RCL Reflection, 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Sept. 2, 2018
This week’s lessons provide many opportunities to talk about the gift of God’s law, the way we live as people of faith, the examples we set, and what our actions and works communicate. We must avoid becoming so focused on minutia that we fail to take in the entire picture, fail to love our neighbors, and derail a faithful witness. (Photo: John Taylor, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 16, Year B, August 26, 2018
This week’s lessons remind us that the way of Jesus is not always an easy path, but it is the path that leads to abundant and everlasting life. Being part of the beloved community, the Body of Christ, equips us and strengthens us for the journey and enables us to contend with the forces of darkness and destruction. Clothed in God’s mercy, grace, and love, we are sent to proclaim a gospel of peace to all people. (Photo: annamarieangelo, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 19, 2018
What is this “wise bread” and wine with which Wisdom sets her table and invites us to partake? How can Jesus claim that we are to eat his body and drink his blood, as John’s gospel reports? Yes, this week in the bread cycle takes radical turn that requires thinking outside of comfortable and literal boxes. Ready to eat? (Photo: Claude Monet, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14, Year B, August 12, 2018
Ever had a time in your life when things didn’t go as expected? When you thought you’d done pretty well for yourself, but those around you don’t seem to agree? God has some good news for you in this week’s lessons. Get up and eat. We all need strength for the journey. (Photo: hungry dudes, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Proper 13, Aug. 5, 2018
For what do you really hunger? What would slake your soul’s incredible thirst and longing? Can you name it? Will you claim it? Can you at least acknowledge that gnawing hole at the center of your being that longs to be filled with God? (Photo: Lance Fisher, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, Year B, July 29, 2018
Both the man from Baal-Shalishah and Jesus’ disciples had a difficult time wrapping their heads and hearts around the notion of divine provision and plenty. All they could see were meager gifts and scarcity, Have we learned from their stories? If not, it’s time we changed the narrative for this day and time by sharing stories and learning to look for abundance. (Photo: Jarkko Laine, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 11, Year B July 22, 2018 Lessons: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Psalm 23; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 6:30-34; 53-56 Theme: God’s faithful and generous people continue to be works in progress, becoming a fit dwelling for the Spirit of God. Key Scriptures: So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far […]
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 10, Year B, July 15, 2018
God desires for us to participate in this work of healing, restoring, and blessing all of creation. We are not there yet, but we are on the way as God’s beloved community, the Body of Christ. (Photo: Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 15, 2018
What is the cost of discipleship? Are you willing to go there? Are you willing to speak out, stand up, and move your feet for justice and love of neighbor? What are you willing to lose? This Sunday’s gospel is a great springboard for discussing discipleship and taking a stand. (Photo: Keith Bacongo, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 8, 2018
We need to see prophets and prophetic voices as gifts among us as the messengers of God that they are. Even if you don’t feel that God is calling you to be a prophet, you may be called to speak a prophetic word or take action. Are you willing to steward your voice, hands, feet, and heart to do the hard, holy work to which God invites you? (Photo: zeevveez, Creative Commons)
