RCL Reflection, Oct. 20, 2019
Jesus knew what was in store for his beloved tribe—including us—and this week’s parable can be a “pep-talk” for troubled times. The widow provides a model for persistent prayer and discipleship. She definitely stands in possession of an audacious and tenacious faith, one that allows her to keep on believing and persisting. (Photo: Ben Schumin, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection forOctober 13, 2019
Not all people were made well during Jesus’ ministry, and not everyone today is cured or healed. Perhaps the hope we find is that God is completely interested in our well-being. Jesus wants us to be healed, to be made well in body, mind, and spirit. Listen, pay attention, be grateful, and trust that Jesus is restoring us to wholeness not just here on earth but for eternity. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for Oct. 6, 2019
What would it look like if we could trust Jesus that we don’t need super powers or super faith to do great things in his name? How much better might our world be if we got over ourselves a little bit and realize that it’s all about God anyway. When we get our wash-n-wear selves aligned with God’s grand purpose and will, you can rest assured that standing in a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline is not far behind.
RCL Reflection for September 29, 2019
God’s faithful and generous people recognize that money is a neutral tool that can lead to great good and joy or enormous suffering and woe. It’s all about the attitudes we hold toward money and how we respond to them that make the difference. This week’s lessons offer a great opportunity to preach about right use of resources. (Photo: Alex Cheek, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for September 15, 2019
Why is change so incredibly hard? According to this week’s lesson from Exodus, even God is capable of changing God’s mind. But we humans, oh we humans, resist and fear change with amazing, heel-digging petrification. What needs to change in your life? In your congregation? In this world? (Photo: Robert Couse-Baker, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for Proper 18 (23) Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, September 8, 2019
From the sound of the disciple’s job description in this week’s gospel, most of us are doomed before we ever shoulder our cross. Where’s the grace and love in that? It’s helpful to look at a wider, longer view, to grasp all of the gospel witness. As Paul would later point out, we have different callings. None of us is beyond the grip of grace. (Photo: versionz, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for Sept. 1, 2019
Maybe it’s time to take a holy pause like the folks at the Pharisee’s Sabbath dinner, and ponder Jesus’ teaching. How can we turn fear to love? How can we see beyond the limits of our own contexts to reach those who have not been seated at the table, those who want the opportunity to live a decent life? What will it look like for us to practice radical hospitality? (Photo: JESUS MAFA, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, August 25, 2019
In past Year C cycles I have looked at Luke 13:10-17 as an admonition to observe sabbath rest, as a call to see that others are able to enjoy rest, and as a call to greater faithfulness. Yes, those elements are certainly there, but this year, my eyes were opened in a new way. (Photo: J Stimp, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, August 18, 2019
Ouch! Jesus doesn’t mince words in this week’s short passage from Luke’s gospel. Using words like fire, division, and hypocrites, we see a different side of Jesus, one that should make us squirm. How are we “interpreting the present time” that is our reality? Will we be comfortable or convicted? (Photo: Mike Kniec, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, August 11, 2019
Friends, we can’t be dressed and ready if we’re always anxious about our lives and focused on our stuff. Navel-gazing is not productive when it comes to the reign of Christ because look out friends, the world is about to change. Jesus is on the loose and the Holy Spirit winds are blowing with power and promise. (Photo: Habitat for Humanity, Creative Commons)
