RCL Reflection, Proper 23, Year B. October 13, 2024. Mark’s story of Jesus and the rich man offers a variety of preaching points about the spiritual dangers of prosperity. It shows that “Affluenza” is not a modern ailment. Pastor Rob Blezard explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
The use of e-cigarettes has become a widespread alternative to smoking, especially among younger adults, but experts say vaping is just as addictive as smoking cigarettes, and it has plenty of risks. The Cleveland Clinic gives the analysis. (Photo: SmokeTastic)
RCL reflection for Proper 8, Year B.
June 30, 2024.
This week’s Epistle reading is perfect for teaching about the gap between rich and poor and the obligation people of means have to share with those who have little. Pastor Robert Blezard explores. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Resurrection of the Lord, Year B, March 31, 2024. With all of its uncertainty, terror, and amazement, Easter once again invites us to preach the Good News. We can go deeper and risk disorder, so that we may emerge with Christ followers across the ages into a reorder that is all about healing and wholeness.
Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
June 27, 2021
This week’s epistle lesson offers an excellent chance to talk about stewardship and generosity. After all, every sermon should be a stewardship sermon. Read on for ideas for preaching and teaching, worship, and time with youth and children.
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Christ the King Sunday, Year B, November 25, 2018
On this last Sunday of the church year, consider what it means to leave a legacy—both as people of faith individually and as the beloved community gathered in a particular place and time. If our legacy is comprised of everything we believe, say, and do, then truly considering our legacy is a lifelong work of subversive stewardship and discipleship in grateful response to our uncommon king. (Photo: Yaffa Phillips, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL Reflection, 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 25, Year B & Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2018
Will we be bold like Bartimaeus in asking Jesus for what we need? When Jesus does answer our prayer, what is our response? Will we, like the blind beggar, follow Jesus on the way, risking everything for the sake of the gospel? (Photo: Vincent Desjardins, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 23, Year B, Oct. 14, 2018
This week’s gospel points to the truth that following Jesus is not for the faint of heart—just ask Peter, who is bemoaning the fact that he and the other disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. Will it still be impossible for them to enter God’s kingdom after all they have laid aside? What about modern disciples? (Photo: opensourceway, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Year B, September 16, 2018
Who do YOU say that Jesus is? We know that Peter called him the Messiah and then turned right around and tried to redirect his ministry. We also know what that got Peter–a stern redirection of his own. How is your life being redirected by your faith and allegiance to the Messiah? (Photo: Robert Douglas, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 18, Year B, Sept. 9, 2018. Do you have the audacious, and persistent faith of the Gentile woman in this week’s gospel lesson? Have your ears been opened and your tongue set free like the man in Sidon? Is your faith limp and lifeless, or is yours a life of wide-open discipleship? This week’s lessons invite us to wrestle with these and other questions. (Photo: Brett Streuker, Creative Commons)
