Recently I feel like I’ve been confronted several times with folks who use the Bible as a sort of Magic 8 Ball. Something comes up and they run to their concordances (or their preferred search engine) and see if they can find all of the Bible verses about a certain topic or event and then… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary – Why?
Proper 24, Year B: Job 38:1-7 (34-41), Hebrews 5: 10-10, Mark 10:35-45 Track one lectionary preachers are continuing the story of Job this week, after being left last week with Job’s lament. Job has spent the last 37 chapters asking why, defending himself as his friends pose theology after theology all ending in what Job… Read More
Monday Prayer ~ Small Things
God of Small Things: Thank you for this small, yet perfectly formed Rose of Sharon flower, her delicate pinks, her bee beckoning center. Thank you for the small mercies: the green light when we’re late, the unexpected message from a friend, the way light refracts through stained glass, for warm smiles. Give us courage to… Read More
Monday Prayer – Mysteries
God, I stood in the dark on my patio this morning in just my cotton nightgown. I looked at the clouds, the stars winking through their gaps, and felt the cool air on my skin. My cat threaded his way around my ankles, lingering his tail on my skin, mewing softly as if to say,… Read More
RCL – Proper 20, Year B – Resist
As I studied up on the readings for Sunday one common theme emerged: Resist. The resist I speak of is a resistance to the stuff we are told will make us feel better if only we can accumulate enough of it. A resistance to running after power, status and ambition; resistance to serving only ourselves.… Read More
Monday Prayer – Mother Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace – my favorite prayer, mumbled or whispered as planes take off, as we wait for the doctor, as we pass a tragic car accident. Holy mother help me, help us, intercede. Mary who watched as her son was beaten and spit upon. Mary who knew the little boy he once… Read More
Monday Prayer – Labor
Laboring God – we thank you for September clouds, autumnal light, cooler days, the great resounding chorus of your creation. Help us to hear your call – to labor with you in your eternal work, work that is grounded in love for your creatures. Send us and call us to all who need aid and… Read More
RCL: Proper 15 Year B – What is eternal?
I have a strange confession. I like thinking of Wisdom as God’s partner and companion. If I wanted to slide into my weird and hardwired gender language I could call Wisdom God’s wife, and yet a person apart from the Trinity. I am not entirely missing the mark, even if I am a bit too… Read More
The Pastoral is Political : Efficacy & Love
While doom scrolling through social media the other day, I hovered over a post that basically said that some of us stayed home when we were supposed to, and so those who have chosen not to be vaccinated can stay home now; that it’s their turn. I sort of harrumphed in agreement and then immediately… Read More
Monday Prayer – Hope
God, we sang one of my favorite hymns on Sunday and I’m still thinking about it. Is it ok that for now this is the prayer that I have? Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, with all thy quickening powers; Kindle a flame of sacred love, in these cold hearts of ours. Come Holy Spirit as… Read More
