Lectionary Reflections

The Welcome Table

October 12, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL reflection, 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Proper 23, Oct. 15, 2017
Evidence of God’s abundance is all around us, and yet many of us – and a lot of our congregations – live out of sense of scarcity, fearing that there will not be enough for us, much less for anyone else. Our challenge, this week and every week really, is to help people live into the reality of God’s provision, care, and abundance. In bread and wine, in word and deed, we are fed richly. There is more than enough for all and an open invitation to come to God’s table. (Photo: TEDManhattan, Creative Commons)

Cultivate a Harvest of Grace and Gratitude

October 5, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL reflection, 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 8, 2017
A stewardship question worth asking about this week’s gospel lesson is just how are we tending the fruits of God’s vineyard? Are we working together–tenant/grower and representative of the landowner–to produce the best possible yield? Are we cultivating sweet grapes of grace or extracting all that we can without thought for others in a harvest of wrathful choices and selfish gain? Do we sow gratitude at every chance? (Photo: Julianna, Creative Commons)

Words, Actions, and the Goodness of God

September 28, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 1, 2017
As people called to love God and neighbor, our sinfulness and poor choices often affect others. We are called to be faithful and good stewards of everything—our time, talent, and resources, even of one another. We are called to be people of actions and not empty words. We are called to recognize that God desires good for all of creation, and that we are partners in that ongoing effort. (Photo: highersights, Creative Commons)

Just Give Already!

September 21, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Year A, September 24, 2017
When I hear the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s parable, I am reminded of the problem we have with generosity. We want to control it, to manage it, and to conform it to our vision of what and who is worthy of it. God’s generosity doesn’t work that way at all. God is lavish with all of creation. Even the last and the least are worthy of God’s love and saving grace, of care and concern, and of a place at the bounteous table of blessing. (Photo: Jim Fischer, Creative Commons)

The Work of Forgiveness

September 14, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Year A, September 17, 2017
this forgiveness work is tough stuff and a tall order. It may take 77 attempts at forgiveness to finally let the hurt and anger and pain go. Like so much of the discipleship life, forgiveness seems to be more a process and less a destination. God is merciful and just even as we bicker and squabble and try to let go. As the poet William Langland said centuries ago “”All the wickedness in the world that man might do or say was no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea.” We humans aren’t there because we aren’t God. We just keep practicing until we get it right, until we are freed from our own prisons of jealousy, hatred, doubt, fear, and anger. (Photo: timlewisnm, Creative Commons)

Messy Discipleship

September 7, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary reflection for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Year A, September 10, 2017
Ministry is messy; this is fact. There is no way to be intimately involved in the work of God without getting dirt under our fingernails and confronting the debris of broken lives and dreams. The key is all in how we handle it. Do we practice love or do we give in to gossip? Do we dare remove our safe masks and let others see our true and vulnerable selves? Are we real, or are we who we “think” we ought to be? Are we able to reflect God and God’s love for creation in both our being and our actions? (Photo: Frame It Photography, Creative Commons)

Getting ‘Crossways’ with Jesus

August 31, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL reflection for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 17, Year A, September 3, 2017
Human nature is not naturally inclined toward denial of self. In fact, our culture teaches us to seek satisfaction and take care of our own needs first. Jesus preaches a different way, one that will most certainly include suffering, self-denial, AND full investment. In fact, Jesus calls us to get “crossways” with him by losing our lives for his sake. Doing so comes with the promise that we will find life. Are you ready? (Photo: Tim Green, Creative Commons. Thanks!)

Your Life: Both Offering and Sermon

August 25, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

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!)

Time for a Crumby Gospel

August 17, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

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)

Stay in the Boat, Steward!

August 10, 2017 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

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)