Lectionary Reflections

A Minimalist Approach to Ministry?

June 28, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard 2 Comments

Lectionary Reflection
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 4, 2010
Is Jesus advocating a minimalist approach to ministry in speaking to his followers in this week’s passage from Luke’s gospel? How does this apply to Christians today?

Keep Your Hand to the Plow–No Matter how Crooked the Furrow

June 22, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard 6 Comments

Lectionary Reflection
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 27, 2010
Jesus uses an agricultural metaphor to emphasize the kind of commitment a disciple must exhibit. How does the preacher translate the image of a hand to the plow in 21st century North America?

“What are you doing here, (Insert your name)?”

June 13, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reflection for June 20, 2010
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Things weren’t going so hot for Elijah, prophet of God. In fact, he was so undone that he asked God to let him die. Instead, God asks a question. How would you answer if God asked you the same question?

The Poor Man’s Lamb (or, how power and injustice make cozy bedfellows)

June 7, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reflection for June 13, 2010
Third Sunday after Pentecost
This week’s lessons flow with a strong undercurrent that considers the relationship between power and injustice. Fortunately for us, Jesus models a different use of power.

The Many Faces of Mercy

May 30, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard 4 Comments

Lectionary Reflection for Sunday, June 6, 2010
Second Sunday after Pentecost Year C
How about taking a slightly different approach to this week’s texts? Consider as the key point that God does provide and mercy has a face–yours.

The Divine Ensemble

May 24, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard 4 Comments

LECTIONARY REFLECTION for May 30, 2010
Trinity Sunday, Year C

Finding an image to communicate the mystery of the Holy Trinity is a daunting task, and one that will never yield a perfect result. However, this writer gives it one more stab, borrowing an image from the actor’s toolkit.

What Does this Mean, this whole Pentecost Thing?

May 18, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Lectionary Reflection for May 23

Ask your average mainline Christian what Pentecost is all about, and you’re likely to hear everything from “I don’t know” to “We all wear red.” Worship leaders, preachers, and Christian educators should give careful thought to this important day.

The Gift of Water (Living and Otherwise)

May 10, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

LECTIONARY REFLECTION: May 16, 2010
Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C

This week’s texts speak of unity in Christ and living water freely given to all who are thirsty. Christians today have the opportunity both to point to the Living Water and to see that all of God’s children have access to clean water. Share the good news, and give so that others may live.

There Goes the Neighborhood!

May 3, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard 2 Comments

LECTIONARY REFLECTION: May 9, 2010
Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C

Jesus promised that “we will come and make our home with them.” When God moves into the neighborhood things are bound to change. That means it’s time to meet the neighbors and build some community.

Are You an Undercover Lover?

April 26, 2010 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

LECTIONARY REFLECTION FOR MAY 2, 2010
It’s easy to be a concealed Christian, an undercover lover, loving in ways that are comfortable for you and for me. It’s easy to sing the old hymn “I love to tell the Story” when everyone else knows the story and lukewarm is the temperature of the day. Jesus asks—no commands—more of his disciples.