RCL Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 1, 2020
May this Lent be more than just giving up, adding on, or choosing small, palatable sufferings for 40 days. Do the work of spiritual spring cleaning, of letting go of ego, quests for power, and insecure greed that leads to self-absorption. Real life is about so very much more. Seek and you will surely find answers, hope, and God. (Photo: Vox Efx, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection, Transfiguration Sunday, Year A, February 23, 2020
No matter how you approach the Transfiguration, be sure to offer folks a preview through this story, a small moment of bright hope and promise of the true scope of the Cosmic Christ and the Holy Trinity. Help them to pay attention, to see God at work in the world. Photo: Derek M. Swanson, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, February 16, 2020
This week’s lessons give us the opportunity to lay out the path of the choices God offers and to describe the elements that a life of deep discipleship. More than that, friends, we have the privilege of telling the story of how radical discipleship changes lives. (Photo: Quinn Dombrowski, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 9, 2020
This weeks lessons invite us to speak a timely and prophetic word in love. Yes, it’s always risky to preach the gospel of Jesus, but it’s worth it! How will you begin or continue to move the faith community you serve toward greater unity and the fast that God chooses? (Photo: Cailie Frampton, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 2, 2020
Have you ever considered yourself to be a fool for Christ? If you haven’t, why not let this Sunday’s lessons guide you into some holy foolishness for the sake of the gospel? Blessings on your faithful (and hopefully somewhat foolish) preaching and teaching! (Photo: Susan Murtaugh, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, January 26, 2020
When we share the good gospel, God is able to unleash and equip people to think creatively, contextually, and outside of the box. Yes, the gospel is so much bigger, better, and beautiful than we can imagine. But, hey, let’s try anyway and see what kind of creative energy the Spirit will cook up among us. Let’s explore a feast and alternative reality known as the Kindom of God. (Photo: State of Israel, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 19, 2020
Why not make 2020 the year for your worshiping community to discover a clear vision for why folks show up and why that matters? Imagine the possibilities. As Paul reminded the followers in Corinth, “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Photo: Steve p2008, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Baptism of the Lord, Year A, January 12, 2020
Without water there is no lasting life on this earth. Christ, in his baptism, shows us what is fitting and proper, sort of a Jesus H2O, if you will. After all, human beings are about 66% water, and 70% of the human brain is water. Make this a day to celebrate baptism and walk wet into the world. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)
Second Sunday after Christmas Day/Epiphany of the Lord, Year A, January 5, 2020
What’s the big idea for worship this week? Keep celebrating Christmas and incarnation! Unless…you will choose to celebrate Epiphany a day early. This is also the first Sunday of a new year AND a new decade—with lessons that offer so many rich possibilities for preaching and teaching. (Photo:
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A, December 22, 2019
This week’s lessons remind us that good things often follow times of stress, trouble, and complication, i.e. course corrections. We, like Joseph, can respond with openness and a willingness to embrace change and new directions as we follow Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. (Photo: jerryw387, Creative Commons)
