Lectionary Reflection for Easter Day, Year B, April 8, 2012
The empty tomb occasions both shouts of victory and mute terror and awe–if we are honest about it. Mark’s account of the resurrection is truly a story of hope and promise for uncertain times. (Photo by Tony Beeman used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)
For me the Apostle’s Creed is a starting place for this personal witness, for this living out of the Christian faith, because in the Creed I state personally — as well as corporately and publicly — what I believe. It’s an oral confession. My life must be “in sync” with what I confess in the Creed. (Photo by Graye, used by Creative Commons license. Thanks!)
LECTIONARY REFLECTION
Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010
Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Advent in August? The Scripture for the festival of the Assumption of Mary takes the Magnificat out of its Christmasy context. Amid Lukan readings in Ordinary Time, it speaks even more loudly about God’s agenda.
By the Rev. Dr. Susan K. Hedahl
Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?
By the Rev. Dr. Ron Lavin
The biblical corrective for mediocrity is joyful generosity. Stewardship Sunday is challenge to stop having a Lutheran Lite faith, rise above mediocrity, and get involved as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rise above mediocrity, greed, selfishness, and fear.
By the Rev. David Conrad
Thanks is the most wonderful Christian reason for giving throughout the New Testament. For some, thanks is an automatic response to having received something. But when considering all the gifts God gives us, such as grace, forgiveness, love, hope and eternal life, is there any greater response than thanks?
By The Rev. Roy Roderick
Although followers of Christ are not to expect thanks for sharing the Good News entrusted to them, this does not mean that no gratitude is necessary in religion. For faith, ingratitude is a tragedy. As King Lear said in the day of his own tragedy, “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child.” So many never even give to God a grace before a meal, but feel compelled to offer a tip to the server afterwards.
By the Rev. Kristi Beebe
Sermon on Luke 12:32-40: “God will lead us into new and exciting adventures filled with spiritual treasures.”
In our lives we want to desperately hold on to what we have — people, relationships, material possessions, power, prestige, and even money. And we don’t want anyone else to tell us what to do with any of them.
Susan K. Hedahl, professor of homiletics, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, offers tips for sermons and temple talks. “Ask what the stewardship profile of your congregation is — Before public proclamation, it is necessary to ask: Where have we been? As a congregation, what gifts do we already employ for ourselves and others? Where do we hope to be in the months, the years ahead? Which resources do we need to consider, expand, develop?
