on Sunday's New Testament Reading

Over the past 500 years or so, many readers and professional interpreters (preachers) have read this segment of St. Paul's letter to the Philippians and have concluded that Paul rejected wholesale his Judaism. That supposition, however, is just too simple, and in many ways reflects the subjective perspective of the interpreters rather than what Paul was actually trying to say.

Starting in the twentieth century, biblical scholars that have focused on the life and ministry of St. Paul worked hard to critically reconstruct his historical, social, and theological context. And their insights have helped twenty-first century scholars and preachers like me to better comprehend the life and mind of a Jewish Paul, which, in turn, has helped us to recognize that Paul did not reject his Judaism (which is much more than a "religion" for the Jewish people) after encountering the resurrected Christ. But instead, he allowed for his encounter with the crucified and resurrected Jesus to move him away from all that he was caught up in to reconsider, reevaluate, and reassess what was essential and paramount in this life:

In the midst of our politically contentious atmosphere right now in America, how could this essential understanding move us as Christians from--but not completely abandon--what we are caught up in right now? How could it influence our rhetoric, our mentality, and our actions toward the other?

To help spark your imagination, I am sharing a link to a video recently made by The Episcopal Church about what it looks like when the Church practices The Way of Love and especially seeks to bless the world around them the way it has been blessed by God. My prayer is that you and I will consider this week how we might be a blessing--in our own context.

Due to an increase of COVID cases in Hamilton County, our re-entry into the building has been delayed until Hamilton County goes back to level 2 (orange) per the Ohio Health Advisory System.

'Tentatively' Sunday, October 18, 2020

Diocese of Southern Ohio Communion Guidelines

Our rehearsals are held on Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM, and will be in the sanctuary for the time being. Masks are required, and social distancing will be enforced for the safety of all our members. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact Barry at priceb4@xavier.edu.