Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 15, 2015
We convince ourselves that Jesus came because God loves us and other people like us. Everything is fine and dandy as long as our notions of who is worthy of God’s love aren’t challenged too much. But here’s the thing: John 3:17 does challenge us because we learn that God doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed, that all of creation is worthy of salvation. (Photo: Eric Golub, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for March 8, 2015
We possess a great treasure in the good news of Jesus Christ. We have been invited to dine with God, to taste and see that the Lord is good, and to be strengthened with a taste of the reign that even now is breaking into our world in surprising ways and unexpected places. (Photo: torbakhopper, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection, 3rd Sunday in Lent, Year B
March 8, 2015
Lest we think this week’s gospel reading has nothing to do with us in 21st century western Christendom, it would be wise to consider what moneychangers exist in our modern congregational edifices. What currency must be exchanged in order to “rightly” worship and enter the community today? (Photo: Luca Giordano, Wikimedia Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for March 1, 2015
The parable of the workers in the vineyard is certainly applicable to 21st century disciples, too. Perhaps as individuals we can be sort of stingy with God’s grace—not to mention sharing our own resources. Do we really trust God so little that we fail to believe the divine promise of plenty? (Photo: Chris Potter, Creative Commons)
Second Sunday in Lent, Year B Lectionary Reflection
March 1, 2015
The way of the cross is not about self-flagellation, destructive behaviors, or irresponsible actions. Following Jesus is about publicly proclaiming with your life’s witness that Jesus matters—more than anything else—and in him is the source and wellspring of abundant life. (Photo: Doug 1021, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Lent, Year B
Time is in short supply in our age, yet the call to the spiritual disciplines of Lent asks us to reconsider time. The time is fulfilled, and we are living into that fulfillment. (Photo by opendemocracy used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!0
Transfiguration of our Lord, Year B
Dazed, confused, and blinded, we are nonetheless being changed by the transfigured Christ. We, with our meager gifts and fragile faith, are stewards of this amazing good news even as we are being transformed and made new in Christ. (Photo: Edger Chambon 94, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary, Transfiguration of our Lord, February 15, 2015
From the moment God names, claims, signs, seals, and delivers us in baptism, we are being transfigured. We are becoming something more, the sum of the parts, the whole that God intends for us. Even though we may not recognize this transformation, it is taking place and God sees and knows and loves us. So do not fear. Get up! There’s work to be done. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One) for February 8, 2015
This week’s gospel lesson gives us stewardship models straight from our Lord. To serve others well and to appreciate and share God’s abundance, we must also take care of ourselves. This is, of course, easier said than done. (Photo: Jonathan Fox, Creative Commons)
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Year B, February 8, 2015
How we approach our work, our sense of wholeness and balance, and our mission to love God and serve neighbor in all that we do is part of stewardship. It’s worth considering. It’s important to talk about. And it’s key to one’s discipleship journey and the life of faith. This week’s gospel provides one such opportunity to do so. (Photo: FaceMePLS, Creative Commons)
