It’s been a month already, and only 11 days in. It’s been a year already, and only 1.5 months in. It’s been a decade already, and, well…it’s too soon to tell. All of this non-stop nonsense, just when I think we’ve had enough, more happens. The Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, of the Episcopal Church, spoke… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: On the Law
Last Sunday’s passage from the Sermon on the Mount ended with Jesus’ assurance that he did not come to abolish the law. He assured his listeners that, to use the King James language, not “one jot or one tittle” would pass from the law, until all was fulfilled. The understanding of Jesus as “lawgiver” is… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Today’s Teachers
My dog, sound asleep by my feet, snoring gently, knowing that food will be there when she wakes. And a walk. And maybe treats. One cat enjoying the view from the window. “The birds are not my concern today. I have dreams to dream.” The other cat nestled in the pillows and blankets. “Don’t make… Read More
Friday Festival: (Re)Gaining Perspective
This week has been an especially difficult one for me. I have watched the world – and people – around me swing wildly from madness to cruelty and back again. I have struggled and failed to keep from getting caught up in the craziness. As I began reading blogs this week, I realized that I… Read More
Tuesday Prayer
Dear God, Help me to live in possibility. The possibility of hope, of grace, of mercy, of peace, that these realities which are of you and from you may be my reality too. Help me walk my faith, live my faith, be my faith in you, through you, with you, Oh God. This day, and… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Broken. Love.
This is a portion of the homily I preached the Sunday after the election in 2016. I was afraid that Sunday, as were many people I know. I am even more afraid now, as the fears I had then are being realized in a loss of the Christian values I hold most dear – justice… Read More
Friday Festival: Artistic Ventures
Lately, I’ve been spending more time on my artwork, specifically my woodburning. I tend to give myself a tough time when allocating more time on this artwork instead of my writing. But after long days at the church, this type of creation feeds my soul as I feel as if I’m using another part of… Read More
Wednesday Prayer
Time to breathe Time to reflect Time to connect Time to expand Time to live For this time we give you thanks We offer our time, our hearts, our hands and our vision to you, God Have your way May it all be for a blessing Amen. Rev. Dr. Marilyn Pagán-Banks (she/her/hers/ella) is a queer… Read More
As my body aches today, God, I pray for my neighbors who must work with fevers and stomach bugs, and friends who wonder how they will attain their paycheck since their children got sick. When will we value the cost of rest? Will we ever stand for the ones without healthcare? Even in my moments… Read More
RCL: Simple (and nearly impossible) Requirements
I have been thinking a lot about discipleship these days. It’s not a word that progressive, predominantly white churches are all that comfortable with. Yet, with the lectionary moving from the Magi showing up to pay homage to Jesus to Jesus’ baptism, and to the calling of the first disciples… Discipleship seems a reasonable thing… Read More
