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Words From the Middle

At the intersection of Sacred and Profane

2015/08/09

Lists, lists, lists

This is going to be my last post for the month of August. As of next week I am going to be on vacation with my family, at least the members who live in the same house as I do, and won’t be back in the pulpit until September. I will miss it, naturally, but I am also very much looking forward to the different routines and rhythms that come with time away.

But, I was in the pulpit this Sunday and I preached from Ephesians 4:25-5:2. This is another section of scripture where we have what amounts to a list of things that we should do . . . at least that is what it looks like. The problem with lists is that they seem to be complete lists simply by virtue of being a list, I am tempted to call lists an example of a self-reflexive totalizing narrative but I think that might be an overreach. What is important to remember about lists is that they are more snapshots of a detail of a moving picture rather than the total picture and as such it is easy to misuse lists.

In this instance, I make the case that Paul is giving us a list of illustrations or examples on his way to his actual point which is that we are called to live in love.

Knox Presbyterian Not just another list

https://wordsfromthemiddle.ca/wp-content/uploads/150809_Knox.mp3

St. Mark’s Presbyterian Not just another list

https://wordsfromthemiddle.ca/wp-content/uploads/150809_St_Marks.mp3

So give one or the other or both a listen and let me know if you think I am seriously off base with my take on lists in general and this list in particular.

Looking forward to being back here in a few weeks.

Blessings,

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PS I used a different recorder and subsequent converter so let me know if you experience any difference in quality, positive or negative.

Article by Barry / Pentecost, Preaching, Sunday, Year B / list, lists, live in love, love of Jesus, preaching, self-reflexive totalizing narrative Leave a Comment

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