Faithful Conversations #56

Introduction to Readers: For over a year, we have been using this space to better understand the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), providing context for our worship experience. A quick reminder: The RCL provides a set of readings from the Bible for the various seasons of the church year. It was preceded by the Common Lectionary (1983), which in turn was based on the 1969 Ordo Lectionum Missae, the three-year lectionary produced by the Roman Catholic Church following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). Forgive my descent “into the weeds” here, but the background is necessary for understanding WHY we refer to next Sunday as both Palm and Passion Sunday. Here is a short explanation, if you’re interested.  (Sidenote: In my quest for understanding the evolution of our hymnbooks in my lifetime — the 1958 Service Book and Hymnal, the 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, and the 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Worship — the Palm/Passion combination first shows up in the LBW — giving you an opportunity here to really sharpen up your skills of “talking Lutheran!”).

From the pen of Charles Schultz, 1964

In this week’s blog, I’m offering up a few things. First, an introduction to the week’s readings followed by a terrific commentary penned by Cory Driver of the Living Lutheran Lectionary Blog. Second, I’m providing a short reflection on the Israel-Hamas War with a reference to the ELCA’s Social Statements (and, of course, Social Statements may cause disagreement among the faithful — note the accompanying cartoon!)  Finally, since we are on the doorstep of Holy Week, I have listed the readings for that week. As always, thanks for your interest in exploring the scriptures and enriching your faith life!

Readings for Lent 6 (Palmerum)
Isaiah 50: 4-9a
Psalm 31: 9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14: 1 – 15:47 or Mark 15: 1-29 (40-47)

Introduction the Palm/Passion Sunday Readings Lent serves as a 40-day period of spiritual reflection, preparation, and renewal leading up to Easter Sunday. On Wednesday we will arrive on day 31 of that Journey. Here is a short summary of the readings for Palm/Passion Sunday:

1. Isaiah 50:4-9a: This passage speaks prophetically about the suffering servant, who endures persecution and humiliation but remains faithful to God. It foreshadows Jesus’ own suffering and submission to God’s will.
2. Psalm 31:9-16: This psalm expresses the anguish of the speaker, who is surrounded by enemies and distress. It reflects the human experience of suffering and the need for God’s deliverance, echoing Jesus’ own experience of betrayal and agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.
3. Philippians 2:5-11: This passage is known as the “Christ hymn.” It celebrates the humility and obedience of Christ, who, despite being divine, willingly emptied himself and took on human form, even to the point of death on the cross. It emphasizes Christ’s exaltation after his obedience to the Father’s will, serving as a model of selflessness and humility for believers.
4. Mark 14:1-15:47 (or Mark 15:1-29, 40-47): These passages from the Gospel of Mark recount the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and his subsequent death. They include his anointing at Bethany, the Last Supper with his disciples (which is the institution of the Eucharist), his prayer in Gethsemane, his betrayal and arrest, his trial before the religious and Roman authorities, his crucifixion, and his burial. These events are central to the Christian understanding of salvation history, as they demonstrate Jesus’ sacrificial love and ultimate triumph over sin and death through his resurrection. (Note: Pastor Jen will be emphasizing Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday — the Palms — and referencing John’s version of that story found in 12: 12-19. She will also connect that story to the Passion readings that are emphasized later in Holy Week). 

Access it here.  

Prayer (inspired by Isaiah 50: 4-9a): Heavenly Father, grant us ears to hear Your wisdom each morning, and tongues to speak words of comfort to those in need. Strengthen our resolve to follow Your guidance steadfastly, even in the face of adversity, knowing that You are our refuge and strength. May we trust in Your faithfulness, finding our hope and salvation in Your everlasting love. Amen. 

 And . . . a few thoughts on the israel-hamas war . . . 

The Israel-Gaza War
2023-24

Palm/Passion Sunday prompts me to reflect the agony and ecstasy that we encounter in our Christian journey. We live in a “both-and world” — that is, both the stark reality of our broken world and the powerful vision of God’s light coming into that world. For example, though distant from us and easy to ignore, the brutality of war comes at us in our daily news feed, a heart-wrenching reminder of our failure as stewards of God’s creation. It has been 739 days since Russia invaded Ukraine, and 157 days since Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, and the consequences in both cases are tragic beyond measure. As Christians, how should we respond? What should we do? Though I have no great answers here, it is clear that Jesus calls us to stay engaged and not look away from our suffering world. First and foremost, it seems to me, that means being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit (our advocate) to gain a greater understanding of our world in all its darkness and light.

In all matters of politics and public policy, of course, we have varying views among believers, a reflection of society in which we live. That said, we are members of a body, the ELCA, that has a rich history of exploring difficult issues and providing guidance for practitioners of the faith. Since our formation in 1988, the ELCA has offered Social Statements and Social Messages on a variety of topics that are meant to both inform and challenge us in our lives as global citizens. As one example, I encourage you to read 1989 Social Message regarding the Israel/Palestinian Conflict.It seems especially relevant in 2024!

AND, FINALLY TODAY . . . . A CHALLENGE FOR YOU! Palm/Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a climactic moment in our church year. I have listed the Holy Week readings here and am suggesting that you take them on, especially focusing on the readings from John (as highlighted). You will receive the next installment of Faithful Conversations on in the middle of Holy Week, and I will explore the “Three Days” (Easter Triduum) with you at that time, along with the readings for Easter Sunday.    

Holy Week Readings:    CHECK THESE!

*Monday (25 March)
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 36: 11-15
Hebrews 9:11-15
John 12: 1-11

*Tuesday (26 March)
Isaiah 49:1-17
Psalm 71:1-14
1 Cor 1: 18-31
John 12:20-36

*Wednesday (27 March)
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 13:21-32

The Three Days: 

*Maundy Thursday (28 March)
Exodus 12: 1-14
Psalm 116: 1-2, 12-19
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13: 1-17, 31b-35

*Good Friday (29 March)
Isaiah 52: 13-53
Psalm 22
Hebrews 10: 16-25
John 18: 1 – 19:42 (Passion Story)

*Holy Saturday (30 March)
Job 14: 1-14
Psalm 31: 1-4, 15-16
1 Peter 4: 1-8
John 19: 38-42

God’s Peace!