TIP OF THE DAY 135: Liturgical time

MJ. Smith

 I am adding these posts to the previous tip list L/V 10 Tip of the Day (when it doesn't time out)

QUESTION: How does the Jewish cycle of Sabbath readings present history?

Answer: from Perplexity:

The Jewish cycle of Sabbath Torah readings presents history through a structured annual or triennial reading of the Pentateuch, which contains the foundational narratives and laws of Judaism. This practice has ancient origins and has evolved over time:

Origins: The public reading of Torah portions likely dates back to the time of Ezra (c. 458 BCE), as described in Nehemiah 8:8, where Ezra reads from "the scroll of the Teaching of God" to the assembled people. However, some traditions trace the practice of reading Torah three times a week back to the time of Moses.

Development: The formal cycle of weekly Torah readings developed gradually. By the time of the Mishnah (c. 200 CE), it was an established practice, though the exact format varied.

Annual Cycle: The custom of completing the entire Torah in one year became standard in Babylonian Jewish communities. This cycle divides the Torah into 54 portions (parshiyot), allowing for the completion of the entire Pentateuch within a lunar year.

Triennial Cycle: In ancient Palestine, a three-year cycle was common. The Talmud (Megillah 29b) mentions this custom as distinct from the Babylonian annual cycle5. Some scholars suggest it may have actually been a 3½ year cycle.

Historical Presentation: The cycle begins with Genesis, recounting the creation of the world and the patriarchal narratives. It then progresses through Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, covering the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the threshold of the Promised Land. This sequential reading presents Jewish history from its mythic origins through the formative period of the nation.

Thematic Connections: While generally chronological, the cycle also makes thematic connections between historical events and laws, interweaving narrative and legal sections to create a comprehensive view of Jewish history and religious practice.

The Torah reading cycle thus provides a structured way for Jewish communities to engage regularly with their foundational text, revisiting their history and laws on an annual or triennial basis.

QUESTION: How do the Christian Catholic and Revised Common Lectionary cycles of readings present history?

Answer: from Perplexity (modified):

Description of the Catholic and Revised Common Lectionaries (RCL)

Advent:Both lectionaries feature thematic readings during Advent that anticipate the feast of the Nativity, focusing on prophecies and preparation for the coming of Christ.

Lent:The readings in Lent are thematic, supporting traditional catechesis. In particular, the three Sundays preceding Palm Sunday emphasize preparation for baptism and repentance, reflecting ancient practices.

Holy-Week:The lectionaries follow the events of Jesus' final days leading to His crucifixion, with readings centered on the Passion narratives.

Easter-Vigil:The Old Testament readings at the Easter Vigil present salvation history, tracing God's covenantal relationship with humanity and culminating in the resurrection of Christ.

Ordinary Time:

In both lectionaries, the Gospel is read semi-continuously, presenting the life and teachings of Christ.

The Old Testament reading is typically selected to relate to the Gospel thematically, typologically, or intertextually. However, in the RCL, from Pentecost to Advent, there is an alternative option for semi-continuous Old Testament readings that follow a chronological narrative.

The Psalm serves as a response to the first reading or Gospel rather than being an independent reading.

The Epistle is read semi-continuously without a direct relationship to the other readings.

Daily Readings:

In the Catholic lectionary, daily readings include semi-continuous reading of all the Gospel annually and of other books of the Bible on a two year cycle.

In the RCL, Gail Ramshaw's daily readings are designed to connect with either the upcoming or previous Sunday's lectionary texts.

Liturgy of the Hours:

Both Catholics and Anglicans use the Liturgy of the Hours for continuous reading of biblical books outside of Mass or Sunday services. This practice provides a broader exposure to Scripture over time.

These lectionaries aim to provide structured exposure to Scripture throughout the liturgical year while reflecting theological themes appropriate to each season or occasion.

QUESTION: How do the festal icons of an iconostasis show chronological and liturgical time?

Answer: from Perplexity (modified):

An iconostasis is a large screen or wall that separates the nave from the sanctuary in Eastern Orthodox churches. It typically features several tiers of icons arranged in a specific order:

The bottom tier, known as the Despotic Icons, includes (from left to right):

Archangel Michael

A patron saint or important event

The Virgin Mary

Christ

St. John the Baptist

Archangel Gabriel

Above the Despotic Icons is an arcade called the Kemeri, with the Last Supper depicted in the central arch.

The top tier features the Festal Icons, which depict the 12 Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church. These are typically arranged in chronological order of the liturgical year:

The Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8)

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple (November 21)

The Nativity of Christ (December 25)

The Theophany (Baptism) of Christ (January 6)

The Presentation of Christ at the Temple (February 2)

The Annunciation (March 25)

The Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

The Ascension of Christ (40 days after Pascha)

Pentecost (50 days after Pascha)

The Transfiguration (August 6)

The Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15)

The iconostasis usually has three doors: the central Royal Doors, flanked by two Deacons' Doors. The entire structure is richly decorated and serves as a visual representation of Orthodox theology and tradition.

Chronological Order	Feast	Liturgical Year Order
1	Nativity of the Theotokos	1	September 8
2	Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple	3		November 21
3	Annunciation	7		March 25
4	Nativity of Christ	4		December 25
5	Presentation of Christ at the Temple	6		February 2
6	Theophany (Baptism) of Christ	5		January 6
7	Transfiguration	11		August 6
8	Entry into Jerusalem	8		Palm Sunday
9	Ascension of Christ	9		40 days after Pascha
10	Pentecost	10		50 days after Pascha
11	Dormition of the Theotokos	12		August 15
12	Exaltation of the Holy Cross	2		September 14