Narrative Lectionary: On Earth as it is in Heaven

After reading the kin-dom stories found in this week’s text around 7 times this morning I can’t help but wonder if Jesus is expounding on the “on earth as it is in heaven” portion of the prayer he teaches his disciples in Chapter 6…? The story about the “good” and the “bad” dwelling together sounds… Read More

Wednesday Prayer

God, on this day in the middle of the week It becomes clear that You are “both/and” Both merciful and just Both leading and at the same time granting free will Both the ground of our very being and transcendent over all In a time that can seem very complex Help us to know that… Read More

Wednesday Prayer

Ever present God, Open our hearts to find beauty even in the simplest of times. Open our minds to discover magic in the midst of routine. Open our hands in acts of kindness and tenderness. Open our day to include laughter, rest and sips that bring comfort. Thank You for breaking through the heavens to… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: Unwrapped Gifts (Matthew 3:1-17)

It is hard to fathom Jesus as a grown man when just this past Sunday he was a baby being visited by Los Tres Reyes Magos. The Christian Church spends four weeks preparing for the birth of Jesus but he only gets to be an infant for two Sundays. Okay, I confess that maybe the fact… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: Messy Feelings

The first time I ran across Isaiah 42 verse 1 was when I was preparing my mother’s homegoing service in November of 2002.  The words, “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights,” brought me some comfort and a bit of peace at the time. This morning, the more… Read More

Wednesday Prayer

Holy One, The Psalmist cries out “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” Protect our hearts as we work for justice and peace—that they not become hardened and bitter or so broken that we stop loving our neighbor, ourselves, and even You. Protect our minds as we take in all that is… Read More