In the lectionary reading for Trinity 13 year A, Romans 12.9–21, Paul sets out a remarkable vision of life in the redeemed community, using a particularly powerful rhetorical style.
Instead of argumentation and logical connectives, Paul bundles together a series of punchy statements using infinitive and particle phrases. Just as striking is his use of sources. He quotes repeatedly from the Old Testament—but he also draws more densely than anywhere else on his writings from the teaching of Jesus himself.
This is the community which reflects the life and teaching of its master.
For the Grove booklet we mentioned on autism and the worshipping community, see here.
For my article on impartiality as being the heart of the gospel, see here.
For a review of and link to Mike Thompson’s thesis on Clothed with Christ, see here.
For the commentary on the gospel passage, Matthew 16.21–28, see here.
And for the video discussion of that passage, here.
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This passage is predicated upon “The mercies of God”
Therefore having spoken in the previous chapters of the Mercy of God;
What might our response[s] be, what might our “be”attitudes” be.?
Perhaps Gentiles in Rome were not aware of the 13 Attributes of Mercy
(Middot Harachamim):?
Given to Moses on Sinai or as some preferred the 13 account attributed to Micah as the soul/internal attributes, whereas those given to Moses are body/external attributes.
The reason why the attributes said to Micah are on a grander scale is because they don’t express any aspects of judgement or severity.
In contrast, some of the attributes given to Moses, such as “truth,” imply distance and coldness. Truth looks at something for what it is and is unwilling to look past the wrong that was committed. (See True Mercy.)
. Every day when many Jews recite “Tachanun” (a confessional prayer), they say the 13 Attributes of Mercy, invoking G‑d’s mercy in the face our transgressions. Every fast day, which is an opportune time to repent, this prayer is recited. Most telling of all is how often we say it during the Ne’ilah service on Yom Kippur—the holiest moment of the year.
Therefore –
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
J.B. Phillips has an outstanding and memorable translation of Romans 12:1-2:
With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give Him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to Him and acceptable by Him.
Anyone who has experienced the Great mercy of God in truth cannot be merciless
[As the unjust steward] anyone who has experienced the Love of God shed abroad in their
Very being cannot help but be loving similarly those who have experienced the abundant Generosity of God cannot help but be sacrificially generous. Etc.
The Mercy of God demands a responsible, whole hearted, whole being “be attitude” from us
Thirteen is a significant number in Judaism. It is the age of maturity, completeness, when a boy becomes Bar Mitzvah and assumes the obligation to keep the laws of the Torah. It also corresponds to the 13 tribes of Israel (when including Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Menashe), and often brings to mind Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith.
It is not sufficient to just recite a creed each week
Some of their commentaries believe that mentioning the Attributes of Mercy in prayer alone has the power to influence G‑d to forgive us for our sins.
However, most kabbalists and commentaries on the Talmud explain that G‑d is asking us to imitate His actions: just as He is merciful, so too should we be merciful; just as He is kind, so too should we be kind. Most opinions seem to follow this explanation; because if G‑d meant for the prayer alone to be sufficient, the verse should have read, “Let them carry out this prayer before me.”
G‑d responds in kind, measure for measure, and reveals to us His inner G‑dly light.
SOURCE – .chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/3609722/jewish/What-Are-the-13-Attributes-of-Mercy.htm
The quality of Justice is the quality of Mercy
Would that we gentile Christians held Mercy front and central in our priesthood as Mediators and Intercessors on behalf of people, Church and Nation, for to us is opened a New and Living Way to the Throne to obtain Mercy and Grace. ALL would be in a better condition. Shalom.
‘Anyone who has experienced the Great mercy of God in truth cannot be merciless’
I would change the cannot to should not as all behaviours are chosen.
Quite true Peter.
On a completely trivial note … at the end of almost all these videos you encourage your viewers to do four things – like, comment, subscribe, share – yet I don’t recall you ever describing those as “the four last things”. Any reason why not, please?