61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325       (717) 334-6286
editor@stewardshipoflife.org

61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA 17325       (717) 334-6286
       info@stewardshipoflife.org

Navigation

You are here: Home / Archives for lectionary reflection
post

Day by Day with Glad and Generous Hearts

By Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A, May 7, 2017
If we are to be effective as the people of God reaching out to the world and ushering in the reign of Christ right now and right here, then it is time to look our practice with fresh eyes. Where are we stale? What makes us tired? Are we simply going through the motions and trying to stay afloat in our congregations? Can we articulate our congregational identity, our sense of vision and mission? We can learn a thing or two from the early church’s understanding and application of “glad and generous hearts” and “life abundant.” (Photo: minkmonkeymoo, Creative Commons)

post

Rearview Mirror Stewardship

By Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year A, April 30, 2017
Just like on that Emmaus Road, Jesus is still showing up and bringing people moments of poignant clarity that can be fully expressed and shared only in the telling and recounting. It happens in many ways both great and small, ordinary and miraculous, but no matter how, when, or where, rest assured that your witness to how you have encountered Jesus is enough and needs to be shared. (Photo: Jaymis Loveday, Creative Commons)

post

And Now for Something Completely Different

By Leave a Comment

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year Three, April 30, 2017
Today we learn that the early church is not as perfect as we sometimes make it out to be. Even the early followers of Jesus had their failures and foibles. The question is what can we learn from this, and how can we continue in faith to live as disciples to the best of our ability for the sake of the gospel. (Photo: Ted, Creative Commons)

post

Beyond Unbelief: An Evangelism Lesson from Thomas

By Leave a Comment

RCL reflection, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year A, April 23, 2017
Like Jesus inviting Thomas to reach out and touch his wounds, we must be willing to invite people into our lives. What they know of Jesus may be only what they see in those who call themselves “Christians.” That means we have both great opportunity and great responsibility, and that my friends is an act of stewardship. (Photo: Doubting Thomas, painting by Caravaggio)

post

With Jesus, All Roads Lead to Hope

By Leave a Comment

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Easter, Year Three, April 23, 2017
The story of Cleopas and his friend on the Emmaus road from today’s gospel lesson speaks volumes to us and to our congregations today. Good stewards are aware of and often appreciative of the past but do not cling to it. Good stewards adapt to change and keep their focus on the things that matter most: Telling the stories of faith, sharing the good news, and making disciples. Is your heart burning within you because you have encountered the risen Lord? If so, what are you waiting for? If not, fix your eyes on the horizon. With Jesus, all roads lead to hope. (Photo: memyselfmanu, Creative Commons)

post

Don’t Be Afraid; Be Sent!

By Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection for the Resurrection of our Lord, Year A, April 16, 2017
Jesus’ words to his first evangelists–the women–and his first disciples are equally applicable to us today. We are not to hide our light under a basket. We are not to lock our faith away in fear. We are to go. We are to tell. We are to be Christ’s witnesses sent out of our sanctuaries and comfort zones into the hustle of the marketplace and bustle of the world. (Photo: TED, Creative Commons)

post

No Idle Tale

By Leave a Comment

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for Easter Sunday, Year Three, April 16, 2017
Funny thing about this Easter story—the point is to go and share the story. It’s about faithfully stewarding the Good News of Jesus to a world that desperately needs to hear it. Sure folks may not believe it at first, but some will come to see and experience Jesus for themselves. This is no idle tale! It’s the life-changing story of Jesus’ love. (Photo: Creative Commons)

post

The Jesus Parade

By Leave a Comment

RCL Reflection for Palm/Passion Sunday, Year A, April 9, 2017
There is a story between the Palm Sunday and Easter “parades” that we do well not to miss. The work and witness of Holy Week beckons. Without fully experiencing Holy Week, we lose something valuable–a behind the scenes look at the real cost of our salvation and the dirty work it took to accomplish it. It is, indeed, an act of stewardship to devote our time and attention to this week. (Photo: Doug Bezaire & Susi Havens-Bezaire, Creative Commons)

post

Hidden People & Silent Stones

By Leave a Comment

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for Palm Sunday, Year Three, April 9, 2017
What if we truly enter into Holy Week and the story of Jesus’ walk to the cross this year? What if we took this week to look, to listen, and to accompany those who have been silenced? What if we take seriously Jesus’ words and weariness with our sinful disobedience? Can we hear the silent stones, see the invisible ones, and discern the way of peace? (Photo: Susie Cagle, Creative Commons)

post

Hope for Dry Bones & Stinky Sinners

By Leave a Comment

Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A, April 2, 2017
If God can animate dry bones, if Jesus can bring about the restoration of rotting flesh, imagine what the Spirit can do for a tired congregation, for a group of weary and battered disciples, and for the communities in which our congregations are rooted! Where there is God, there is indeed hope. (Photo: Tim, Creative Commons. Thanks!)