I usually spend time reflecting on the meaning of the word epiphany, and how that is real in our lives. Since I'm in a new parish, and still getting to know the people and the culture, I'm not as sure where to go. It will be interesting to see where the texts lead this week!P.S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03486979852463051060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-15295347973545556472008-01-01T10:27:00.000-05:002008-01-01T10:27:00.000-05:00Well, with this intro to the readings this week I ...Well, with this intro to the readings this week I am excited about the possibilities for preaching. Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Somehow I will preach on Epiphany and the surprising wonderful ways we know God's love, those least expected ways...then again maybe God will surprise me and I'll go a different way...Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15667178624061122421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-18361544506885600822008-01-01T10:25:00.000-05:002008-01-01T10:25:00.000-05:00LOL on the impractical gifts.LOL on the impractical gifts.God_Guurrlllhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18184002827799859297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-30717725937995896222008-01-01T09:23:00.000-05:002008-01-01T09:23:00.000-05:00Dang Listing, you are VERY good at these, if for n...Dang Listing, you are VERY good at these, if for no other reason than your poems make me look like I am literate when I use them in worship.<BR/><BR/>And I have that email on an actual plaque in my office.will smamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06632209393133155385noreply@blogger.com