Sometimes, it feels like all the world is against you. Everyone is cursing, hating, or abusing you. Nothing is working out the way you want, and all the powers are conspiring against you. Sometimes, this is really the case. When that happens, Jesus has difficult but important advice for us. Love those people anyway. The… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Planted
Y’all. I’m scheduled as a guest preacher this coming Sunday … I’ve already submitted my texts from the RCL, sent a sermon title and some hymn ideas … already drafted an outline … but lo and behold! today as I reflect on Sunday’s RCL readings, I’m struck by an entirely different theme. Oy. And so the… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Fishing for People
Simon Peter… fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” … Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” (Luke 5:8-10) There are several call stories for Revised Common Lectionary preachers this week. The challenge for the… Read More
RCL: Behavior Modification Edition
Do you ever get discouraged by human behavior? I do, often. I sometimes find even my own behavior disheartening. We know what is right and good, yet we persist in doing things that are harmful to ourselves, to our neighbors, or to the planet. The other day, after reading a particularly horrid news article, I… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Wine & Spiritual Gifts Edition
This week’s reading from 1 Corinthians is one of my favorites. A number of spiritual gifts are listed, in such a way that the reader could imagine countless more – this does not seem to be an all-inclusive list. What other gifts of the Spirit are manifest in your life, or in your community? Most… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Immerse
Life is not tried it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire. (Garth Brooks, “Standing Outside the Fire”) I’m cruising on the RevGalBlogPals’ Big Event 12.0, and the Rev. Angie Shannon — making use of Garth Brooks’ lyrics — reminded the group in opening worship that the fire (the Fire) does not change… Read More
RCL: Wandering Wisdom
Its one of those rare Sundays when Narrative Lectionary and RCL mirror one another, and we all pause to celebrate Epiphany. Epiphany is a funny concept. We think of it as a sudden burst of inspiration, but experience is that it is more gradual, like the journey of the magi. Whether the magi come a… Read More
RCL: Get Dressed and Go!
For most of the world, Christmas is over. For a few of us we are counting down the twelve days of Christmas. Many of the people who will gather for worship on Sunday have packed up their Christmas decorations and have moved on to New Year’s plans and resolutions. Yet, on the only Sunday in… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Yes, Mary Knew
It’s Magnificat Sunday! This week, we hear Elizabeth’s praise of Mary and her child, and Mary’s song of praise to God. How wonderful to have two female prophets in one worship service! As you speak about God’s call for them and their response, be sure to remember that your congregation includes worshippers who have struggled… Read More
Revised Common Lectionary: Joy!
JOY: Sing aloud! Do not be afraid! Be welcomed home! (Zephaniah 3:14-20) JOY: Draw water! Shout to the whole world! Call on God’s name! (Isaiah 12:2-6) JOY: Rejoice always! Do not worry! Give thanks! (Philippians 4:4-7) JOY: Flee from wrath! Do not hoard! Be cleared of chaff! (Luke 3:7-18) The exhortations of John the Baptist… Read More
