RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year C, April 28, 2019
Jesus is still breathing peace on us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, still showing up in unexpected places through unexpected people, and still calling us to belief beyond doubt and beyond certainty. Yes, in anxious times like these when we may feel locked away for fear of all manner of things, the peace of Christ is ours through bread, wine, water, word, and in the beloved community. (Photo: Caravaggio, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Resurrection of our Lord, Year C, April 21, 2019
I wonder…what witnesses to the gospel would be deemed unreliable today? Will we be like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, and the other women who were perplexed by what they found yet willing to tell and live into the story anyway? (Photo: TED, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C, April 14, 2019
Help this yearly Palm/Passion Sunday liturgical “tradition” take on fresh meaning and power. Maybe shake things up to encourage worshipers to see themselves as participants in the ongoing Christ story, as opposed to bystanders. This week we offer ideas to help people notice the movement of the story with its distinct scenes and settings. (Photo: Richard Gillin, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL Reflection, 5th Sunday in Lent, Year C: April 7, 2019
It’s easy to talk the talk of a 21st century Christian. We live in low-expectation religious culture: toss a few dollars in the plate, show up for worship, and perhaps serve when it’s convenient. This week’s lessons remind us that we are called to countercultural lives of dedication to God. When did discipleship become an add-on, like a side of sweet potato fries with your burger? (Photo: Mike, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 4thSunday in Lent, Year C, March 30, 2019
In God’s economy there’s room at the table for everyone. There is no sin scorecard or righteousness insider scoreboard where Jesus is concerned. Unless there is wide welcome, unless grace is offered with open arms, how can there be reconciliation and restoration, real change and radical discipleship? (Photo: Jeannie Deb, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 24, 2019
If you’re feeling like a barren fig in a vineyard full of lush grapes, don’t despair. If you’re easily distracted about predictions of gloom and doom and the connection of sin to disaster, take a deep breath and refocus on the God who loves you beyond all measure. Who knows what can happen with a little divine TLC? (Photo: Oregon State University, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday in Lent, March 17, 2019
We are disciples of the One who never gives up—on anyone or anything in all creation. While we wait for the fulfillment of promise and renewal of all things, we do not give up. We persevere with Jesus, who holds us in the divine arms of mercy and love. Yes, what good news we dare to believe and have to share! (Photo: Art in the Christian Tradition, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 10, 2019
Put aside the focus on chocolate, diets and deprivation, and even the fasting from technology. Reorient your lives and hearts. Remember whose you are and who you are. Come to the table and feast on Jesus and then go and share your faith. It’s a Lenten discipline that will carry far beyond 40 days. (Photo: Robin, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection: Transfiguration Sunday, Year C, March 3, 2019
The view from the mountaintop is stunning, exhilarating, and maybe even a little terrifying. Suddenly, we can connect the dots, understand how we are connected and woven into this divine narrative, and delineate that which is truly important. However, just like Jesus and the disciples, we don’t stay on that mountaintop. There is work to do; we do not lose heart. (Photo: Rich Gibson, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 7th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C, Feb. 24, 2019
Now what? Let grace and mercy abound. Love God and love your neighbor—especially your enemy. Embody mercy and compassion. Pour out grace like the finest wine. Don’t be stingy with anything because with God there is always plenty. (Photo: The Italian Voice, Creative Commons)
