RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 9, 2018
In order to be good stewards of the gospel—and of our time, talents, and resources—we need to look for the teacher and the helpers. We need to be mentored in the life of faith and discipleship. We light the candle of peace and look for the light to come. (Photo: Susanne Nilsson, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 2, 2018
All four of this week’s lessons have something to show us about what matters and how to live, both critical components to considering the kind of legacy one hopes to leave. Why not talk about stewardship and legacy during this season of watchful hope. (Photo: Tauralbus, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Christ the King Sunday, Year B, November 25, 2018
On this last Sunday of the church year, consider what it means to leave a legacy—both as people of faith individually and as the beloved community gathered in a particular place and time. If our legacy is comprised of everything we believe, say, and do, then truly considering our legacy is a lifelong work of subversive stewardship and discipleship in grateful response to our uncommon king. (Photo: Yaffa Phillips, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the 27th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, November 18, 2018
Yes, the times are uncertain. Suffering and pain are real. The path forward appears fraught with danger and destruction. In spite of all of this, whether self-inflicted or inflicted upon us, we have Jesus. This is very good news! ((Photo: Gov. Tom Wolf, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL reflection, 26th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Year B, Nov. 11, 2018
This Sunday imagine just what kind of “might” a mite might have, especially when one’s mites are given and shared in right relationship and in response to God’s abundant love and grace. When we put our trust in Jesus, we may find ourselves free to be that widow with her head held high, her hand open to share, with an eye toward justice. (Photo: Siembra Conmigo, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL Reflection, All Saints Sunday & 25th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 26, Year B, Nov. 4, 2018
All Saints Day provides a powerful witness to the truth that love wins; death is not victorious. In great love, God sent the Son, and in with a love stronger than death Jesus defied all darkness and the powers of evil, breaking out of the tomb, resurrected to new and eternal life. It is indeed a feast of love, a memory of what was, a moment of time and logic suspended, and the hope of what is yet to come. (Photo: Emma Jane Hogbin Westby, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 25, Year B & Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2018
Will we be bold like Bartimaeus in asking Jesus for what we need? When Jesus does answer our prayer, what is our response? Will we, like the blind beggar, follow Jesus on the way, risking everything for the sake of the gospel? (Photo: Vincent Desjardins, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Prop. 24, Year B, Oct. 21, 2018
Do you want to be first? The only way for that to happen is to lose yourself in Jesus. Take your eyes off all that the world tells you matters, and love God with all your being and your neighbor as yourself. Yes, being a “slave of all” is indeed good stewardship because it will lead you into the way of real and abundant life—first and always. (Photo: Wonderlane, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23, Year B, Oct. 14, 2018
This week’s gospel points to the truth that following Jesus is not for the faint of heart—just ask Peter, who is bemoaning the fact that he and the other disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. Will it still be impossible for them to enter God’s kingdom after all they have laid aside? What about modern disciples? (Photo: opensourceway, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Proper 22, Oct. 7, 2018
On this Sunday following the commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi, let Psalm 8 provide a stewardship and praise lens for your worship and preaching. This is a great time of year to talk about care of creation and praise of the Creator. (Photo: Tom Bjorkstedt, Creative Commons)
