The Beloved Disciple & Jesus' Napkin
In discussing our reading from John 20, we highlighted the importance of understanding Scripture as literature, and clarified this does not imply that Scripture is not divinely-inspired. We then discussed why we should want to relate to "the beloved disciple," John, and his reaction at the empty tomb. We concluded by highlighting the implication of Jesus' "napkin" at the tomb being "rolled up."
Church Hierarchy as "Overseers"
Based on our reading from 1 Timothy 3:1-13, we discussed the qualifications of the clergy, and how their primarily role is as "overseers," who themselves have no authority unless they maintain fidelity to the Gospel teaching. Accordingly, the clergy should function as St Paul did, as the "economos," the chief slave. While functioning as an overseer or economos, the clergy should remember they must give account to the one Master, the God and Father of us all.