RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year B, April 18, 2021
Just what does it mean to bear witness in a world in which so much runs counter to the teachings of Jesus? Each of this week’s lessons provides its own unique entry point for preaching and teaching. Our job as hearers of the word is to open our hearts and minds, or better yet to allow the Christ to open our hearts and minds to myriad possibilities.
RCL Reflection Second Sunday of Easter Year B, April 11, 2021Thankfully, for us today, believing is much more than seeing. We did not personally witness the events of Holy Week, nor were we present at the empty tomb or at any of Jesus’ post-resurrection encounters. Yes, believing is about more than seeing.
RCL Reflection for the Resurrection of the Lord, Year B, April 4, 2021
Easter, with all of its uncertainty, terror, and amazement, once again invites us to go into the world proclaiming the good news for all people. Easter invites us to go deeper and risk disorder so that we may emerge with Christ followers across the ages into a reorder that is all about healing the world and accepting our status as beloved children of God.
RCL Reflection for Palm/Passion Sunday Year B, March 28, 2021
Jesus predicted that all of his closest disciples would desert him when confronted with the humiliation and reality of his violent death. And they did, even Peter who protested greatly. We, too, desert Jesus when we fail to both see our own violent legacy and to work to for change and the good of all people. (Image: John August Swanson, “Entry into the City,” Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
RCL Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 21, 2021
Lots of people are drawn to Jesus, but to what degree? How many are willing to do what it takes to be a disciple? So tell me, dear friends, do you find Jesus irresistible? Has he opened your eyes, heart, and mind to new possibilities and ways of being? Will you follow him no matter what or where? (mage: Pezibear from Pixabay)
RCL Reflection, Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 14, 2021
Too often we are convinced that we ought to be able to make things right using our own will and resources. That is a lie. We need the message of the cross, we need to know that God loves us and will not give up on us, and we learn about and lean into the amazing grace and crazy love of God in Christ Jesus. (Photo: Tom Mills, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Third Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 7, 2021
Idols and false gods are all around us; returning to the Decalogue reminds us of what really matters and that we love and serve a God who loves and desires the best for all of creation. They provide guidance for optimal living, individually and in community. This is good news that we can use and put into everyday practice. (Image: George Bannister, Creative Commons License)
RCL Reflection for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year B
February 28, 2021
Jesus understood the risk of opposing empire and the forces of violence and evil. He knew that he walked a lonely road to a violent death because of his countercultural teaching and witness, and he teaches his followers the very real cost of discipleship. The question is, are we 21st century disciples ready to accept the cost? (Photo: sammydavisdog, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent, Year B, February 21, 2021The lessons appointed for Lent bring us face to face with Jesus’ ministry from baptism to cross and grave. We begin on Ash Wednesday with a stark reminder of our own mortality, something we don’t ponder enough in our death-avoidant culture. We follow the narrative arc of our Lord’s life and work, and yes, we go with him to suffer and die.
RCL Reflection, Transfiguration Sunday, Year B, February 14, 2021
This week’s lessons invite us to ponder the value of good relationships, both within our faith community and without. Relationships matter—greatly. We are not, as John Donne reminds, “islands unto ourselves.” We are built for and thrive when we have a circle of relationships that affirm, correct, bless, and challenge us. (Image: JESUS MAFA. Transfiguration, Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
