Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Year Three, August 27, 2017
Holy Communion is the great equalizer. All are welcome. All are fed. We all come as beggars. We are sinners in need, yet forgiven beloved indeed. If that’s not reason to celebrate and give thanks, I don’t know what is. Come to the feast!
RCL Reflection, 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 27, 2017
Each one of us is called to present ourselves to God. Our lives are an offering, a witness, a confession–a 24/7 sermon. We are stewards of the gospel, called to live it, breathe it, and to embody it. God gave everything for you; in return God wants all of you. God doesn’t require 10% or 25% or 80% of you, God desires 100%, or every fiber of your being, every hour of your day, every laugh, smile, and tear. (Photo: Sharon Pruitt, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Narrative Lectionary, 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year 3, August 20, 2017
We belong to Christ, and as part of Christ’s body, we “walk wet” in this world, living out our baptismal covenant in tangible, visible, and countercultural ways. It means that we confront that which is counter to the way of Christ and provide opportunities and ways to work for justice, equity, and peace. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Year A, August 20, 2017
Even in the midst of this rather crummy situation, the Canaanite woman will not be deterred from holding out her hand for a crumb from Jesus. She instinctively knows she belongs at the table. That is great faith, my friends. And, this too, is great stewardship. This outsider woman gets it. She understands that you don’t hoard grace and that you aren’t stingy with love and healing. A crumb from Jesus makes all the difference in the world. (Photo: Simon James, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 13, 2017
God’s faithful and generous people recognize that good stewardship is possible only when we keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting him to guide and direct us through life’s storms and trials. It may be better to stay in the boat than to try to walk on water. We can leave THAT to Jesus! (Photo: Foto Guy 49057, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year Three, August 13, 2017
Go ahead! Make a big splash this week as you recall your baptism and give thanks for the gift of water. We are stewards of this gift of Baptism insomuch as we embrace—however imperfectly and haltingly—the life of discipleship that is walked by faith. We don’t take our baptism lightly or for granted, and we remember it daily and desire this gift for others. (Photo: Paul Varuni, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection, 9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year Three, August 6, 2017
When the world is too much with you, be of good cheer, friend in the faith. Gather with your community of faith this week to hear the word of God proclaimed, to be strengthened by the bread and wine of communion, and to offer God your very best in gifts of praise, time, and resources. You will be strengthened and equipped to be sent back into the world, fully decked out in some mighty fine armor. (Photo: Michael Coghlan, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 6, 2017
In this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus instructs his disciples to give the crowd something to eat. All they see is scarcity and an impossible situation. Jesus sees and makes abundance. What do you see? God’s abundance is all around, and we are invited to share in it. Are you ready to feed and be fed? Come to the table! (Photo: hoyasmeg, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, July 30, 2017
Like adolescent students afraid to show our lack of understanding, folks often claim an understanding of the mysteries of the faith and what it takes to be a faithful steward and disciple. After all, no one likes to ask the dumb question or be perceived to be lacking in knowledge. For the church to meet the demands of our 21st century world it’s absolutely essential that we have clear teaching and preaching, working on biblical literacy in ways that abate fear and feelings of inadequacy, helping families find ways to nurture faith in the home, and welcoming everyone to the table and life in Christian community. (Photo: Samah Arafat, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year Three, July 30, 2017
To plant a garden is to invest in the future of one’s well-being and bountiful table. Such work requires love, attention, care, and commitment.“Growing” spiritually gifted disciples involves similar effort and process. One doesn’t baptize the person and then only attend to cultivating the disciple a couple of times a year or even an hour on Sundays. It takes the same kind of consistent effort and commitment to grow disciples and strengthen their faith as it does to take a plant from seedling to abundant harvest. Discipleship is not a once-a-week activity but rather a life-long season of living into one’s identity as a child of God.
