Ezekiel 31:1-6,10-14

A little background on the literal background that provides the basis for the spiritual sense of this passage. In the 8th through 7th centuries, Assyria had stretched out into the first real empire that the world had seen. In the later 7th century, Assyria weakened, and Egypt joined with them to form an alliance. Assyria fell to the Babylonians -- its populace and superstructure was utterly destroyed. Egypt hoped to become the one "big stick" on the block.

What does the prophet think about these aspirations? To what and whom does he compare Egypt? What is the lesson from the images? Are these images something for the Egyptians to imitate? Why or why not? What was the ultimate significance or meaning of Assyria? Is it in its accomplishments, its ability to be "significant" or "make history"? If Assyria plays a certain "type" found in the world today, both for human groups and individuals, where is it found? How is it a danger for us as individuals and a congregation?

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

In this passage, we find a fascinating glimpse about the relationship between our life in this world -- what Paul calls "the earthly tent" and our eternal end in God. Can you discuss the relationship between this earthly tent and our heavenly dwelling? Which is more basic, important, fundamental? Does this make the "earthly tent" insignificant -- should we wish to be "unclothed"? Is our heavenly end, the Triune God, a movement into or away from life? What does that say about the life we live now? Is it important? Is it the most important? How does that free us to live now?

What then is our goal, our end, our purpose or significance or meaning? Concerning what is the judgment of Christ? What does that mean about our life in the body? Why then must we walk in faith, not sight? What is significant about our lives? What is significant about others?

Mark 4:26-34

Why is the kingdom of God like someone who scatters seed but does not know how it grows? Does this person take control of the situation? What type of farmer would you call such a one? Responsible or irresponsible? How is bringing about the harvest?

How big is the mustard plant? How does it compare to the image of the tree from Ezekiel? Whom lives in it? How significant is the plant?

Now,looking at these passages, is it the believers responsibility to "take control" to make the world a "better place"? Are we called to withdraw from the world? Are these the only two options? What is our calling? Where is our meaning, our significance? In the secular world, where is ones significance? What happens in we accept life in the secular rather than in the saeculum?

Henri de Lubac in the work, A Brief Catechism on Nature and Grace writes, "Jesus did not come to establish a social program that would result in 'a better world'; not that he condemns the search for such a program, but his mission belongs to a different order, and whoever rejects that mission will in th eend make the former search vain" (p. 166). What do you think about this quote as an interpretation of these passages? Why would that "different order" make the "former search vain"?