RCL reflections for 13 September: Forgiveness and debts

We have here an abundance of texts–Matthew 18:21-35, Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 103–about forgiveness this week. And as I am in the middle of feeling vey angry about the state of–gestures around–everything I find the concept of forgiveness with more foreboding than usual. Here is Peter, who has perpetual foot-in-mouth, asking just how many times someone… Read More

Wednesday Prayer

God, we can’t even remember what day it is These times still seem so surreal A pandemic Constant political unrest A Black man shot down while jogging Babies in cages Yet we still sing, “It is well with my soul…” Willing it. Believing it. Working to make it so. But how can it be? How… Read More

Narrative Lectionary: Permission to Lament (Ruth 1:1-17)

Lament has been on my mind quite a bit lately. I carry it deep within my heart and right on the edge from where my tears pool. I feel it in my spirit, in the tightness of all of my muscles and within the stiffness of my too often clenched jaw. Maybe it’s because I… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: Forgiveness

Like bulky orange barrels along a construction zone, there are red flags and caution tape that catch my attention as I read this week’s Revised Common Lectionary texts: 1. Forgiveness (Genesis 50:15-21 and Matthew 18:21-35) is a theme that can tempt us preachers toward unhelpful generalizations about injury and reparation. Caution: Check whether your definition of forgiveness,… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary – Drunk with New Wine Edition

We human beings are uncomfortable with those who stand out. Sure, we may like an actor or musician to be prominent on the stage or screen, but we like most people to fit in. In Numbers 11:24-30, Eldad and Medad are prophesying, but not at the tent of the meeting where they’re expected – they’re… Read More

RCL: Climbing Trees and Seeing Jesus

I don’t know that I’ve ever seen an actual Sycamore tree or that I’d recognize one growing outside my front door. However, I am quite certain they are everywhere and full of people who are short on a variety of things. Zacchaeus isn’t the only one who engages in silly, if not ridiculous, activities in… Read More