RCL Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 9, 2020
This weeks lessons invite us to speak a timely and prophetic word in love. Yes, it’s always risky to preach the gospel of Jesus, but it’s worth it! How will you begin or continue to move the faith community you serve toward greater unity and the fast that God chooses? (Photo: Cailie Frampton, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 2, 2020
Have you ever considered yourself to be a fool for Christ? If you haven’t, why not let this Sunday’s lessons guide you into some holy foolishness for the sake of the gospel? Blessings on your faithful (and hopefully somewhat foolish) preaching and teaching! (Photo: Susan Murtaugh, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, January 26, 2020
When we share the good gospel, God is able to unleash and equip people to think creatively, contextually, and outside of the box. Yes, the gospel is so much bigger, better, and beautiful than we can imagine. But, hey, let’s try anyway and see what kind of creative energy the Spirit will cook up among us. Let’s explore a feast and alternative reality known as the Kindom of God. (Photo: State of Israel, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 19, 2020
Why not make 2020 the year for your worshiping community to discover a clear vision for why folks show up and why that matters? Imagine the possibilities. As Paul reminded the followers in Corinth, “God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Photo: Steve p2008, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Baptism of the Lord, Year A, January 12, 2020
Without water there is no lasting life on this earth. Christ, in his baptism, shows us what is fitting and proper, sort of a Jesus H2O, if you will. After all, human beings are about 66% water, and 70% of the human brain is water. Make this a day to celebrate baptism and walk wet into the world. (Photo: Dmitry Kichenko, Creative Commons)
Second Sunday after Christmas Day/Epiphany of the Lord, Year A, January 5, 2020
What’s the big idea for worship this week? Keep celebrating Christmas and incarnation! Unless…you will choose to celebrate Epiphany a day early. This is also the first Sunday of a new year AND a new decade—with lessons that offer so many rich possibilities for preaching and teaching. (Photo:
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A, December 22, 2019
This week’s lessons remind us that good things often follow times of stress, trouble, and complication, i.e. course corrections. We, like Joseph, can respond with openness and a willingness to embrace change and new directions as we follow Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. (Photo: jerryw387, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year A, December 15, 2019
No matter what lesson or lessons you use in crafting your sermon or lesson, let this third Sunday of Advent be a powerful YES in a world that so often cries no. We have great hope even in the face of doubt because God has said YES to us and to all of creation. (Photo: Barney Moss, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection, Second Sunday of Advent, Year A, December 8, 2019
Blessing and hope: These two words weave a unifying thread through the lessons for the Second Sunday of Advent. Yes, there are a couple of discomforting and unusual images, including John’s reference to a human “brood of vipers,” but there’s much more of a spirit of anticipation for a new world, a new way, and a messiah to lead into that promised kin-dom. What a blessing indeed! (Photo: Christi Belcourt, Creative Commons)
RCL Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday of Advent, Year A, December 1, 2019
By living and savoring the present moment, we are able to piece together a life of moments lived in expectation and awareness—imagine a colorful quilt of unique patterns that tell a story and give meaning and contour to a life of discipleship and stewardship. Advent blesses us with the call to pay attention, to be awake, and to anticipate a different world order. (Photo: Allan Cleaver, Creative Commons)
