You Tube Theology

Our reading for Trinity 5 in Year C continues our mini-series in Colossian, following on from last week's passage with Col 1.15–28. (Once more the lectionary does odd things, giving us a long, dense reading and then, inexplicably, cutting off the last verse of the chapter.)

There is much scholarly debate on this passage—was Paul quoting or adapting something, or composing himself, and what is the aim of this material—but you don't need to solve all these problems in order to preach and read it well!

Paul is drawing on OT images of creation and wisdom, and (as he does elsewhere) incorporating the identity of Jesus into the monotheism belief in the God of Israel. There is striking contrast with the focus of the 'hymn' in Phil 2 (though also some parallels), but this most significant theological passage in Paul's writings also has clear pastoral and personal consequences.

(If you want to explore the number 153, read the article here: https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/do-the-153-fish-in-john-21-count-for-anything/ )

The gospel reading is Luke 10.38–42, the fascinating (and misread) story of Jesus with Mary and Martha. The video discussion is here: https://youtu.be/WNHYDFCVivc

and the written commentary is here: https://www.psephizo.com/biblical-studies/is-the-devotion-of-mary-better-than-the-service-of-martha-in-luke-10/