RCL Reflection, 6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Feb. 20, 2019.
“Comfortable” and “Christianity” do not go together like bread and butter. There is, indeed, nothing comfortable at all about discipleship and the gospel. We’re a long way yet from a level playing field, my friends, but the choice to embrace radical discipleship, lavish love, and prodigal generosity is offered us anew every day. Will we choose rightly? (Photo: JESUS MAFA, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, for the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Feb. 10, 2019
Responding to God’s call to discipleship is not reserved for professional church workers and perfect people. God invites each of us to serve and use our skills, time, resources, and presence for the common good. Too often we distance ourselves from the idea that we are part of God’s intention for a new way in the world. (Photo: James Cridland, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Feb. 3, 2019.
The question for the church today is whether we are ready to embrace the radical and all-encompassing love of 1 Corinthians 13, to draw the circle of inclusion ever wider, and to see the face of Christ in all of our neighbors. Are we willing to speak prophetically to the powers that would divide us, the forces that would limit God’s goodness and mercy, and the people who would disagree with such radical love? (Photo: Marco Verch, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Jan. 27, 2019
We are all gifted for ministry and mission, but we are not meant to live and use our gifts in isolation. We need the church, Christ’s beloved, imperfect Body here on earth. We need each other to build one another up and strengthen each other. Gifts are meant to be given, shared, and used joyously. Join the Divine dance! (Photo: Steve DePolo, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Jan. 20, 2019
Jesus’ first miracle came through an affirmation of his mother’s trust and faith in who he really is. She knew he could do what she asked, and she did not hesitate. Maybe the church needs a little “motherly intervention” today to jump start our gifts for ministry and mission. (Photo; Pieter Bruegel, Art in the Christian Tradition, Creative Commons)
RCL reflection, Baptism of our Lord, Year C, Jan. 13, 2019
This Sunday may be a good opportunity to explore the gift of baptism not so much as a remembrance but rather as an opportunity to listen to God. What makes it difficult to listen to God in our 21st century world? What gets in the way? (Photo: vncepal, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Epiphany of our Lord, Year C, Jan. 6, 2019
Funny how something can be right in front of our face, and we still miss it! I wonder if that’s how Herod felt when the wise scholars (aka three wise men or three kings) came a calling with their astrological calculations and desire to worship this king of the Jews? Do we do any better with recognizing Jesus in the world around us today? (Photo: Pascal Volk, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL Reflection, First Sunday after Christmas, Year C, Dec. 30, 2018
Chances are the children in your congregation took part in Christmas Eve pageants, programs, and worship services. Please don’t stop there. Let’s be good stewards and nurture the faith and gifts of the children in our midst. It will be good for them and for the health and future of God’s church. (Photo: David Kutz)
RCL Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 23, 2018
Yes, this Sunday we light the candle of love. We bring four weeks to perfect completion. What began in the dark with an audacious hope, continued with a longing for peace, and leapt and laughed for joy, now comes full circle with the power of love. For God did so love this world and every molecule and atom in it that God sends the son to dwell among us. (Photo: Joe O’Meara, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 16, 2018
Share your food and clothes. Be fair with others. Be content with what you have. Sounds obvious, right? The truth is that people need to be led—by clear teaching, loving accountability, and faithful example. This is John’s message today, and there’s plenty of reasons to be a joyful steward in Advent! (Photo: Susanne Nilsson, Creative Commons)
