Nothing beats a bunch of apocalyptic texts in the middle of a pandemic. The word apocalypse’s meaning is not well known in general public. Most people think it means the end of the world. But of course, what it really means is “uncovering,” because what will be uncovered will be how people really are. There… Read More
Friday Prayer: When We See the Lord
Oh, Lord, how do we see you and minister to you? When you do not hoard resources, but make sure the enough that exists is shared- you minister to me. When you spoke the truth about what is and remained calm about what could be- you minister to me. When you prepare food for those… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Sheep and Goats (Matt 25:31-46)
This week, the Narrative takes us through the vision of the sheep and the goats, a riff on Ezekiel’s vision of sheep. Matthew continues to lay out glimpses of what the kindom of heaven will be like, and what the return of the Son of Man will reveal. Working Preacher Commentary is here. This is… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: Oil Crisis
Matthew 25:1-13 Working Preacher commentary is here. Let me start out by saying I’m opposed to the very premise in this parable, that women should be sitting around in the dark, just waiting for some guy to arrive. I know, I know. That’s not the point of the story. But some days it is for… Read More
RCL: Advent – minus – one
The final Sunday in the church year contains one of my favorite passages of Scripture. When did we see God? When we saw a person in need. How did we show love to God? By meeting the person’s need. Matthew 25:31-46 is one of the most straightforward instructions for faithful living that we find in… Read More
Friday Prayer: Help Me to Do What is Right
When the Christ surprises us all and comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the… Read More
The Pastoral is Political: Commonwealth for the Common
It happened again. I was headed out the door to make a hospital visit and the parish secretary called to me, “There’s a call on line one for you.” When she announces a call this way, not saying who is calling, it’s safe to assume it’s someone who is not a member of the parish,… Read More
