We opened with expressions of concern for Christine.
Nuno led us in worship from the Rosary, taking his cue from an upcoming service dedicated by Pope Francis to the cause of bringing peace to Ukraine and Russia. When Scott asked what Nuno thought of repeating the "Hail Mary" three times, Nuno responded that this was less effective than repeating it 50 times! "You want to reach a point where the words disappear," he said.
Because the upcoming papal service involves a prophetic vision that describes the world right now, Nuno asked us, "Where do you look to see what's coming?" Some of us mentioned news sources, but all of those who did said they have pulled back on getting too preoccupied by news. "I avoid what-ifs." "I'm focusing on being kind to others, and to myself." After all these weighty replies, Nuno said he relies on the weather report and the usher schedule.
Susan started us off from 3rd year with a dark episode from Church history, when Fr. Bartoleme de las Casas decried enslavement of indigenous people of New Spain but then proposed enslavement of hardier Africans instead. Second year readers discussed passages from Paul that slaveowners used to justify themselves, and also many passages where Paul opposes slavery, or ill-treatment of a slave. Nuno pointed out slave-traders are listed by Paul with murderers, fornicators, and the other notorious sinners. Pete noted that Paul was less interested in reforming the prevalent culture than in building the church.
We discussed how Paul's recommendations about women are also more nuanced than they are popularly presumed to be. In one passage, Nuno said, the word "women" is an incomplete translation of "deaconness," and we discussed how Paul also thanks by name some women who were leaders in the church.
Marilyn found personal connections in Paul's letters. “Tune out the godless chatter, fight the urge to be earthly” -- don’t go down that path. We discussed the implications of Paul's word translated as "entrust," as in, “Guard what has been entrusted to you.” These are not qualities you own, but qualities to preserved for the sake of others; to be taken seriously; it’s an honor to be entrusted with something.
Living Faithfully in Your World:
1st yr: Scott 2nd yr: Marilyn, Pete, Nuno; 3rd yr, Susan; 4th yr, Christine. Mentors: Susan and Scott. Absent: Christine.
The RRG this week taught that study is one way to God. Another way is found in the story of Jacob's wrestling with that being in the night. He responded in wonder, and changed. St. Gregory warned that ideas can create idols; wonder is a surer way to God. So the TR this week comes from the RRG's suggestion that we reflect on an impactful experience during worship -- whether it was wonder or some other emotion that made an impression.
From Marilyn's story of a good experience at church, with buy-in from others, we derived a parable: The word of God is like a slew of arrows that hit different targets at their core. We explored that parable for connections to Scripture, Culture, and our own experiences and beliefs.
We highlighted these pieces of our discussion to be used in a collect: Aim means "intention" in the archer; the target must be receptive, readied. When the arrow hits the target, it may seem like a miracle -- a meaningful coincidence that makes you receptive. Or hitting the target of your heart can be a painful piercing – but healing on the long run. Jesus as target – “by his wounds, we are healed.” You should share your surprising experience with others.
By meaningful coincidence, the reading in Mark assigned for the next day was the parable of the sower, another image for God's word going multiple places and sometimes landing just where it was needed.
Collect for Receptivity Giver of all good things, by the wounds of your suffering servant, we are healed: give us a spirit of wonder in worship and study, that your word may pierce our own hearts and make us more perfect carriers of your gifts to others. Amen.
Pete volunteered to lead worship. Our TR will derive from this assignment:
Search the Psalms until one strikes you in a new way, positive or negative. We will select the focus for our TR from the psalms we share. You may draw your psalm from one of those assigned in the BCP for this week; you may get help finding a psalm from this Table of Psalms Grouped by Theme such as "God the Creator," "Morning," and "Transitoriness of Life," and several Christian themes. See also Psalms Chart by Book/Dates
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