January 29, 2017, Lectionary

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Last Updated: Sunday, 05 February 2017 12:48
Published: Saturday, 28 January 2017 10:45
Written by Wilma Zalabak

Sounds like acting justly would be a no-brainer, but I find it filled with complexities, driving me to walking-with-God humility. Micah 6:1-8

David said acting justly includes speaking truth in the heart and refusing to take up contempt or cleverness against another. Psalm 15

Preaching of the cross calls for life within lament, survival despite injustice, and thriving together, -- seems like foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Jesus said those who want to act justly, as much as if they were starving for it, will be filled with it and blessed. Matthew 5:1-12

Thoughts about Listening

Justice, mercy, and humility, these are the marks of great men and women, in my opinion. Micah 6:1-8

Seems to me that speaking truth would include an effort to divest oneself from self-deception and from any intention to deceive others. Psalm 15

Amid shouted slogans, talk-over decibels, and publicized contempt, how can we build a listening community, a nurturing neighborhood? 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

I want the unspoken charter of each of my endeavors to include humility, gentleness, and peacemaking. Matthew 5:1-12

Bible Reading Group Homework

1.    Did you ever tell a “white lie”? Did you ever play a clever trick on someone? Tell someone who will listen, and listen back.

2.    Read or listen to Micah 6:1-8. Find in this reading three things that God wants humans to do. Discuss with your group how easy they are to do, to do for others, to do for all others?

3.    Read or listen to Psalm 15. In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the word “righteousness” means acting justly or acting with justice. List what David said it takes to live right. Boil justice down to three or four words or images.

4.    Read or listen to 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. Ponder and discuss, Why does preaching the cross of Jesus seem like foolishness? What is the key to our ability to act justly (notice the word “righteousness”)?

5.    Read or listen to Matthew 5:1-12. Draw, dramatize, and discuss what images come to mind while reading this section. Read it aloud. Read it aloud together from the same version. What did Jesus say it takes to get righteousness, to act justly? Discuss together, What act will you do today toward acting justly?

February 5 Bible Readings
● Isaiah 58:1-12  ● Psalm 112
● 1 Corinthians 2:1-18  ● Matthew 5:13-20