Revised Common Lectionary reflection for October 3, 2021.
When it comes to human relationships, nothing is quite as easy as we think it should be. For instance, divorce, which Jesus talks about in this week’s gospel. The issue is likely to be close to many in your congregation. What’s Jesus saying?
Lectionary reflection, 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Proper 21
As the most obese people on the planet, Americans need to do something about our poor health. But is our spiritual health much better? Fortunately, the Bible tells us clearly how to get into good spiritual shape! (Photo: CarbonNYC, Creative Commons)
Lectionary reflection, 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
September 19, 2021
Just as the effort of the grower and pickers is reflected in the bins of lovely, fragrant fruit, so are the works of our life reflected in the fruits of our deeds and the growth of our faith. How’s the harvest coming along in the orchard of your faith community? (Photo by AlicePopkorn, Creative Commons License)
Lectionary Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
September 12, 2021
This week’s psalm offers the perfect opportunity to talk about living with an attitude of gratitude–a necessary precursor to effective stewardship. (Photo: Tiger Girl, Creative Commons)
Lectionary reflection, Proper 18, Year B.
September 5, 2021
Income inequality is getting worse by the year, so this week’s lesson from James is timely. In it, he talks about human tendency to treat rich people deferentially while ignoring the poor. Shameful behavior then and now. What can we do about this? (Photo: James Cridland, Creative Commons)
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 for Sunday, August 22, 2021.
Do you find the teachings of Jesus difficult and offensive? No? Then perhaps you’ve been handed the sweetened and condensed version for easy consumption. Yet playing it safe and the good news of Jesus Christ are not compatible. When we ignore difficult teachings we do a gross disservice to those we serve.
Lectionary Reflection for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 15, 2021
If it’s true that we are what we eat, we who claim to be Christ’s disciples better whet our appetites and feast on Jesus. Why? So that the divine presence and promise infuses our very pores like garlic, and so that we can share this everlasting meal with others.(Photo: foodswings, Creative Commons)
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, 10th Sunday after Pentecost, August 1, 2021
How’s the work of cultivating disciples going in your community of faith? Paul has some good words for spiritual gardeners in this week’s epistle lesson, and the gospel reminds us the master gardener’s mentoring that sustains us. (Photo: Dan Hughes, Creative Commons)
