Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 26, 2019
As we mature in faith and open ourselves to the vastness of God, our job is to look around. Where do we see Jesus? The answer, of course, is everywhere in every atom and molecule of creation and in the faces of our neighbors. But like the toddler playing peek-a-boo with a beloved adult, we have to open our eyes and look. (Photo: Dennis Jarvis, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 5th Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 19, 2019
The way of Jesus is the way of love AND the way of breaking down barriers and drawing wider circles of inclusion. This kind of real, radical, big love changes things. It’s the key that opens minds, the warmth that softens hard hearts, the light that illumines the dark places, and the hammer that takes down walls. (Photo: Steven Lilley, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 4th Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 12, 2019
Tabitha is one “sheep” who hears the voice of Jesus calling to her through the witness of others, and she in turn becomes a powerful witness to the good news when Peter gives her a second chance at life. Tabitha’s story is important because it reminds us that discipleship matters. Like Tabitha, let’s get up and get going. Our Shepherd calls! (Photo: Sonny Abesamis, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 5, 2019
Through the stories of Saul and Peter encountering the risen Christ, this week’s lessons invite contemporary disciples and seekers to ponder their own faith stories and how they have seen and experienced Jesus in a God-soaked world. (Photo: John August Swanson, Art in the Christian Tradition, Creative Commons License)
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 28, 2019
Jesus is still breathing peace on us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, still showing up in unexpected places through unexpected people, and still calling us to belief beyond doubt and beyond certainty. Yes, in anxious times like these when we may feel locked away for fear of all manner of things, the peace of Christ is ours through bread, wine, water, word, and in the beloved community. (Photo: Caravaggio, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Resurrection of our Lord, Year C, April 21, 2019
I wonder…what witnesses to the gospel would be deemed unreliable today? Will we be like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, and the other women who were perplexed by what they found yet willing to tell and live into the story anyway? (Photo: TED, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C, April 14, 2019
Help this yearly Palm/Passion Sunday liturgical “tradition” take on fresh meaning and power. Maybe shake things up to encourage worshipers to see themselves as participants in the ongoing Christ story, as opposed to bystanders. This week we offer ideas to help people notice the movement of the story with its distinct scenes and settings. (Photo: Richard Gillin, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL Reflection, 5th Sunday in Lent, Year C: April 7, 2019
It’s easy to talk the talk of a 21st century Christian. We live in low-expectation religious culture: toss a few dollars in the plate, show up for worship, and perhaps serve when it’s convenient. This week’s lessons remind us that we are called to countercultural lives of dedication to God. When did discipleship become an add-on, like a side of sweet potato fries with your burger? (Photo: Mike, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 4thSunday in Lent, Year C, March 30, 2019
In God’s economy there’s room at the table for everyone. There is no sin scorecard or righteousness insider scoreboard where Jesus is concerned. Unless there is wide welcome, unless grace is offered with open arms, how can there be reconciliation and restoration, real change and radical discipleship? (Photo: Jeannie Deb, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 24, 2019
If you’re feeling like a barren fig in a vineyard full of lush grapes, don’t despair. If you’re easily distracted about predictions of gloom and doom and the connection of sin to disaster, take a deep breath and refocus on the God who loves you beyond all measure. Who knows what can happen with a little divine TLC? (Photo: Oregon State University, Creative Commons)
