RCL reflection, First Sunday in Advent, Year C. December 1, 2024. This week’s disquieting reading from Luke offers the opportunity to remind God’s people that Advent is about the present and future, not just the past. The Rev. Elisabeth Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL reflection for Proper 22, Year B. October 6, 2024. This Sunday’s Gospel reading is especially challenging, as it deals with a difficult issue. Divorce is a reality in our culture, so it’s important that we pay attention to Jesus’ teaching. The Rev. Elisabeth Shelton Hartwell explores.
RCL Reflection, Proper 13, Year B.
August 4, 2024. Hunger takes a central role in this week’s Gospel, as Jesus declares himself “the bread of life.” Of course, Jesus is talking about much more than physical hunger. Hunger for spiritual nourishment is also universal, and Jesus can fully satisfy it. The Rev. Elisabeth Shelton Hartwell explores.
RCL reflection for Proper 9, Year B. July 7, 2024. In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus describes the difficult road that he is asking disciples to will walk. What does it mean for us and our journey? The Rev. Elisabeth Shelton Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B. May 5, 2024. Jesus continues his metaphor of vine and branches to describe the holy relationship he intends for God’s people. This week’s lection emphasizes love — the fruit we produce when we abide with him. The Rev. Elisabeth Shelton Hartwell explains.
RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday in Lent, Year B, March 3, 2024. In this week’s Gospel lesson, Jesus begins his ministry with a miracle and a bold stand against religious exploitation. Jesus shakes up the religious status quo, with big implications for us today. (Image: Creative Commons)
RCL reflection, Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B. February 4, 2024.
We moderns like to gripe that we are too busy, but Jesus’ frenetic pace in the first chapter of Mark gives us noting to complain about. Maybe we should model Jesus’ wise use of time and self-renewal. Elisabeth Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, Year B. January 7, 2024.
The Baptism of Jesus is the perfect occasion to invite our congregants to wade into the meaning of their own baptism. What are the benefits and the responsibilities of being a baptized Christian? The Rev. Elisabeth Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, First Sunday of Advent, Year B. December 3, 2023. How do we preach the Lectionary’s apacolyptic reading from Mark as we begin Advent? One possibility is to talk about Advent as a time of faithful waiting and watching. The Rev. Elisabeth Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for Proper 26, year A. November 5, 2023, Jesus famously calls out the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, but the challenge for us is to recognize how we are all hypocrites to some degree. The Rev. Elisabeth Hartwell explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
