Reflection Questions for July 18, 2021 (Eighth Sunday After Pentecost)

Scripture Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1–14a | Psalm 89:20–37 | Ephesians 2:11–22 | Mark 6:30–34, 53–56 

An invitation for reflection on the Scriptures from Rev. Rob.

There are many ways that God can speak to us through Holy Scripture, including times of silence and quiet reflection. This week, I invite us to personally think about these questions arising from our Scripture readings. We’ll take 2-3 minutes together in silence for us to reflect on each question. You might find it helpful to write down your answers, but you don’t need to share your answers with anyone. In the weeks to come, those who feel comfortable with doing so will be invited to share some short answers, but even then, no one has to share unless they would like to.

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1. What words, ideas, or images stood out to you as the Scripture passages were read? Why did they stand out?
 

2. David desired to make a literal house (that is, a Temple) for the LORD, but instead God promised to establish David’s house (that is, a ruling family) through one of David’s descendants. This is the hope of God’s chosen Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus. Can you recall a time when it seemed that God redirected or adjusted your expectations and plans? If so, what was the result?
 

3. St. Paul speaks of Christian communities themselves as being the true holy temple; their shared lives as a “space” for the Living God to actively dwell in, bound together and built upon Jesus Christ Himself. These communities are made up of believing Israelites and people from all other nations, united to God and to each other in and by the Risen Lord Jesus. How do you see this special kind of community (that is, very different people bound together by Jesus) at work among us? What might we do to nurture this even more?


4. In the Gospel reading, Jesus invites His apostles to retreat and rest by themselves after their time of intense ministry, yet He also has compassion on the crowds (made up of Jews from Galilee, and also Gentiles from Gennesaret) who were drawn to Him in need of God’s healing, help, and hope.
Can you recognize ways that our Church community can be sources of spiritual strength for us, and also help connect others with the compassion and healing love of Jesus?
 

5. Our current Parish Mission Statement is: “To build on our Foundation so that the whole family may grow into oneness on Christ.” How might our Scripture readings this week help us think about our Mission Statement in new ways? What might words like “build”, “Foundation”, “whole family”, “oneness” mean in light of these readings?