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1 Samuel 1 – Some Background
In the rare occurrence that the reading I do throughout the day has some bearing the lectionary reading, I like to share that. Today’s lectionary reading was verses 24-28 of 1 Samuel 1 (the responsive reading was from chapter 2). In the reading, Hannah has dedicated her son, Samuel, to the Lord and she hands…
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Judges 11.31 – "Whoever" or "Whatever"
I was reading in the Book of Judges again this morning and was reminded of the interesting translation issue in Judges 11.31. Parallel Translations of Judges 11.31 then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD’s, and I will…
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Children's Hospital Christmas Party a Huge Success
Had a great time today at the Children’s Hospital Christmas Party in Baton Rouge! We helped Santa hand out presents and helped serve food donated by the LA State Police. A lot of people worked very hard to put the event on, but I am especially greatful to Sandra Corley for inviting us. Our group…
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Does the Bible Justify Violence? – Review
This morning I finished reading John Collins’ Does the Bible Justify Violence? It is a very short monograph that (obviously) seeks to answer the question contained in the title. Pros of Does the Bible Justify Violence? First off, I think this little book has some important points to make, though I am sure they are…
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Betting Most Churches Go with Zephaniah
Interesting … today there is a choice of Old Testament lectionary readings between Song of Songs 2.8-14 or Zephaniah 3.14-18. If most parishes are in any way like mine, I’m guessing they will probably go with Zephaniah. I think the priests in my parish know enough about Biblical Studies to recognize we do not so…
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My Favorite Event of the Year
Today I will be a part of my favorite event of the year. Our youth group from Holy Ghost Catholic Church will be helping out with a Christmas party for a Children’s Hospital clinic in Baton Rouge. I’ll try to post some pics later. But, I won’t be blogging much today.
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Micah 5.1-4 – Thomas Paine on Prophecy
Today’s Old Testament lectionary reading is from Micah 5.1-4a. This text reminded me of a discussion I had in one of my classes when I was teaching prophets to seminarians. We dealt a bit with the New Testament treatment of the Old Testament and the problems of thinking of prophecy as prediction. One of the…
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"Judges" or "Chieftans"?
This morning as I was reading in the Book of Judges in the New Jewish Publication Society (=NJPS) version of the Tanakh, I came across the word traditionally translated as “judges.” The NJPS renders the word as “chieftans.” I have also seen it rendered as “leaders/rulers.” I think the NJPS and those that render it…
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How Luz Gets Its Name – Judges 1.23-26
I was reading the Book of Judges this morning and though it was interesting how Luz supposedly get its name. (Check here for the wider context of Judges 1.23-26). Judges 1.23-26 23 The house of Joseph sent out spies to Bethel (the name of the city was formerly Luz). 24 When the spies saw a…
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Daniel McClellan on Religion, War and Peace
If you have ever heard Judaism, Christianity, and Isalm, vilified and described as a primary catalyst of war in both the history of the world and more modern times, be sure to check out Daniel McClellan’s most recent post entitled “St. Francis of Assisi and the Crusades.” The topic of religion is fresh in my…