Just did the BCP morning office. It was a bit hurried because I got here late - kids were up half the night. But nevertheless, I learned something.
The Epistle reading for today included Eph. 4:9, "When it says, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?"
In the office we recite the apostle's creed which says "he descended into hell," or alternatively "he descended to the dead." I've always wondered where this confession came from & it seems this is at least one place in the scripture - I had never noticed this before I memorized the creed and committed to reciting it several times a day.
Although, and I'm pretty sure this is right, it seems that "the lower parts of the earth" would match up better with "he descended to the dead," version of the creed. It seems like they are talking about the Hebrew understanding of the place of the dead (which is not the same as hell or a final decisive resting place).
I'm overwhelmed by modules and I only have one class! I thought I had two weeks to read about 300 pages and as it turns out I only have one. Yikes! Regardless, I am finding moments of reflection in my class on the resurrection in the New Testament to be good.
Following my love affair with Philippians I am moving on to John. Couple thoughts:
Seems like John comes out swinging with the “Power/Light of the world” language: …”in the beginning was the word…” Through him all things were made…” “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” “The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it” This struck me because in my background the church so stressed the personal nature of the relationship with Jesus that the powerful, creative, light of the world part was sacrificed and lost.
I think perhaps Johns story is this: because creation is in trouble that life giving force (forgive the new agey term), did not remain indifferent but became flesh. The Message says, “he moved into the neighborhood” I love that! But he is still a life giving all-powerful creative force.
I've been in class of the lst three mornings. I've been praying the liturgy of the hours when I have time during class. We pray and read scripture as a class and we're discussion mission all morning. It's been a rich conversation w/many moments where I have been very grateful to be a part of what God is doing at Redemption Church!
each week we will have a new post through which to interact. you can post comments as often as you want under each week in order to share what you are reading, disciplines you are engaging in, or encouragement to each other.
5 comments:
Just did the BCP morning office. It was a bit hurried because I got here late - kids were up half the night. But nevertheless, I learned something.
The Epistle reading for today included Eph. 4:9, "When it says, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth?"
In the office we recite the apostle's creed which says "he descended into hell," or alternatively "he descended to the dead." I've always wondered where this confession came from & it seems this is at least one place in the scripture - I had never noticed this before I memorized the creed and committed to reciting it several times a day.
Although, and I'm pretty sure this is right, it seems that "the lower parts of the earth" would match up better with "he descended to the dead," version of the creed. It seems like they are talking about the Hebrew understanding of the place of the dead (which is not the same as hell or a final decisive resting place).
Just something interesting...
I've been settled in the Sermon on the Mount all week....I think I could stay there for a long time. It is so rich and beautiful.
I'm overwhelmed by modules and I only have one class! I thought I had two weeks to read about 300 pages and as it turns out I only have one. Yikes! Regardless, I am finding moments of reflection in my class on the resurrection in the New Testament to be good.
Following my love affair with Philippians I am moving on to John. Couple thoughts:
Seems like John comes out swinging with the “Power/Light of the world” language: …”in the beginning was the word…” Through him all things were made…” “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” “The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it”
This struck me because in my background the church so stressed the personal nature of the relationship with Jesus that the powerful, creative, light of the world part was sacrificed and lost.
I think perhaps Johns story is this: because creation is in trouble that life giving force (forgive the new agey term), did not remain indifferent but became flesh. The Message says, “he moved into the neighborhood” I love that! But he is still a life giving all-powerful creative force.
Anyway….still working it all out.
Nice to meet you Scott!!
I've been in class of the lst three mornings. I've been praying the liturgy of the hours when I have time during class. We pray and read scripture as a class and we're discussion mission all morning. It's been a rich conversation w/many moments where I have been very grateful to be a part of what God is doing at Redemption Church!
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