The Book of Exodus
Fall 2003 Bible Study

Exodus 25-31

"St. Joan of Arc Bible Study is an open and growing group that meets for fellowship and to discuss the Bible and other faith-centered literature. Our informal study group draws from biblical scholarship, historical perspectives, current events and personal reflections. We welcome honor and respect the personal ideas and spiritual journeys of all who join us."

Good evening

Warning. Please remove all sources of open flame and extreme heat from the vicinity of your PC monitor. I may be eating a slice of the treat we shared at this evening's break while typing. This treat is combustible.

Our first meeting without an "official" facilitator actually went well. It was a bit strange not having the usual overview to hold and follow along with but we certainly did manage. We did receive a hand out that summarized the reasons why many believe the Ark of the Covenant resides in a small church in Ethiopia.

We began with a reading from the late Bishop Oscar Romero and a special welcome back for Louise who recently returned with others from South Africa. While realizing she still has much to sort and assimilate, we asked her to share some preliminary feelings and observations from the trip and she did so. Her impressions are very moving and I realize again that there is one thing in this life of which I am entirely certain: When I put myself at these Tuesday gatherings, I am in the finest of company.

We then moved to observations about the Ark of the Covenant and the images and feelings the chapters stirred within us. The striking similarities between the Tabernacle and Catholic mass. We talked about the play between the sacred and the profane in the construction of, the materials used and the actual location of the Tent. We wondered about God giving such lengthy and precise instructions to build a real physical object for God. Why would it be important to God? Why was it important to the writers? Which priestly group wrote Exodus, (i.e. the Elohists, or the Jehovists) or at least had the last say? What kind of effect did that have on these chapters and Judaism?

We discussed the Tabernacle as being symbolic or metaphoric in the sense that God is actually everywhere, but by building a Tabernacle, the Israelites created a tangible sense that God was present in their lives. It helped them remain mindful of what it means to have ones being in God. The Tabernacle served as a vehicle for their relationship with God. And when it was "lost" during the sack of Jerusalem the people did not die. The Tabernacle and what it represents is carried on in the hearts of individuals, within the temples of their bodies, which may be the original point - the reality the Tabernacle points to.

We then counted off into small groups and made our way to the prize. I can't say we were all surprised as some of us well knew of the planned treat ahead of time but I dare say it produced more than a few palpitations. Again, please extinguish all smoking materials. We were fortunate enough to share in the enjoyment of not just one but two Pecan Rum cakes. Are you kidding me! Is this legal?

Rumor has it that the ingredients include not only the cooked off rum but also the real deal bare-naked Jamaican rum that served as the final glaze and also found its way to the very heart of the cake. Is this metaphor? A beautiful garnish of almost crispy-granular buttered Pecans adorned the mount while the slices revealed a delicate and soft-yellow interior outlined by a rich tan color providing a gorgeous contrast almost as rich as the cake itself. The heavenly voices appeared again about the time I actually wrung the icing out of a lower portion of cake on to my plate! The first forkful was quickly followed with a second that actually staggered me and I stopped to catch my breath. I then realized I better take this slowly. I chewed every bite mindfully savoring the texture and exquisite flavors and also the unique fellowship we share. We even have pictures on the way, right cousin C! Many thanks.

Our small group was very moving, at least for me. We started by sharing a wonderful image stemming from the "Bread of Presence" - Exodus 25:30. There was a note to check "Showbread" Leviticus 24:5 and we read that. We then discussed the Sabbath and how we, increasingly in this country, never take a day for rest, for family, for prayer. Some of us even feel guilty about the thought and feel we should be "doing" something, getting something done. This led to the discussion of what it means to simply be there for someone who suffers. We often feel that we have to "do" something or "fix" something or give something like food or money or medicine or whatever it may be and forget how meaningful it is to simply let one know they count. To acknowledge their humanity and their holiness; to let them know that you have not forgotten them and that you care. This is a sacred gift that provides hope and dare not underestimate the power of hope!

Now: a few important announcements

First, Rabbi Wildstein was gracious enough to accept our invitation and will visit next Tuesday the 18th to share with us a Hebrew perspective on the book of Exodus. As it stands now, he will stay for an hour. Rita Manninen [ritamanninen@yahoo.com] has asked us to send any questions we may have to her and she will forward some of them to him so he has an idea where we may be going. We decided to simply push our study of Exodus back one week since we planned a week off on December 2nd before the potluck (which is on the 9th) anyway. We will spend the second half of the gathering discussing our visitors' perspectives. Therefore Bob will facilitate chapters 32-34 on November 25th. Mom (Audrey) is slated to facilitate the following week (December 2) chapters 35-40.

Finally, there will be a servanthood-leadership team meeting this coming Sunday (Nov. 16) after the 11 mass in the Parish Center. Please join us if you have an interest joining the team. The old guard will give a rundown of what's involved and pass the torch to the next generation. The team makes many important decisions including what we study next!

For next week, all we need bring is our warm hospitality along with

• O. Prayer Noel
• Treats Rita
• C. Prayer Karen