Ex 32:7-11, 13-14 Ps 50:3-19 Tim 1:12-17 Lk 15: 1-32
Earlier in the Book of Exodus God had given Moses the Ten Commandments and many other instructions, which the people had covenanted to obey, sealed by sprinkling sacrificial blood. During Moses’ second ascent of Sinai God wrote the Commandments on stone tablets. Meanwhile the people were already disobeying the first Commandment by worshipping a golden calf. No wonder God was angry – Moses pleaded with God not to let the Egyptians win after all. God relented – but Moses then angrily broke the tablets and God had to write them again later!
Over the next 7 weeks we hear from the letters to Timothy – attributed to Paul though probably written long after his death. Paul is given as a supreme example of God’s mercy, followed by detailed instructions for organising the developing Christian communities. Several words were used for church leaders at that time. ‘Deacons’ appear to have ministered pastorally, with ‘presbyter-bishops’ perhaps having both pastoral and practical responsibilities. The Greek episcopi means ‘overseer’ or ‘overlooker’. ‘Presbyter’ simply means ‘elder’. Later a three tier structure developed: Deacons, Presbyters, Bishops.
In the Gospel Jesus also shows how communities are to be managed: do not allow any members to be lost – the father runs to welcome back his prodigal son. Perhaps the most moving image we have of God.
Psalm Response: I will leave this place and go to my Father.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.