Lent 5BLent 5BMarch 22, 2015March 22, 2015

Jeremiah 31:31-34Jeremiah 31:31-34Hebrews 5:5-10Hebrews 5:5-10John 12:20-33John 12:20-33

James DeKovenJames DeKoven

Anglican Priest & Anglican Priest & EducatorEducator

1831 - 18791831 - 1879

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2015

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James de Koven was born in Connecticut in 1831, ordained an Episcopal priest in 1855, served as a professor of Church history at Nashotah House Episcopal Seminary and by 1859 was appointed Warden of Racine College, Wisconsin. Nashotah House was from its inception dedicated to an increased emphasis on Christ’s very real presence the Sacrament of Eucharist and on the use of ritual practices that highlighted that presence.

In the 1871 and 1874 General Conventions, de Koven became the chief spokesman for the ritualists, those who defended using candles, incense, bowing and kneeling during Communion. He reminded attendees of the numerous assertions by prominent Anglican theologians since the Reformation who had taught, and the ecclesiastical courts which when the question came up had ruled, that it is Anglican belief, shared not only with Roman Catholics but with Lutherans and Eastern Orthodox adherents, that the presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Sacrament is a real and objective presence. He was, however, equally eloquent and firm in saying: "The gestures and practices by which we recognize the presence of Christ do not matter. Only Christ matters."

In 1874 he was elected Bishop of Wisconsin and in 1875 Bishop of Illinois. Because he was so controversial, however, his election failed both times to be ratified by a majority of Bishops and a majority of Diocesan Standing Committees required by canon law.

He died at Racine College on 22 March 1879.

Collect for Lent 5BCollect for Lent 5BAlmighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills & affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command & desire what you promise; that, among the swift & varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives & reigns with you & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen.

 

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA -- Adult Lectionary Forum 2015

Prayer for Lent 5B [Fr. James De Koven]Prayer for Lent 5B [Fr. James De Koven]Almighty & everlasting God, source & perfection of all virtues, who inspired your servant James de Koven to do what is right & to preach what is true: Grant that all ministers & stewards of your mysteries may impart to your faithful people, by word & example, knowledge of your grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives & reigns with you & the Holy Spirit, one God, forever & ever. Amen

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Time Stamp: 594 BC

The prophet foresees a new covenant between God and the people whom he loves. This covenant will be marked by the Lord's Spirit in their hearts rather than on tablets of stone.

A NEW Covenant?•Earthly vice Heavenly orientation•New covenant accompanied by land’s repopulation & rebuilding of Jerusalem •What’s so New? Written in their hearts, not on stone•Another link between old & new covenant is forgiveness•--In golden calf event wake forgiveness emerges as new reality for Israel•--Moses pleads for forgiveness, God responds by making a covenant (Jer. 34:9-10)•--Forgiveness now becomes integral to covenant•--God’s unilateral forgiveness is basis for new covenant (31:34; “for”)

29In those days they shall no longer say: “The parents have eaten sour grapes, & the children’s teeth are set on edge.”30But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes shall be set on edge… 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity & remember their sin no more.

27The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will sow the house of Israel & the house of Judah with the seed of humans & the seed of animals.28And just as I have watched over them to pluck up & break down, to overthrow, destroy & bring evil, so I will watch over them to build & to plant.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2015

Time Stamp: 62 AD

Through obedience & suffering, Jesus opens the gates of the kingdom. He is named high priest forever.

Two Sides of Jesus•Describes 2 very different but related aspects of Jesus•Vv 5-6: OT foreshadowing of Jesus’ messianic roles: “King” and “High Priest” IAW Psalms•--Psalm 2:7 (“You are my Son, today I have begotten you”)•--Psalm 1:5, celebrates enthronement of a king•--Psalm 110:4 (“You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek”•--Psalm 7:17•In Hebrews, Jesus’ high priestly functions are understood in terms of Melchizedek vice that of Levite order Aaron established •Hebrews paints Melchizedek as a figure of Jesus foreshadowing roles of “King” & “Priest.”•Melchi-zedek ~ king of righteousness

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St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2015

5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;6as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts & sacrifices for sins.2He is able to deal gently with the ignorant & wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness;3 & because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people.4And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Time Stamp: c. 29 ADJesus teaches God will be greatly glorified by his Son’s suffering and death. Following Jesus’ prayer to God, a voice from heaven answers.

Give it All Up•Jesus sums up God’s good purposes for the world•Call to discipleship: Jesus’ last public words foreshadow his personal words to disciples (V 24-26)•Don’t forget who Jesus is (V 27-30)•--Willingly lays down his life in events to come•--Vv 28-30 reminds us of both Jesus’ baptism & event of Transfiguration in Synoptic Gospels•Deciding Moment (Vv 31-33)•--Moment of judgment --last time “world” will hear Jesus’ words •--Jesus’ Farewell Discourse confirms his parting words don’t just anticipate death, but his ascension, as well.

“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.25Those who love their life lose it & those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.26Whoever serves me must follow me, & where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

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St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centreville VA Adult Lectionary Forum 2015

27“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—”Father, save me from this hour?” No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour.28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine.