Lectionary Reflection for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 5, 2012
How’s the work of cultivating disciples going in your community of faith? Paul has some good words for spiritual gardeners in this week’s epistle lesson, and the gospel reminds us the master gardener’s mentoring that sustains us. (Photo by hans s used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
It was Jesus’ last night on before his execution, and he spent it with those he loved, giving them some of the most powerful teachings of his ministry. That’s what Maundy Thursday is all about. (Photo by Wharman, used by Creative Commons License.)
IT’S PERSONAL BLOG:
I can truly relate to what Jesus is saying in this Sunday’s Gospel lesson, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34b). Deny myself? Oh yeah! During Lent I’m all about self denial. (Photo by Randy OHC, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
‘It’s Personal’ Blog
Meditate on the sobering words of Ash Wednesday: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” You’ll find the source of good stewardship of life — our mortality. (Photo by On the White Line, used by Creative Commons license.)
Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of our Lord
January 8, 2012
Mark’s gospel propels us like carnival bumper cars into a holy collision of water, Word, and Spirit. Are you ready? This is no Sunday for “nicey-nice” tame imagery in the presence of the Creator who brought life from chaos and salvation from sin. (Photo by Paul Holloway used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2011
If anything is possible with God, why do we have such a hard time believing it and embodying God to our world? (Photo by NASA used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2011 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark 1:1 Advent is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ. — Thomas Merton My theory about major house cleaning works like this: if […]
Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday in Advent, Year B
November 27, 2011
This Sunday’s lessons offer many options for fresh approaches to Advent. Now is the time to invite people into a spiritual season of re-formation, contemplation, readiness, and action. (Photo by BLW Photography used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
The spiritual practice of discernment may be a useful tool for congregations when it comes to matters of stewardship of money. Check out this article by spiritual director Teresa Blythe on the Patheos website. (Photo by hickory hardscrabble used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Who benefits from forgiveness—the one forgiven or the one who forgives? Considering this question leads to some important answers, strange mathematics, and hard work. Are you ready? (Photo by FeatheredTar used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
