It must be Christmas 1, Year C because the dreaded “slaughter of the innocents” passage is the Gospel text this week. Of course, there are other options and most of us will choose one of them. Just in case you are feeling called away from God’s reclaiming of God’s people in Isaiah, or the joyful… Read More
RCL: Swords into Ploughsares
When it comes to Advent, I’m a bit of a traditionalist. By this I mean that I prefer the old themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. I don’t think we can go wrong with these. On the other hand, I’m not fond of the references to the Second Coming that are included in the… Read More
RCL: Humility
So many texts to choose from this week! Even more if you observe Reformation Sunday. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what holds all the texts together. This week I see a very clear thread of humility. In one way or another each of these texts reminds us that God is God and we are not.… Read More
RCL: Trusting God’s Promises (for real)
I don’t know about you, but I’m having some difficulty staying focused. There’s the Sunday School plans, the stewardship campaign, the funeral services, the special worship services, the Bible studies, and don’t forget Advent will soon be upon us. And have you completed your review of the draft budget? Oh, and what about sabbatical planning… Read More
RCL: Holy Ways and Entertaining Angels
I often write and speak about how God is waiting for us to choose God’s ways over our human ways. The texts this week invite us to evaluate where we are on the faith journey. Are we serving God or are we more self-absorbed? In the U.S. it is Labor Day weekend and we are… Read More
RCL: God’s Got Us Covered
Many years ago, I sent out post cards to about 400 senior high youth that said the following: Would you marry a prostitute? Come to Sunday School and find out. Needless to say, I received a number of phone calls from concerned parents. I also had a full Sunday school class for a few weeks.… Read More
RCL: Hand to the Plough
I don’t want a double portion of anyone’s spirit. Nor do I want to take up a mantle left behind by a prophet. On the other hand, I don’t want to be looking back after I’ve put my hand to the plough. This business of being a disciple has never been easy. At no point… Read More
RCL: From Death to Life
This was originally posted at Write Out of Left Field Those little purple faces poking up next to the sidewalk on my way out of church on Sunday were nearly my undoing. Not exactly the color purple in a field, but I noticed. I saw them innocently reaching for the sun, the first of spring… Read More
RCL: Must be Thomas
It’s the first Sunday after Easter, so it must be time for Thomas. Of course, there are other options if Thomas doesn’t have appeal for you. There’s Peter defending his right, and the rights of the other apostles to preach Jesus. There are the Psalms full of praise and thanksgiving. There’s the Alpha and Omega… Read More
RCL: The Prodigal Edition
With suicide in the U.S. headlines once again in recent days, I cannot help but hear messages of hope and extravagant love in the texts this week. There is comfort and there is challenge in these passages. What are we willing to risk in order to share hope and healing to those most vulnerable among… Read More
