RCL Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 21, 2021
Lots of people are drawn to Jesus, but to what degree? How many are willing to do what it takes to be a disciple? So tell me, dear friends, do you find Jesus irresistible? Has he opened your eyes, heart, and mind to new possibilities and ways of being? Will you follow him no matter what or where? (mage: Pezibear from Pixabay)
RCL Reflection, Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 14, 2021
Too often we are convinced that we ought to be able to make things right using our own will and resources. That is a lie. We need the message of the cross, we need to know that God loves us and will not give up on us, and we learn about and lean into the amazing grace and crazy love of God in Christ Jesus. (Photo: Tom Mills, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Third Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 7, 2021
Idols and false gods are all around us; returning to the Decalogue reminds us of what really matters and that we love and serve a God who loves and desires the best for all of creation. They provide guidance for optimal living, individually and in community. This is good news that we can use and put into everyday practice. (Image: George Bannister, Creative Commons License)
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)
