RCL Reflection, 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 4, 2020
A little refresher course on the Ten Commandments and other faith basics is always appropriate, especially in these divisive times. Offering a fresh view of beloved community in light of our baptismal covenant is spot on. God desires relationship with us and provides good guidance to gather healthy, holy, and whole communities.
RCL Reflection for September 27, 2020
God’s been focusing on community since God spoke everything into being with “let us,” not “let me.” We can’t do this difficult work on our own, but by the grace of God, the love of Christ, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit we can lean into community, converse across divides, and find common ground. (hoto: Wonder Woman0731, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, September 20, 2020
Ever have the words “it’s not fair” slip from your lips? If you’re human, the answer is, “Of course!” That’s why the story of Jonah is as timely today as when it was first recounted. What can we learn from Jonah about ourselves, about God, and why it’s better to have a good God than a fair God? (Photo: dadblunders, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, September 13, 2020
Jesus, Paul, and Joseph have a lot to teach us about growing as disciples and as the Beloved Community. Through these lessons we learn to be bridge builders and faithful forgivers. Check out our preaching/teaching points for each lesson.
RCL Reflection for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, September 6, 2020
This week’s gospel reading gives us Jesus’ three-step plan for reconciliation and restoration. The approach us not a once-and-done proposition. Rather, it’s more of a “lean-in and keep at it until love prevails” kind of thing. But then, that’s the way of the Christ in stark contrast to the general messiness of humankind. (Photo: J T, Creative Commons)
Last Minute Preaching Points for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost Year A
The lessons this week offer a wonderful study in how disciples follow Jesus, navigating crossings and boundaries that inevitably present themselves every day. Both the lessons from Exodus and Jeremiah, and the epistle and gospel show us that God’s people have been wrestling with boundaries and crossings from the beginning of this great narrative.
RCL Reflection for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Year A. August 23, 2020
Jesus’ question, “But who do you say that I am” is perhaps the most important one we can answer as people of faith. You can help your worshiping community to ponder and answer this question, and in the process help them grow in faith and discipleship. (Photo: mi.a, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 9, 2020
Learning to be a disciple of Jesus is like learning to swim. It doesn’t come naturallyLike Peter, we must “swim” as Christians, entering fully into the chaos and beauty and brokenness of our world. We must keep our eyes upon the Christ and trust the wisdom and accompaniment of the Holy Spirit. (Photo: Jon Connell, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 2, 2020
People are waking up from what amounts to a capitalistic dream gone mad. Will we have the vision, the dreams, and the willingness to do what it takes to turn a few loaves and fishes into the kindom of God? (Photo: PublicDomain.com)
RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, July 19, 2020
In light of current events and protests, this year may be the perfect time to rethink Jesus’ parable of the weeds and recover it from a simplistic /dualistic understanding that allows us to easily locate ourselves among the finest wheat while assigning anyone we consider less than, evil, or different to the role of the dreaded weed. (Photo: MissMessie, Creative Commons)
