Revised Common Lectionary reflection, Nov. 19, 2017
When we edify and encourage one another — through mutual prayer, strong friendships and small groups, worshiping together, serving side-by-side, and sharing our time, talent, and resources — we all become stronger. We are more likely, though the gift of a strong community, to use our talents and take greater risks with more confidence to multiply all that God has given us. We are truly better together. (Photo: Steve Spinks, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Pentecost 23, Year A, Proper 27, Nov. 12, 2017
Maybe this week’s gospel lesson is more about remaining alert and in the moment – even more than making sure we are prepared. The story also points to stewardship not only of resources and time, but also of relationship and self-care. Stewardship matters; we need to pay attention to it. And, if we stay awake, if we’re intentional about discipleship and about making disciples, and if we cultivate holistic stewardship then maybe folks won’t suffer from insufficient oil in the first place. (Photo: Ansel Edwards, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, All Saints Sunday and the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 26, Year A, November 5, 2017
We, dear friends, are God’s children, and this is very good news indeed. John reminds us of this fact in this week’s epistle reading from 1 John. We are loved, we are called children of God, and even though we may not fully comprehend what it means to be part of that great communion and never-ending story, we are nonetheless included. Our very calling as Christians is to reflect God’s great love–not our own pitiable attempts at goodness–so that the world may see God. Celebrate all the saints of all times and places this week, and give thanks to God for the saints who have gone before. (Photo: Magic Madzik, Creative Commons)
RCL reflection for Reformation Sunday and the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Proper 25, Oct. 29, 2017
It’s been 500 years since Martin Luther’s 95 Theses started making the rounds, and a lot has changed and will continue to change. The church is always reforming, and so are God’s faithful people. We are called–always–to love God with every fiber of our being and our neighbor as ourselves, but how we do that involves being flexible, open to change, and willing to listen to the Holy Spirit’s movement in the world. (Photo: Keren Tan, Creative Commons)
Narrative Lectionary Reflection for October 22, 2017, Year Four
Just like God called Samuel to identify the second king of Israel after Saul’s disappointment, we, too, are called to see what God wills us to see. We are called to look deeper, to see the ways of the heart. We are called to see what is right, to practice discernment, and to look beneath the surface. It’s not a “worldly” way of looking, but it’s the way God desires us to look and live. Looking deeply on the heart is a way of seeing the world that requires cultivation and practice. The reward is seeing human potential, divine intervention, and the inbreaking of God’s reign, of possibility and hope. And that, my friends, is very good news indeed. (Photo: Ken Teegardin, Creative Commons)
RCL reflection for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Proper 24, October 22, 2017
As Christians, we confess that we believe in “God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” We ask God’s will to be done in the Lord’s Prayer, and we sing “Holy, Holy, Holy.” I guess we need to figure out if this is lip service or a life of service. Is God really Lord of all creation–including us? How we answer this question makes all the difference in the world. (Photo: Paradise Nazarene, Creative Commons License)
RCL reflection, 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Proper 23, Oct. 15, 2017
Evidence of God’s abundance is all around us, and yet many of us – and a lot of our congregations – live out of sense of scarcity, fearing that there will not be enough for us, much less for anyone else. Our challenge, this week and every week really, is to help people live into the reality of God’s provision, care, and abundance. In bread and wine, in word and deed, we are fed richly. There is more than enough for all and an open invitation to come to God’s table. (Photo: TEDManhattan, Creative Commons)
RCL reflection, 18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 8, 2017
A stewardship question worth asking about this week’s gospel lesson is just how are we tending the fruits of God’s vineyard? Are we working together–tenant/grower and representative of the landowner–to produce the best possible yield? Are we cultivating sweet grapes of grace or extracting all that we can without thought for others in a harvest of wrathful choices and selfish gain? Do we sow gratitude at every chance? (Photo: Julianna, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 1, 2017
As people called to love God and neighbor, our sinfulness and poor choices often affect others. We are called to be faithful and good stewards of everything—our time, talent, and resources, even of one another. We are called to be people of actions and not empty words. We are called to recognize that God desires good for all of creation, and that we are partners in that ongoing effort. (Photo: highersights, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 19, Year A, September 24, 2017
When I hear the words of Jesus in this Sunday’s parable, I am reminded of the problem we have with generosity. We want to control it, to manage it, and to conform it to our vision of what and who is worthy of it. God’s generosity doesn’t work that way at all. God is lavish with all of creation. Even the last and the least are worthy of God’s love and saving grace, of care and concern, and of a place at the bounteous table of blessing. (Photo: Jim Fischer, Creative Commons)
