“So when will I get a chance to read whatever I want?” I asked my learned friend who has written a book or two himself over the years. “When your kids leave home!” My friend shared openly about the fact that having children meant that he could either spend time with them or read and work etc. he read what he had to at work.

I have a pile of books waiting to be read and then I have three or four staring at me needing to be read on the Gospel of Matthew. I had hoped to make my way through the Dogmatics. I had planned to read NT Wright’s tomes. I had requested review copies of books I thought would be interesting and generate discussion. And then there those three or four books on Matthew.

As part of my job I discipline myself to read. But time is of the essence. There is so much to read and so little time. Being pastor means I read books that help me further my vocational journey. I don’t have a lot of time to read at home. Who would want to read anyway when their kids want to play with them and have fun? And then there are those three or four books on Matthew.

Which bring me to the first canonical gospel. I have chosen as my dissertation topic the inclusio formed by Matthew 1:23 and 28:20 or, The Gospel of Matthew as the Gospel of Real presence. I will look at the meaning of Jesus’ ongoing presence to Matthew’s community and the people of God today.

Matthew and Ministry: It is to these matters I must attend. I must remain faithful to God and the people he has called me to serve. Therefore, as much as I would love to read more widely it is possible it may be another 18 or so years!  Therefore, please be patient with my ongoing posts about ministry or Matthew! 🙂