RCL reflection, 4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B, Jan. 28, 2018
When it comes to exercising our freedom, we may think we have the authority on our own, but the truth is that Christ is the one with ultimate authority and ultimate truth. Our freedom is found in him alone. Even the unclean spirits of this world recognize and bow to his authority. What this means for us is that there is always hope.
RCL Reflection, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Jan. 21, 2018
There’s a saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Maybe Jesus’ immediate call to us today to fish for people happens one step and one breath and one prayer at a time. Now that’s an immediately I can wrap my heart and my soul and maybe even my stubborn head around. How about you?
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B, Jan. 14, 2018
What will people see when invited to your your congregation? Will they find Jesus reflected in the lives and witness of his people, or will they see only threadbare and outdated furnishings and somber folk? Will they feel the Spirit, hear the Word taught and proclaimed in fresh and real ways, and encounter Christ? Are you ready to say “Come and see?” (Photo: Wendi Kelly, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Baptism of our Lord, Year B, January 7, 2018
This Sunday we have water and Jesus and a wild-honking-goose-of-a-Holy-Spirit clattering through our organized worship and over-booked lives. Yes, that Holy Spirit that descended on Jesus in the Jordan in Mark’s gospel account is on the loose and ready to take you along for the ride of your life. Are you ready to go? (Photo: Larry Smith, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday of Christmas, Year B, December 31, 2017
While many folks are already packing away the Christmas decorations, returning the unwanted or ill-fitting gifts to retailers, and moving on with life as usual, we who bear Christ’s name and family connection keep on singing the carols, continuing to tell the old, old story, and gladly holding out our empty hands for the crumb of bread and sip of wine that contains the Savior of the world. How will you continue to steward and savor the good news and joy this week? (Photo: sblezard, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 4th Sunday of Advent & Nativity of Our Lord, Year B, Dec. 24, 2017
This year provides the rare opportunity to bridge Advent and Christmas using the power call of the angels, “Do not be afraid.” From Mary’s radical “yes” to the first announcement of Jesus’ birth to the most unlikely of recipients, the lessons for this day offer amazing good news of hope, possibility, and transformation. Be not afraid to build this bridge! (Photo: Guillaume Speurt, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 17, 2017
This is no Sunday to be a killjoy, no time to “quench the Spirit,” but rather a stellar opportunity to remind one another of this precious good news that we have the privilege of sharing with others. We have seen the light of Christ, and the light has made of us something entirely new. Rejoice and be glad! (Photo: Susanne Nilsson, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B, December 10, 2017
John the Baptist offer a lesson for those of us who want to share the gospel in twenty-first century contexts. Get out of the building! Go where the people are! Don’t be hung up on doing ministry the way the cool kids do it. Be your authentic Jesus-follower self. Prepare the way of the Lord as only you are equipped to do it. But most of all…do SOMETHING. Prepare the way for Jesus! (Photo: Eduard Marmet, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B, Dec. 3, 2017
Advent calls us to be fully present, alert for signs of Jesus’ inbreaking into our lives and neighborhoods, and holding to the hope that is promised to us. Unfortunately, there are plenty of distractions and temptations, pushes and pulls on our time and resources. Perhaps the biggest gift we can share is to give each other permission to slow down so that God can work in and through and with us. (Photo: Cat Branchman, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Reign of Christ Sunday, Year A, November 23, 2017
Just who is this King of Everything, this strange leader? Who is this Jesus hanging out in the least, the lost, the poor, and the imprisoned? How were we supposed to know to look for God in the dark and dirty places of the world? We are trained to look for the winners, not the losers in life. Jesus presents an alternative vision for us. (Photo: Waiting for the Word, Creative Commons)
