On a Reading from the Second Epistle to Timothy
2 Timothy 1:8b-10:
The NRSV translation reads:
Exodus 19: 4-6a:
Beloved:
Bear your share of hardship for the gospel
with the strength that comes from God.
He saved us and called us to a holy life,
not according to our works
but according to his own design
and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began,
but now made manifest
through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus,
who destroyed death and brought life and immortality
to light through the gospel.
I am much moved by the use of the word bestowed in the second reading for the mass yesterday! In the recently defunct, also NAB, translation the term used was, held out to us.
Bestowed is a much stronger action than held out to us. Bestowed suggests completed action, while held out merely denotes an offer and is patient of an incomplete action. This is precisely where it would be good to be a gifted linguist. What does the text read. And, more important, how should we read the text.
Bestowed is a much stronger action than held out to us. Bestowed suggests completed action, while held out merely denotes an offer and is patient of an incomplete action. This is precisely where it would be good to be a gifted linguist. What does the text read. And, more important, how should we read the text.
The NRSV translation reads:
This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
Held out to us, bestowed, was given. Ever stronger language to suggest that God's will and act to save is transcendent of our history; perhaps, even completed before we step out very far onto the stage! This language suggests that God's love, manifest in Israel, in the Church, is meant for all the world, every nation, every people, all of us. Meant, and perhaps more pointedly, revealed for all of us.
This year the reading suggests that God's saving action is meant for all the world. Next year Paul will focus more narrowly on the experience and promise of the Christian Community in the plan of Salvation. This year God's big design is proclaimed, and the surety given is the proclamation of the Gospel and the passion and resurrection of Christ.
This morning's Little Chapter from Exodus continues to underscore this for me:
This year the reading suggests that God's saving action is meant for all the world. Next year Paul will focus more narrowly on the experience and promise of the Christian Community in the plan of Salvation. This year God's big design is proclaimed, and the surety given is the proclamation of the Gospel and the passion and resurrection of Christ.
This morning's Little Chapter from Exodus continues to underscore this for me:
Exodus 19: 4-6a:
You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.As our lenten journey progresses lets us remember that what God has achieved in Christ we proclaim.
<< Home