Solomon, in all his idealism, painted a retrospective image of his father King David as a “very nice guy.” So God rewarded Solomon with discernment, wealth, and longevity. Wisdom, in all her discipline, built a house, tended a farm & vineyard, and set an ample banquet table for the whole community. So God sent the… Read More
RCL: Getting the Point (Bread from Heaven)
Then the Jews began to complain. This line sticks out to me in John 6. What is more human, then to complain? Here is a group of people in the presence of Jesus, and they do not even know why he is existing. I am trying to imagine how Jesus had to tell his story… Read More
RCL: Toward a Worthy Life
“Live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” writes the author of Ephesians. I can’t help but wonder if we have all forgotten that we are supposed to be living a life worthy of the love and grace we have been given. I don’t see much evidence of people striving… Read More
RCL: For the Love of God Edition
Each of the texts this week tell us something about what it might mean to be grounded in Love. While all the passages are familiar, they also serve as a good reminder of what we ought to be about as members of the body of Christ. As we see the rise of fascism around the… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: One Humanity
This week’s Revised Common Lectionary readings are timely. In Ephesians 2, Paul teaches that Jesus has erased divisions between people, and created a single, united humanity. Groups that were previously at odds have been reconciled. Peace reigns. Together, all people build a community that becomes the household of God, a place where the divine can interact… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: With All Your Might
David brought the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And David dance before the LORD with all his might. (2 Samuel 6:12-14 NRSV excerpt, part of this coming Sunday’s lectionary texts) Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all… Read More
RCL: Authority
The common denominator in this week’s lectionary reading is that each of them are about authority, one way or another. Each of them stretches out the definition of authority, melting it and remaking it into the authority that is given by God, as opposed to the human definition. image from Shutterstock You Can’t Go Home: In… Read More
RCL: Waiting for Morning
The nights of weeping feel endless these days. I can’t help but ask when the joy of morning will come. The promise of the dawning joy is woven throughout this week’s texts. Lamentation and yearning lean in toward hope and healing in a way I desperately wish were true in the world. I live and… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Peace, Be Still
Last night, as I was driving home after a church council meeting, the threatening-looking clouds finally opened up. I spent the last few miles of my drive in heavy rains with thunder and lightning. I wasn’t afraid of perishing, as the disciples in the Gospel for Sunday, but I certainly had renewed appreciation for the… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Parables
With what shall we compare the realm of God? It is like a dream that is out-of-season and planted for another day. Hidden away it germinates & wonders, roots & grows, until one day it erupts from its hiding place to bloom and be harvested. (Mark 4:26-29) With what shall we compare kin-dom of God?… Read More
