RCL Reflection for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year B
February 28, 2021
Jesus understood the risk of opposing empire and the forces of violence and evil. He knew that he walked a lonely road to a violent death because of his countercultural teaching and witness, and he teaches his followers the very real cost of discipleship. The question is, are we 21st century disciples ready to accept the cost? (Photo: sammydavisdog, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent, Year B, February 21, 2021The lessons appointed for Lent bring us face to face with Jesus’ ministry from baptism to cross and grave. We begin on Ash Wednesday with a stark reminder of our own mortality, something we don’t ponder enough in our death-avoidant culture. We follow the narrative arc of our Lord’s life and work, and yes, we go with him to suffer and die.
RCL Reflection, Transfiguration Sunday, Year B, February 14, 2021
This week’s lessons invite us to ponder the value of good relationships, both within our faith community and without. Relationships matter—greatly. We are not, as John Donne reminds, “islands unto ourselves.” We are built for and thrive when we have a circle of relationships that affirm, correct, bless, and challenge us. (Image: JESUS MAFA. Transfiguration, Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
RCL Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
February 7, 2021
Why are you a Christ follower? Do you have a clear, concise answer that you can adapt to meet folks where they are? If not, may this week’s lessons give you some ideas, some courage, and some confidence that you can share the good news at any age and stage of life. (Image: Jesus Mural of Faith, Hope, Love, and Peace, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
RCL Reflection for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B, January 31, 2021
All four lessons this week have plenty to say about authority. The big question for us today is this: Whose authority do we trust and follow? I suspect if we are honest with ourselves, Jesus has a little bit of competition these days.
RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B, January 24, 2021
This week’s lessons all explore, at least in part, the concept of time and timing. Of course, how we respond to time and timing is what matters, especially when it comes to following Jesus in this world and beyond. How might you speak about God’s sense of timing in a time-obsessed world?
RCL Reflection for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany Year B,
January 17, 2021
Jesus calls: “Follow me.” He meets us where we are, but this is not where the Christ expects us to stay. Folks, faithful discipleship is hard work. We have to keep Jesus front and center every day of the week and every hour of the day. We have to go wherever Jesus leads, 24/7. (Photo: TeeCee, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Baptism of the Lord, Year B, January 10, 2021
In Jesus’ own baptism his ministry is inaugurated, and in doing so the church comes into being through water and word—one big wild, wet, welcoming family. We all can make an effort to remember our own gift of baptism every day and to give thanks for the life-giving gift of water that God proclaimed good.
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday after Christmas Day, Year B, January 3, 2021
Like John the Baptist’s, our job is not to justify but testify. We tell how Jesus’ amazing story impacts our lives, how the Christ draws us to participate in the making the world aright. The story both is and isn’t about us. Each of us is inextricably woven into the grand narrative’s fabric, but this is all about God’s action toward humankind.
RCL Reflection for the Epiphany of the Lord, Year B, January 6, 2021Remaining focused on what’s important—that which matters to God—is what we are charged with doing. It’s what the Magi did. They also brought the very best of themselves and their resources with them to honor Jesus. Do we bring the very best of ourselves, our first fruits, to the work of the Body of Christ?
