RCL reflection, Baptism of our Lord, Year C, Jan. 13, 2019
This Sunday may be a good opportunity to explore the gift of baptism not so much as a remembrance but rather as an opportunity to listen to God. What makes it difficult to listen to God in our 21st century world? What gets in the way? (Photo: vncepal, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, Epiphany of our Lord, Year C, Jan. 6, 2019
Funny how something can be right in front of our face, and we still miss it! I wonder if that’s how Herod felt when the wise scholars (aka three wise men or three kings) came a calling with their astrological calculations and desire to worship this king of the Jews? Do we do any better with recognizing Jesus in the world around us today? (Photo: Pascal Volk, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL Reflection, First Sunday after Christmas, Year C, Dec. 30, 2018
Chances are the children in your congregation took part in Christmas Eve pageants, programs, and worship services. Please don’t stop there. Let’s be good stewards and nurture the faith and gifts of the children in our midst. It will be good for them and for the health and future of God’s church. (Photo: David Kutz)
RCL Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 23, 2018
Yes, this Sunday we light the candle of love. We bring four weeks to perfect completion. What began in the dark with an audacious hope, continued with a longing for peace, and leapt and laughed for joy, now comes full circle with the power of love. For God did so love this world and every molecule and atom in it that God sends the son to dwell among us. (Photo: Joe O’Meara, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 16, 2018
Share your food and clothes. Be fair with others. Be content with what you have. Sounds obvious, right? The truth is that people need to be led—by clear teaching, loving accountability, and faithful example. This is John’s message today, and there’s plenty of reasons to be a joyful steward in Advent! (Photo: Susanne Nilsson, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 9, 2018
In order to be good stewards of the gospel—and of our time, talents, and resources—we need to look for the teacher and the helpers. We need to be mentored in the life of faith and discipleship. We light the candle of peace and look for the light to come. (Photo: Susanne Nilsson, Creative Commons)
RCL Reflection, 1st Sunday of Advent, Year C, Dec. 2, 2018
All four of this week’s lessons have something to show us about what matters and how to live, both critical components to considering the kind of legacy one hopes to leave. Why not talk about stewardship and legacy during this season of watchful hope. (Photo: Tauralbus, Creative Commons)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection, Christ the King Sunday, Year B, November 25, 2018
On this last Sunday of the church year, consider what it means to leave a legacy—both as people of faith individually and as the beloved community gathered in a particular place and time. If our legacy is comprised of everything we believe, say, and do, then truly considering our legacy is a lifelong work of subversive stewardship and discipleship in grateful response to our uncommon king. (Photo: Yaffa Phillips, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the 27th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, November 18, 2018
Yes, the times are uncertain. Suffering and pain are real. The path forward appears fraught with danger and destruction. In spite of all of this, whether self-inflicted or inflicted upon us, we have Jesus. This is very good news! ((Photo: Gov. Tom Wolf, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
RCL reflection, 26th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 27, Year B, Nov. 11, 2018
This Sunday imagine just what kind of “might” a mite might have, especially when one’s mites are given and shared in right relationship and in response to God’s abundant love and grace. When we put our trust in Jesus, we may find ourselves free to be that widow with her head held high, her hand open to share, with an eye toward justice. (Photo: Siembra Conmigo, Creative Commons. Thanks!)
