RCL Reflection for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, September 20, 2020
Ever have the words “it’s not fair” slip from your lips? If you’re human, the answer is, “Of course!” That’s why the story of Jonah is as timely today as when it was first recounted. What can we learn from Jonah about ourselves, about God, and why it’s better to have a good God than a fair God? (Photo: dadblunders, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, September 13, 2020
Jesus, Paul, and Joseph have a lot to teach us about growing as disciples and as the Beloved Community. Through these lessons we learn to be bridge builders and faithful forgivers. Check out our preaching/teaching points for each lesson.
RCL Reflection for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, September 6, 2020
This week’s gospel reading gives us Jesus’ three-step plan for reconciliation and restoration. The approach us not a once-and-done proposition. Rather, it’s more of a “lean-in and keep at it until love prevails” kind of thing. But then, that’s the way of the Christ in stark contrast to the general messiness of humankind. (Photo: J T, Creative Commons)
Last Minute Preaching Points for the 13th Sunday after Pentecost Year A
The lessons this week offer a wonderful study in how disciples follow Jesus, navigating crossings and boundaries that inevitably present themselves every day. Both the lessons from Exodus and Jeremiah, and the epistle and gospel show us that God’s people have been wrestling with boundaries and crossings from the beginning of this great narrative.
RCL Reflection for August 30, 2020
We are called into a way of life that runs counter to everything the world tells us is worth having and doing and being. We are invited into community, splashed with water and word, filled with Spirit breath, and gifted to give and give and give some more. And that life is good–very, very good. (Photo: Robert Douglas, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Year A. August 23, 2020
Jesus’ question, “But who do you say that I am” is perhaps the most important one we can answer as people of faith. You can help your worshiping community to ponder and answer this question, and in the process help them grow in faith and discipleship. (Photo: mi.a, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 15, Year A. August 16, 2020.
Even God’s people seem to be better at building fences to keep people out than building bigger dinner tables to welcome more people. This week’s lessons focus on God’s radical provision and desire for us to work to include others in the banquet. (Photo: Rachel Tayse, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Year A, August 9, 2020
Learning to be a disciple of Jesus is like learning to swim. It doesn’t come naturallyLike Peter, we must “swim” as Christians, entering fully into the chaos and beauty and brokenness of our world. We must keep our eyes upon the Christ and trust the wisdom and accompaniment of the Holy Spirit. (Photo: Jon Connell, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, August 2, 2020
People are waking up from what amounts to a capitalistic dream gone mad. Will we have the vision, the dreams, and the willingness to do what it takes to turn a few loaves and fishes into the kindom of God? (Photo: PublicDomain.com)
RCL Reflection, 8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year A, Proper 12, July 26, 2020:
What is heaven like? What images come to mind? This week’s lessons fill our hearts and minds with lots of nudges and hints that fire our imaginations but leave us pondering the mystery. Which is probably how it should be. (Photo: Bjorn Behrendt, Creative Commons)
