Senior year is a liminal time, as one of my professors likes to say. We are here, yet we are not here. General Ordination Exams loom on the horizon, and no matter how much or how little your Bishop cares about these exams, they are there and they must be faced. They loom large, especially now as they are scheduled for the first few weeks of January. The exams are read by a group of people from around the country - some clergy, some lay people.
Eschatology is prevalent in the Bible, and is fundamental to Christian doctrine.
The themes of apocalyptic endings and new beginnings are widespread in contemporary culture, and the frequent misappropriation of biblical apocalyptic imagery presents a challenge to Christians to sort out biblical teachings from cultural accommodations. The Gospel of Matthew, chapters 24-25, presents an extended teaching on the subjects of eschatology and apocalyptic. You have been asked to lead an adult study group in Advent focusing on these chapters. As part of your preparation, answer the questions below, in three pages. Classmates of mine have jobs, many have dates for their diaconal ordinations.