Psalm 2 (NRSV)

Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying,

"Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us."

He who sits in the heavens laughs; the LORD has them in derision.

Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,

"I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."

I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have begotten you.

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.

You shall break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.

Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling

kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled. Happy are all who take refuge in him.

suggestions

The only vote thus far for next project is "something from the NT" from Crystal. That only narrows it down to what? Twenty-eight books?

We're only a few weeks from Christmas. Increasing time commitments.

I'm really the wrong guy to make suggestions at this point because I really haven't been present as I might and you folks have carried the load. But I'm going to propose a way forward anyway.

For the next three Mondays I will post one of the Psalms for your consideration. Folks can respond as they feel led. This will bring us into 2006.

During these same three weeks folks can consider whether this project should continue and in what form. We can then, in January, either begin afresh or lay it down, or change the format as we decide is best.

End of Thomas - LC

This marks the end of the Thomas study here. I may do some more Thomas work at one of my other blogs. Thanks for all the good work that so many here have done.

A personal note

Ellie and I began our Quaker adventure at Langley Hill MM in Northern VA in 1983. Tom Fox joined this meeting a year or two after we did. When we left there one of our closest friends, John Surr was the clerk of that meeting. He has sent this to me (and other friends), and I want to share it with people reading this blog:


John Surr
(301) 469-9170
Please reply to: surr@his.com

Begin forwarded message:

>
> ***We ask that you give the two urgent messages below your deepest consideration, and direct them on to others who share our concerns regarding the violent and unjust interruptions in the lives of people in Iraq on a daily basis. We have a special concern for the four Christian Peacemaker Team members abducted November 26, 2005.****
> ______________________________________
>
>
> WHO WE ARE: We are Langley Hill Monthly Meeting, of the Religious Society of Friends, the Meeting of Tom Fox, the member of the Christian Peacemaker Team from America who is being held hostage.
>
> WHAT WE ARE DOING: We are holding a public candlelight vigil for Tom Fox, other members of Christian Peacemaker Teams held with him, those who have taken them hostage, and the many individuals and families that have been negatively impacted by this war. The vigil will be held at Clarendon Metro Park, Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, Dec 7 from 7:00-9:00 pm EST. This park is at the Clarendon Metro stop between Wilson and Clarendon Blvds. We will read the text of Tom's work as found on his weblog: www.waitinginthelight.blogspot.com. Bring candles and dress warmly.
>
> WHAT WE ARE ASKING: For each and everyone to join us by:
> 1. Attending Wednesday evening's vigil in Clarendon.
> 2. Holding a similutaneous candlelight vigil in your community
> 3. If you cannot attend a vigil, then holding your own personal vigil; putting a candle in your window or on your front lawn
> 4. Reading Tom's postings found on his website
> 5. Holding Tom and his fellow CPT team members in the Light, seeking their safe and immediate release, and also those who suffer similar situations of captivity. We ask you to also hold their captors in the Light, that they might see why they must release their captives.
>
> We know that many people throughout the world have made efforts to secure the release of these hostages and we are grateful for their support.
> _____________________________________________
>
>
> AN APPEAL FROM LANGLEY HILL MONTHLY MEETING, RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, TO THE PEOPLE HOLDING TOM FOX AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CHRISTIAN PEACEMAKER TEAM,
>
> Tom Fox, now being held captive in Iraq, is a beloved and longstanding member of our Quaker worship community. One of our strongly held beliefs is that if we listen, God can guide our lives. Before Tom went to Iraq, we considered with him his sense that he was being inspired by God to do what he could to relieve the suffering of individual Iraqis and to serve peace and justice. We were aware of the danger he faced. He went with our support and continues to have our support and love. We know Tom very well and can affirm that he is neither a spy nor an evangelist.
>
> The tenets of our Quaker faith ask us to work for peace in the world and to respect that of God in everyone. That is what led Tom to go to Iraq. We believe strongly in justice, mercy, and peace. We opposed this war as we oppose all wars. We believe in a God that is compassionate and merciful, as do the people of Iraq.
>
> We ask you as an act of justice, mercy, and devotion to release Tom and the other Christian Peacemaker Team members so that they can continue their work on behalf of those who suffer.
>
> Releasing the captives, so that they can continue to serve the Iraqi people, would be an act of dignity and courage.
>
> Signed,
>
> Langley Hill Monthly Meeting
> Religious Society of Friends
> Doug Smith, Clerk

Need more guidance

It appears that we have now looked at the 65 sayings that seem to be quite dissimilar to those in the other four gospels. This may be a good stopping point for Thomas. Or do you want to go on looking at the other 49?