Studying lectionary texts? Here are some starting places for study at ATLA this week. If you are the graduate of an accredited U.S. theological school, you may have free access to these articles through your school. Check ATLAS access options. You can find full lists of ATLAS recommended articles for this week at The Text This Week's page for this week's texts.
Proper 21A / Ordinary 26A / Pentecost 15
September 25, 2011
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
- Gosse, Bernard, "Sabbath, Identity and Universalism Go Together after the Return from Exile," Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 2005.
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Abstract: “In Isaiah 56.1-2 there is identification between 'to keep justice' and 'to keep the Sabbath'. The Sabbath plays an important part in the construction of exilic and post-exilic identity. At the same time, 'to keep the Sabbath' permits the eunuch and foreigner (56.3) to hope that they will enter the house of the Lord (56.4-7). This article explores the relationship between Isa. 56.1-2 and the verses immediately following, as well as Ezekiel 18-20, chapters in which the Sabbath and justice are also associated. The thematic association of the keeping of justice and the keeping of the Sabbath thus seems to highlight an interesting case of identity and universalism going together.”
Exodus 17:1-7
- Bloomer, Nancy, "Starting Over," The Living Pulpit, 2005.
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“God’s first covenantal relationship in the Bible was not with humanity alone but with all of creation.”
Philippians 2:1-13
- Adams, Samuel L., "Servant Leadership and the Earth," Journal for Preachers, 2008. (Sermon, Philippians 2:1-13)
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This passage from Philippians encapsulates the entirety of the Christian message and what we as a people of faith declare about Jesus and his relationship to God the Creator. The Christ hymn also provides us with the best, indeed the clearest model for character, for servant leadership. The image conveyed here is a contrast between personal fulfillment and self-denial, between accumulating treasures and necessary restraint, between narcissistic tendencies and consciously turning one's life over to God.
Matthew 21:23-32
- Michaels, J. Ramsey, "The Parable of the Regretful Son," Harvard Theological Review, 1968.
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“The textual problems involved in the parable of the two sons (Matt. 21:28-32) are well known and extraordinarily complex. The parable has been handed down in the manuscript tradition in three forms.”
I know it would be difficult, but I think this Matthew reading in Year A should be removed from World Communion Sunday consideration. It is just way too devisive and polemical. I am going with John 6:24 instead.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566087646 | 09/27/2011 at 03:21 PM
I have been trying to email you using the address provided on this site, and keep getting it bounced back as undeliverable. Please email me so I can get in touch. Thanks.
Posted by: Rev. Dianne Deming | 11/20/2011 at 07:05 PM