RCL Reflection, Pentecost 6, Proper 8, Year B, July 1, 2018
Our cups—our lives—will have room and margin if we will trust and respond; in God’s economy there is always enough and then some. So do not be afraid at where you may be called to go, who you might encounter there, and whether you feel equipped for the task. God is your portion. (Photo: Ashley Van Haeften, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7), Year B, June 24, 2018
When you step into the pulpit or lead a group discussion this weekend, take heart. We can do this hard thing, my friends. We can see one another, hear one another, and love one another by the grace of God. Yes, we must speak the truth to power and to one another, we must not allow evil to go unchallenged, but we must do so in love and with compassion and kindness. Only by building relationships can we stand together, only by loving God and neighbor can we live grace-fully. (Photo: Anna Oh, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, June 10, 2018
To be good stewards of the faith, we have to draw the margins big enough to include all God’s children–even those with whom we disagree.. As Jesus’ sisters and brothers, we must do God’s will as Jesus illustrates and teaches it. This means we may be called crazy, others may seek to silence us, and we might need to take some difficult stances. (Photo: Quim Gil, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 9, Year B, June 3, 2018
Sabbath also involves ceasing, resting, and reveling in God’s love, presence, and good creation. It’s a celebration of goodness and grace all wrapped up in a loving promise that this was created and given for our good. One of the greatest gifts we can give one another as the beloved community is permission to take sabbath, even if we do it in creative and non-traditional ways. (Photo: TheDaveC, Creative Commons)
Holy Trinity Sunday, Year B, May 27, 2018
The good news of Holy Trinity Sunday is that we have a highly relational God who desires us to have real life, and have it abundantly. We are, according to Paul, “adopted as God’s children,” no longer slaves destined to be fearful. How much our world needs this message of hope today! Let’s be good stewards and share liberally. (Photo: Larry Koester, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Pentecost Sunday, Year B, May 20, 2018
We are all works in progress, and the Holy Spirit is constantly at work in, with, through, and in spite of us. The Spirit never leaves us, but she sure can shake things up. Get ready for a little chaos my friends, because God’s Spirit is restless and on the loose, both interceding for us and working to usher in Christ’s reign. (Photo: Jacob Spinks, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday of Easter, Year B, May 13, 2018
Prayer works but sometimes our limited human vision can be a stumbling block, as can our fear and concerns about even how we are to pray. In this week’s gospel lesson, we get a glimpse of Jesus praying for his disciples right before he is handed over to death. It is a powerful example of the stewardship of prayer and people. (Photo: Moose 128, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 6th Sunday of Easter, Year B, May 6, 2018
This week continues the theme of love as the hallmark of Jesus followers, but we are now called to “lay it all down” for the sake of the love we first experienced in Christ Jesus. The lessons call us to an active faith model: breaking down barriers (Acts 10:47-48) and laying down our very lives for our friends (John 15:12-13).
(Photo: Timetrius, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 5th Sunday of Easter, Year B, April 29, 2018
The good news of Jesus is passed on through our willingness to make time to talk and listen. We may not chase chariots like Philip, but there are plenty of people waiting for us to engage them with the gospel. (Photo: Katrina Montivagrant, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year B, April 15, 2018
When was the last time you had your mind opened up and blown away by the gospel? Let this week’s lessons lead you to deeper encounters with Jesus in scripture, worship, and world. Gather at the table. Create community. Be amazed at how God will work in, through, and with (and maybe even in spite of) you. (Photo: Stan Dominguez, Creative Commons)
