Good morning!
One of the things I mentioned in passing yesterday is that the Transfiguration is mentioned in all 3 of the "Synoptic" Gospels (Matthew, Mark & Luke). One very interesting exercise is to compare the *differences* in the accounts, especially this year, between Matthew & Mark. I say "this year" because this is Year A on the lectionary (the year of Matthew) and I mention the comparison between Matthew & Mark because I accept the current scholarly opinions that Mark was the first Gospel & Matthew had access to it when he wrote his.
With that theory in mind, Matthew's account has some subtle variation from Marks:
1. Matthew mentions Jesus "face" shining....as well as his garments
2. Moses is listed before Elijah in Matthew
3. Jesus is referred to as Lord ("Kyrios") as opposed to Mark's "Rabbi"
4. Peter suggests he alone can build the 3 shelters ("I will make") in Matthew, where as it's a team effort in Mark.
5. In Mark, fear grips the disciples before they're enveloped in the cloud & hear the voice. In Matthew it's afterward
6. Jesus' remarkable touch & words "don't be afraid" only happen in Matthew
7. This event is specifically called a "vision" in Matthew.
Generally, I see these details as the typical Matthean "expansion" of Mark. That, in other words, in comparing Mark's version against his own sources, Matthew under the direction of the Holy Spirit is guided to flesh out more detail. For the purpose of my sermon this year, I am happy that Matthew included the comforting words of Jesus, for it was in these words "don't be afraid" that I saw & heard so much GOSPEL coming through!
Cheers.
TM
About Me...what is an 'evangelical-catholic?'
- Pastor Tim Manwell
- Elk Grove Village, IL, United States
- I was born & raised in rural mid-Michigan (M-go blue!). Life & work have taken me to many different places. God has too, as I've come to learn that faith is a pilgrimage. I very much resonate with the label 'EVANGELICAL-CATHOLIC.' I was raised Baptist, but found myself drawn to the Sacraments & Liturgy of the Church. I appreciate very much the words of the Augsburg Confession: "...nothing has been received among us, in doctrine or in ceremonies, that is contrary to Scripture or to the church catholic." Evangelical-catholic is a term of self-designation used by Christians coming from a broad spectrum of theological perspectives and commitments, ranging from Lutherans, Anglicans, and various Evangelicals yearning for greater catholicity .....to faithful Roman Catholics longing for an evangelical renewal of the Church. Perhaps beneath the apparent denominational differences there lies a common...groaning of the Spirit of God, who is seeking to draw the members of Christ’s mystical body into a communal life that is both fully catholic and fully evangelical. One can always hope and pray!
Listen to Current Sermons (hi speed)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment