RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday after Christmas, Year B, December 27, 2020
Christians can recognize the inner child, the child that has been redeemed and welcomed into God’s family as full participants, with all the rights, privileges, and promises of the Christ. We are not temporary members of God’s family but rather real children, adopted in love. (Photo: barnimages, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Nativity of the Lord, Year B, December 24, 2020
Worship leaders, musicians, preachers, teachers, congregational leaders, and worshipers are being asked once again to be creative, to think outside the box, to put aside our fears, insecurities, and concerns in order to give this ancient good news a fresh take in a strange time. Perhaps remembering Gabriel’s words to Mary “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
RCL Reflection, Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 20, 2020
In this time of pandemic, unrest, anger, and suffering, Christians still see the possibilities for a different world, one where the way of Christ breaks in and illumines the shadows of despair, shatters the bonds of evil, and welcomes all to the table equally with divine love and mercy.
RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 13, 2020
On Gaudette Sunday not even a global pandemic can steal our joy in the birth of Jesus and all that means. Whether you are meeting in person, in your parking lot, or via Facebook or Zoom for worship this Sunday, don’t miss an opportunity to celebrate joy in a time when more joy is sorely needed.
RCL Reflection, Second Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 6, 2020
There is no better time than this Advent to embrace the weirdness of the gospel and Jesus followers. In fact, the “weirdness” of this good news may be just what we as disciples and the church need. So, bring on the weird. (Photo: Susanne Nilssen, Creative Commons)
First Sunday of Advent Year B, November 29, 2020
The Year B readings are just about right for these crazy times, calling us to a different way of preparing for the arrival of the Messiah. The lessons this week don’t fall into the warm and fuzzy category, rather they are designed to shake us out of our complacency, seasonal nostalgia, and consumption. (Image: Turalbus, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Reign of Christ Sunday, Year A, November 22, 2020
We can draw many preaching points from the from the dramatic parable of the sheep and goats. One is that we have been grafted into God’s family, and by the gift of the Holy Spirit we are equipped to do kingdom work here and now. Let us enter into each day with gratitude and attention. We may never know when we will serve Jesus in the form of one of the “least of these.”
RCL Reflection for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost Year A.
November 15, 2020
Oh, these problematic parables of Jesus! The longer one looks at them, ponders them, and teaches them, the more complex and compelling they become. Explore the parable of the three servants and talents and challenge yourself to understand a counter-cultural meaning with implications for justice in today’s world. (Image: Jesus Mafa, Creative Commons LIcense)
Lectionary Reflection for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Year A, November 8, 2020Jesus reminds us in this week’s parable that our job is to stay awake, to pay attention, because we never know what might happen next. Who would have predicted that 2020 would be like it has been? And yet Jesus has shown up in the midst of this year and will always show up.
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for All Saints Sunday Year A, November 1, 2020
Whatever style of worship or contextual situation wherein you find yourself, let’s make this Sunday one to remember our better angels, to give thanks for the faithful witness of so many people across time and space, and to focus on the radical and inclusive nature of God’s love for us. We need calm and healing in this crazy time. (Photo: Dilan Bozyel, Creative Commons)
