RCL Reflection, Proper 11, Year B
July 21, 2024. The appointed readings for this Sunday point to the shepherding nature of our God. A preacher could lift up what is happening in our modern times, how are we like the sheep looking for a shepherd, and how our God shepherds us. The Rev.Dr. Linda Bell explores.
RCL reflection for the 4th Sunday of Easter, Year B. April 21, 2024. The lessons for “Good Shepherd Sunday” reveal that Jesus calls us to “go and do likewise.” A good sermon could say why and suggest how. Elaine Ramshaw explores. (Photo: Publicdomainpictures)
RCL Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter Year B, April 25, 2021
Why the 23rd Psalm for Creation Sunday? Why not look at Genesis or any other number of potential lessons? The easy answer is “why not”? It’s what the lectionary gives us for this Sunday, and the Holy Spirit does tend to provide a way forward. The key to using this psalm to celebrate Creation Sunday is to invite people to explore it afresh.
RCL Reflection for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, October 11, 2020
Here is a different take on the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. This week we learn how one non-conformist Jesus shows us a different path to real life—a life beyond the violence, hatred, power jockeying, and window dressing. And this, my friends, is very good news indeed.
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A, May 3, 2020
We sure do need our “real deal” Good Shepherd right now. The good news is that Christ is right here with us. Our challenge is to follow God’s lead right back into a new kind of world order. (Photo: Art in the Christian Tradition)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year, A, March 22, 2020
Ministry and worship are probably looking quite a bit different in most contexts where COVID-19 precautions are in place. This week’s lessons offer some wonderful springboards to look at current events through the lens of scripture–from the comfort of the 23rd Psalm to the lessons about blindness and sight. (Photo: Ken Teegartin, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 4th Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 12, 2019
Tabitha is one “sheep” who hears the voice of Jesus calling to her through the witness of others, and she in turn becomes a powerful witness to the good news when Peter gives her a second chance at life. Tabitha’s story is important because it reminds us that discipleship matters. Like Tabitha, let’s get up and get going. Our Shepherd calls! (Photo: Sonny Abesamis, 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 […]
RCL Reflection, 4th Sunday of Easter, Year B, April 22, 2018
Three simple words, LOVE, GOOD, and JESUS, are woven into our lessons today, and my prayer for you as you preach and teach is that you will weave them in ways that take root in those who hear them. May they be water for thirsty souls, bread for the hungry heart, and wine for the wounded spirit. (Photo: Jeff Djevdet, Creative Commons)
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)
