As the fourth reading comes to a close this Monday, I wanted to invite those of you who are participating to join me in a tradition of mine. Each Thanksgiving for the past two years (this will be year three) I have devoted my day to reading through all of Paul's letters (Romans-Philemon).
At first, this might seem like overkill. However, the discipline is well worth the results. I have been able to observe a number of interconnections in these letters by reading them all in succession that I do not believe I would have noticed otherwise.
I do understand that this challenge poses some logistical difficulties. Thanksgiving, for many, is not a day in which seven to eight hours can be set aside for reading (unless you wake up at 4:45 like me). I would suggest that, since Tuesday and Wednesday are scheduled reflection days, you might take Wednesday to read. Or, you could simply split it up over Tuesday and Wednesday.
In any case, I hope that you consider this challenge. As I have said, it has proven to be fruitful for my understanding of Paul and the New Testament as a whole.
Happy Thanksgiving!
While I have did not participate in the reading challenge, as I am just now seeing this entry today (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving), I'd like to note that I have been reading through the four gospels from start to finish for the first time ever. I have found some very interesting recurring themes that are often missed when scripture is read only in small increments.
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