Monday, October 29, 2007

Blog Introduction

This blog is intended to be a resource for all types of people seeking insight and exegesis into the week's Lectionary texts. I will post about one or more of the selected passages a week, with an emphasis on the ways the scriptures foster positive Christian practice and devotion. I hope this blog can serve as a resource for both lay people studying the Bible and for preachers/teachers preparing sermons or studies on the Lectionary. I intend to work two weeks or so ahead of the lectionary schedule, so that the following weeks scriptures will be available for people.

The Massachusetts Bible Society is "dedicated to biblical message of redemptive Hope, Compassion and Justice." It was the third Bible Society in the United States (following the Philadelphia Bible Society and Connecticut Bible Society) and was originally formed to disseminate religious texts and to aid the public in religious education. The methods of serving this mission have changed over two centuries (the horse drawn carriage handing out free Bibles is no longer in service...), but MBS remains an ecumenical organization dedicated to religious literacy. This lectionary resource hopes to serve that mission.

Comments are highly encouraged to help me tailor these posts to my audience. I am also available through email if you desire clarification or have additional questions. I intend on using the Revised Common Lectionary to select the weekly texts, and to work primarily with the New Revised Standard Version English translation. I will also consult the New International Version and the original Greek (for NT selections), but will only raise issues of translation if highly relevant or remotely interesting.

Thank you for reading this blog, and I pray you find it interesting and informative.

Peace.