Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of our Lord, Year B, January 7, 2018
This Sunday we have water and Jesus and a wild-honking-goose-of-a-Holy-Spirit clattering through our organized worship and over-booked lives. Yes, that Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus in the Jordan in Mark’s gospel account is on the loose and ready to take you along for the ride of your life. Are you ready to go? (Photo: Larry Smith, Creative Commons)
Grafted into God’s Family
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas, Year B, December 31, 2017
While many folks are already packing away the Christmas decorations, returning the unwanted or ill-fitting gifts to retailers, and moving on with life as usual, we who bear Christ’s name and family connection keep on singing the carols, continuing to tell the old, old story, and gladly holding out our empty hands for the crumb of bread and sip of wine that contains the Savior of the world. How will you continue to steward and savor the good news and joy this week? (Photo: sblezard, Creative Commons)
Do Not Be Afraid: Bridging Advent and Christmas
RCL Reflection, 4th Sunday of Advent & Nativity of Our Lord, Year B, Dec. 24, 2017
This year provides the rare opportunity to bridge Advent and Christmas using the power call of the angels, “Do not be afraid.” From Mary’s radical “yes” to the first announcement of Jesus’ birth to the most unlikely of recipients, the lessons for this day offer amazing good news of hope, possibility, and transformation. Be not afraid to build this bridge! (Photo: Guillaume Speurt, Creative Commons)
Rejoice — Jesus is Coming!
Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 17, 2017
This is no Sunday to be a killjoy, no time to “quench the Spirit,” but rather a stellar opportunity to remind one another of this precious good news that we have the privilege of sharing with others. We have seen the light of Christ, and the light has made of us something entirely new. Rejoice and be glad! (Photo: Susanne Nilsson, Creative Commons)
Prepare, Reorder, and Prioritize!
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 10, 2017
John the Baptist offer a lesson for those of us who want to share the gospel in twenty-first century contexts. Get out of the building! Go where the people are! Don’t be hung up on doing ministry the way the cool kids do it. Be your authentic Jesus-follower self. Prepare the way of the Lord as only you are equipped to do it. But most of all…do SOMETHING. Prepare the way for Jesus! (Photo: Eduard Marmet, Creative Commons)
Advent: Wake, Wide Awake, and Woke
RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B, Dec. 3, 2017
Advent calls us to be fully present, alert for signs of Jesus’ inbreaking into our lives and neighborhoods, and holding to the hope that is promised to us. Unfortunately, there are plenty of distractions and temptations, pushes and pulls on our time and resources. Perhaps the biggest gift we can share is to give each other permission to slow down so that God can work in and through and with us. (Photo: Cat Branchman, Creative Commons)
Strange Shepherd Leader King
RCL Reflection, Reign of Christ Sunday, Year A, November 23, 2017
Just who is this King of Everything, this strange leader? Who is this Jesus hanging out in the least, the lost, the poor, and the imprisoned? How were we supposed to know to look for God in the dark and dirty places of the world? We are trained to look for the winners, not the losers in life. Jesus presents an alternative vision for us. (Photo: Waiting for the Word, Creative Commons)
Encourage, Edify, and Live in the Light
Revised Common Lectionary reflection, Nov. 19, 2017
When we edify and encourage one another — through mutual prayer, strong friendships and small groups, worshiping together, serving side-by-side, and sharing our time, talent, and resources — we all become stronger. We are more likely, though the gift of a strong community, to use our talents and take greater risks with more confidence to multiply all that God has given us. We are truly better together. (Photo: Steve Spinks, Creative Commons)
Wide Awake and Ready?
RCL Reflection, Pentecost 23, Year A, Proper 27, Nov. 12, 2017
Maybe this week’s gospel lesson is more about remaining alert and in the moment – even more than making sure we are prepared. The story also points to stewardship not only of resources and time, but also of relationship and self-care. Stewardship matters; we need to pay attention to it. And, if we stay awake, if we’re intentional about discipleship and about making disciples, and if we cultivate holistic stewardship then maybe folks won’t suffer from insufficient oil in the first place. (Photo: Ansel Edwards, Creative Commons)
For All the Everyday Saints and Sinners
RCL Reflection, All Saints Sunday and the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 26, Year A, November 5, 2017
We, dear friends, are God’s children, and this is very good news indeed. John reminds us of this fact in this week’s epistle reading from 1 John. We are loved, we are called children of God, and even though we may not fully comprehend what it means to be part of that great communion and never-ending story, we are nonetheless included. Our very calling as Christians is to reflect God’s great love–not our own pitiable attempts at goodness–so that the world may see God. Celebrate all the saints of all times and places this week, and give thanks to God for the saints who have gone before. (Photo: Magic Madzik, Creative Commons)
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