Preach – Page 35

Enough and Then Some

July 26, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Year B, July 29, 2018
Both the man from Baal-Shalishah and Jesus’ disciples had a difficult time wrapping their heads and hearts around the notion of divine provision and plenty. All they could see were meager gifts and scarcity, Have we learned from their stories? If not, it’s time we changed the narrative for this day and time by sharing stories and learning to look for abundance. (Photo: Jarkko Laine, Creative Commons)

Becoming an Inside Out Community

July 19, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Year B July 22, 2018 Lessons: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34; 53-56 Theme: God’s faithful and generous people continue to be works in progress, becoming a fit dwelling for the Spirit of God. Key Scriptures: So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far […]

Redemption and Reconciliation: Why We’re Here

July 14, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Year B, July 15, 2018
God desires for us to participate in this work of healing, restoring, and blessing all of creation. We are not there yet, but we are on the way as God’s beloved community, the Body of Christ. (Photo: Creative Commons)

The high cost of truth-telling

July 11, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 15, 2018
What is the cost of discipleship? Are you willing to go there? Are you willing to speak out, stand up, and move your feet for justice and love of neighbor? What are you willing to lose? This Sunday’s gospel is a great springboard for discussing discipleship and taking a stand. (Photo: Keith Bacongo, Creative Commons)

Prophets & Stewards Needed

July 4, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 8, 2018
We need to see prophets and prophetic voices as gifts among us as the messengers of God that they are. Even if you don’t feel that God is calling you to be a prophet, you may be called to speak a prophetic word or take action. Are you willing to steward your voice, hands, feet, and heart to do the hard, holy work to which God invites you? (Photo: zeevveez, Creative Commons)

A Perfect Portion

June 28, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, Pentecost 6, Proper 8, Year B, July 1, 2018
Our cups—our lives—will have room and margin if we will trust and respond; in God’s economy there is always enough and then some. So do not be afraid at where you may be called to go, who you might encounter there, and whether you feel equipped for the task. God is your portion. (Photo: Ashley Van Haeften, Creative Commons)

See, Hear, & Love

June 21, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard 2 Comments

Revised Common Lectionary for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7), Year B, June 24, 2018
When you step into the pulpit or lead a group discussion this weekend, take heart. We can do this hard thing, my friends. We can see one another, hear one another, and love one another by the grace of God. Yes, we must speak the truth to power and to one another, we must not allow evil to go unchallenged, but we must do so in love and with compassion and kindness. Only by building relationships can we stand together, only by loving God and neighbor can we live grace-fully. (Photo: Anna Oh, Creative Commons)

How Does God’s Garden Grow?

June 14, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 6, Year B, June 17, 2018
How does faith grow? How does the Body of Christ flourish and bear fruit? The answer lies far beyond reason and logic and is found/experienced only while resting in the heart of God. This week’s lessons offer some countercultural (and counterintuitive) ideas on the subject. (Photo: IH, Creative Commons)

Do Not Lose Heart

June 7, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, June 10, 2018
To be good stewards of the faith, we have to draw the margins big enough to include all God’s children–even those with whom we disagree.. As Jesus’ sisters and brothers, we must do God’s will as Jesus illustrates and teaches it. This means we may be called crazy, others may seek to silence us, and we might need to take some difficult stances. (Photo: Quim Gil, Creative Commons)

STOP and Keep Sabbath

May 31, 2018 By Sharron R. Blezard Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 9, Year B, June 3, 2018
Sabbath also involves ceasing, resting, and reveling in God’s love, presence, and good creation. It’s a celebration of goodness and grace all wrapped up in a loving promise that this was created and given for our good. One of the greatest gifts we can give one another as the beloved community is permission to take sabbath, even if we do it in creative and non-traditional ways. (Photo: TheDaveC, Creative Commons)