Lectionary Reflection, 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
August 29, 2021
In her wonderful book Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott reminds readers that “reality is unforgivably complex.” Her words ring true, especially this week when thinking about the lessons appointed for the upcoming Sunday. While we may long for life to be simple, life is messy. Life is not tidy and trouble-free.
Lectionary Reflection, Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost
August 8, 2021
What are you doing in your worshiping community to foster a participatory, joyous, and experiential faith? Why does our worship too often seem stuffy and uptight rather than raucous and joyful? This week’s lessons offer some encouragement, ideas, and an opportunity to address the issue.
Lectionary Reflection for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, July 25, 2021
Where in the world can you see the One who sustains you, who saves you, who never leaves you–not even in the worst and most chaotic train wrecks life can throw at you? Start simple. Think small. Even bread and water can point you to God.
RCL Reflection, 8th Sunday after Pentecost, July 18, 2021
Jesus encouraged his disciples to rest and care for themselves so that they could better care for others. How are we as individuals, leaders, and congregations encouraging good self-care stewardship practices? (Photo: Meagan, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year B.
July 11, 2021
Every choice we make has a consequence and a cost. We know that as people but also as disciples. Are we ready to speak God’s truth about hard issues, despite the potential costs to us?
Lectionary Reflection for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 4, 2021
In a world and cultural milieu where the church faces increasing challenges, these lessons offer both encouragement and a wake-up call for all who would be disciples. Christians have a different idea about what constitutes strength. (Photo: Andrea Piacquadio, Creative Commons.)
Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
June 27, 2021
This week’s epistle lesson offers an excellent chance to talk about stewardship and generosity. After all, every sermon should be a stewardship sermon. Read on for ideas for preaching and teaching, worship, and time with youth and children.
RCL Reflection, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 7, Year B
June 20, 2021
Heaven starts here—not at some pie in the sky future date when we’ve vacated this reality for eternity—so we might as well start living like it. After all, wouldn’t you rather be living in Christ’s reign than in a purgatory/hell of your own construction?
RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Proper 6, June 13, 2021
Once someone encounters the richness of Jesus’ teaching through parables, its like an entire new world opens up—a world beyond dualism and using scripture as a cudgel. They will begin to truly see what the kingdom of heaven is like now.
RCL Reflection for the Second Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, June 6, 2021
Church, it’s time we lamented and repented for not loving all God’s good children, for clinging to a few verses of scripture to defend our spurious claims to doctrinal purity and take a serious look at what Jesus says about the beloved community.
