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)
Feasting on Gratitude
Perfect for your fall campaign — here’s a six-week stewardship reflection series on the Lectionary Gospel lessons, beginning Oct. 5. Feasting on Gratitude invites readers to reflect and discuss stewardship principles and practices. Designed to complement and support a congregation’s annual giving campaign, Written for Lectionary Year A in 2011, the series is timely again in 2014. (Photo by JustCookNYC, used by Creative Commons license)
Listen Up, Disciples!
Transfiguration Sunday, Year A, March 2, 2014
Listening is hard work. Just ask Peter! If, however, we can stop long enough to really listen to each other and to God, amazing things happen. Don’t believe me? Well then, listen up.
(Photo (c) Carlosphotos via Bigstock.com.)
Merry Christmas! What Now?
1st SUNDAY IN CHRISTMAS, Year A, Dec. 26, 2010
Christmas Day is almost over and the gospel text for tomorrow reminds us of this broken world’s painful reality. If you are still working on your sermon, perhaps you will find a word here along with an idea for your children’s time. Merry Christmas! (Photo by blacklord used under Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
Let us go now to Bethlehem!
CHRISTMAS EVE, Year A, Dec. 24, 2010
Our job is to go to Bethlehem right here, right now, in whatever context we live and serve and tell the story of the Messiah’s birth. To do so, however, we first must plumb the depths of our own heart and allow Luke’s story to fill us with wonder and hope and awe, just like those first century shepherds. (Photo by allegri used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Go and Show and Tell
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 12, 2010
Think about it. Here’s John, the bold prophet who pointed to Jesus as the One, who called for repentance and baptized many, and who now sits in Herod’s prison. It must have been lonely, dirty, dank and difficult being imprisoned in first century Judea.
Here, There, and Everywhere
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT, Year A, Dec. 5, 2010
This week John calls us to repent, to turn, to do something new. God is on the loose in the world–here, there, and everywhere. Maybe we should get serious about looking for that kingdom of heaven come near. (Photo by Per Ola Wiberg, used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Stewards of Advent: Wake, Watch, and Wait!
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, Year A, Nov. 28, 2010
Wake up, sleepy Christian! Don’t be lulled into consumer compliance for the holiday season. Be stewards of Advent and celebrate the texts that call us to radical awareness God at work in the world and role in that work. (Photo by Per Ola Wiberg used under a Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
Meantime in the Mean Times
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, Year A, Nov. 14, 2010
Just because we live in the “meantime” does not mean we Christians have to let the mean times of this world wear us down. Don’t let the hater be hating on you.
Saint Who? Saint YOU!
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, YEAR A, Nov. 7, 2010
All Saints Sunday reminds us of those Christians who have died in the faith, who have fought the good fight, and whose lives offer an example for us. Now look in the mirror and you’ll see a saint–and a sinner–dearly loved by God and made holy through Jesus Christ. Saint Who? Saint YOU!