Granted, we earned those looks. Partly, it was the hour. A large gaggle of high school students troops into the Frisch's Big Boy at 10:00 p.m. on a school night; that, by itself, would turn a few heads. In our little river city, everyone knew where we were SUPPOSED to be at that hour: at home, maybe even in bed, already. School days started early.
We pushed a few tables together, earning more looks. Each of us asked for a menu, but almost all of us just ordered a Big Boy, fries, and drink. One girl ordered a salad. And one guy ordered onion rings instead of fries. But none of us actually looked at the menus in our hands. That got us a look from the waitress.
Then, only after putting in our orders, we lifted our menus and started reading them ... out loud ... expressively.
We were there because drama rehearsal at the high school had run a bit later than usual. And, well, no one really wanted to go home. We were keyed up and hungry. There were one or two other places open that late where high school students could legitimately go, but Big Boy was right across the street and, thus, the natural choice.
Yes, it was a few minutes of light-hearted silliness; but as odd as it may seem, the expressive reading of those menus actually served a purpose. If we could infuse interest and convey meaning when reading the words printed on a menu, we were well on our way to doing the same with the lines in our spring play. Mr. Miller, our erstwhile speech teacher and drama coach, would have been happy for our industry; but, likely, a little chagrined at our choice of venue.
There's a great scene in the movie, The Candidate, where Robert Redford's character, first time senatorial candidate Bill McKay, has recently given in to his campaign advisors and adopted a slogan, "There's got to be a better way -- McKay." In the scene, he slumps in the back seat of a car, exhausted from an already long day of campaigning that is far from over. He repeatedly mumbles part of the slogan, each time changing the emphasis: "Got to BE a better way ... GOT to be a better way ... Got to be a BETTER way ... Got to be a better WAY." In the front seat, two of his handlers give each other the eye, wondering if he has gone over the edge.
Our late night burgers and menu readings were something like that scene, and the event stands out in my memory. Not just because of the looks we garnered, and not at all because my reading partner was a cute girl (smile). It stands out because it underscored for me, in an unforgettable way, that HOW we read the words of others MATTERS. Changing which words or syllables to emphasize in a sentence or phrase can completely change the meaning.
And so, I call on you to read with care the words of God in this week's Lectionary selection from Job, especially the opening sentences. Many a translator has rendered Job 38:2-3 to "read" almost conversationally. Consider the New Revised Standard Version: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me."
I found this same kind of mild rendering in many translations and versions. And even though the word, "counsel" actually indicates God's design or purposes ---See? That already changes the meaning--- some substituted "advice" for "counsel," making it even more bland. With the exception of Job 19:25, these final chapters are the most important in the book, and among the most important in the Bible. They are all about the sovereignty of God. And "hearing" them correctly makes a difference.
Below is my understanding of the meaning of those two key verses, the ones that set the tone for the remainder of God's response to Job. I welcome your comments and thoughts. Let me know if you agree or if you "hear" it differently.
"WHO dares? Who DARES cloud MY DESIGN in darkness? Step forward and brace yourself. Now it is MY turn to interrogate YOU. Perhaps you think YOU can teach ME."
Now go read the rest of it.
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READINGS FOR THE COMING WEEK
Proper 24 (29) (October 18, 2015)
First reading and Psalm
Job 38:1-7, (34-41)
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c
Alternate First reading and Psalm
Isaiah 53:4-12
Psalm 91:9-16
Second reading
Hebrews 5:1-10
Gospel
Mark 10:35-45
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We're having a GREAT time Friday mornings at Lectionary breakfast! The food, the scriptures, and, seriously, the laughter, add immeasurably to the quality of our weeks and our lives. If you're nearby, join us at the Waco "Egg and I" restaurant at 8:00 for an hour like no other. If you've ever wondered, let me assure you, there really IS a better way.
Enjoy the week!
Steve
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For more info about the wonderful Frisch's Big Boy restaurants, check out this link; it's the source of the above photo: http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Frisch's_Big_Boy
In the Orthodox Church, scripture that is read liturgically is prescribed to be chanted. The reasons given to me were that (a.) a singing/chanting voice carries farther than a speaking voice, and is more audible in a large space, and (b.) chanting prevents the reader from introducing his own emphasis and inflections into the passage. I always found the second reason to be a bit flimsy, but I now see the logic behind it.
ReplyDelete(Also, thanks to Orthodoxy, I now know what a lectionary is, and finally understand the title of your blog.)
Good thought, Bryan. Chanting leaves it entirely up to the listener to decide where the emphases might go. I like that. By "Orthodoxy," do you mean the book by Chesterton? Or just orthodoxy in general?
ReplyDelete