Palm/Passion Sunday, Year C, March 20, 2016
When we, as followers of Christ, set out to serve one another and all whom we encounter in this beautiful yet broken world, we are going to get dirty. I can guarantee you that much. Our hands will be soiled, our hearts will be stained, and our dreams will be sullied. (Photo: Paukrus, Creative Commons)
Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 13, 2016
I’m pretty sure most of us would rather pour costly perfume on Jesus and see ourselves worshiping him extravagantly instead of acting like a greedy, selfish traitor that seems to be Judas’ lot in life. But would we do so when it comes right down to it? Can we break ourselves open in radical discipleship? (Photo: Paul Kussrow, Creative Commons)
Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year C, March 6, 2016
The story of the prodigal son is so rich: It touches on grace, abounds in hope, and drips with love. It also serves as a powerful story about stewardship. Jesus tells a tale that offers a fine comparison between living with an abundance mindset and nurturing a sense of scarcity. (Photo: Creative Commons)
Third Sunday in Lent, Year C, February 28, 2016
Someday, like it was for that barren fig tree, there will be an accounting. For the barren church that means doors closed, windows shuttered, and opportunity lost. No one wants to see that happen to their congregation, right? Or do they? (Photo: Ian Scott, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year C, February 21, 2016
This week’s lectionary lessons have a common thread of waiting that weaves them together. And we Americans do a LOT of waiting (some 37 billion hours per year), yet we find it difficult to wait for God. (Photo: Andy Wright, Creative Commons)
Lectionary Reflection for the First Sunday in Lent, Year C, February 14, 2016
Are you “giving up” something for Lent? Forget the nominal “sacrifices” this year. Ask instead, “What fast of ‘first fruits’ do I need to offer to God? What really matters? (Photo: Faith Goble, Creative Commons)
Ash Wednesday Lectionary Nuggets, Year C, February 10, 2016
Here we go again! The 40 days of Lent are upon us and so, too, will be the ashen crosses on our forehead that mark this beginning. The lessons offer rich possibility for proclamation–everything from piety and spiritual practices to returning to God with broken and contrite hearts, to the cost of discipleship, and (of course) stewardship.
Transfiguration of our Lord, Year C, February 8, 2016
Here’s the good news we have to share with folks who are timid, downtrodden, terrified, or even just plain old bored: We are no longer separated from seeing and experiencing God’s glory thanks to Jesus. We do, however, need to listen to him. And then, having heard, we are called to act in the power of the Spirit of God. (Photo: Julie Jordan Scott, Creative Commons)
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C
January 31, 2016
What if our congregations really took to heart 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as “the more excellent way” of being the Body of Christ? Imagine the differences we might see and experience! All we need is love–just not the commercialized kind. (Photo: Bryan Brenneman, Creative Commons)
Second Sunday after Epiphany, Year C, January 17, 2016
We may not be in exile ourselves, but we can welcome the refugee and open our arms to the stranger. We may not feel forsaken, but we can hold out our hand to the one who is and offer friendship and support. (Photo: Kelly Short, Creative Commons)
