First and Second Timothy and Titus are together called the "Pastoral Epistles," as they have more to do with how the Christians should live rather than what they should believe.
Scholars generally believe that these three books were written after Paul's death, and quite probably not to the Timothy who traveled with Paul. Rather they are directions coming from the Pauline community addressing some specific issues and problems faced in Ephasus.
It can be difficult to read 1 Timothy in the 21st century: in the 2nd chapter, immediately before our reading today, instruction is given concerning women: "Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent." I would love to hear our Presiding Bishop preach on those lines!
Our reading today starts by quoting a saying "whoever aspires to the office of bishop [or overseer] desires a noble task." Considering what we expect bishops to do, I would wonder about anybody who did aspire to be a bishop!
The sturdy advice for the nature of bishops and deacons makes me wonder if they were not getting very good quality church leaders, particularly with two references to imbibing alcohol.
Our church's current process for choosing those to be ordained as deacons, priests and bishops is very long and tedious, but judging by those we have had serving us at Holy Comforter and the Diocese of Virginia, we are ensured that they bring true faith and a loving heart. We have been very blessed.
 |
| Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your thoughts about this reading in the comments. Because of spammers, comments required approval.