Browsing RCL Reflections
Freedom? What Freedom?
Reformation Sunday, Year C, October 30, 2016
Forget the vain promises of the world, the polarizing pander of candidates for public office, and the bootstraps mentality of contemporary culture. Real freedom is found only in deep relationship with God and with God’s people. (Photo: Osajus, Creative Commons)
Mercy!
Lectionary Reflection for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 23, 2016
Why be stingy with mercy toward others when God desires all to be held in the divine grip of grace? When we let go of the need to be right, to be an insider, and to be better than others, we find that life opens up–real life. (Photo: Jimmie, Creative Commons)
Grappling with the Divine
Lectionary Reflection for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 16, 2016
Like Jacob, are we willing to encounter God in our dark nights of the soul and hang on for dear life? Ultimately, are we able to submit to the blessing—named and claimed and never forsaken? (Photo: Michael Swan, Creative Commons)
The Gratitude Attitude
Lectionary Reflection for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 9, 2016
If living a grateful life leads to so many positive results, why isn’t everyone hopping on the gratitude train? The story from this week’s gospel lesson can shed some light on that and lead us to the wholeness Christ offers. (Photo: Julie Jordan Scott, Creative Commons)
Stewards of Faith
Lectionary Reflection for the 20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, October 2, 2016
This week’s gospel and epistle lesson provide important instruction about being stewards of the very faith we name, claim, and live. It doesn’t get much more basic than that, and this is some very good news. (Photo: Rex Regum, Creative Commons)
Take Hold of Real Life
Lectionary Reflection for the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, September 25, 2016
Wait! Where’s the good news? How is this parable about a great chasm and Hades and suffering good news? Where’s the hope in this passage? Paul had a few ideas to share with Timothy, and we can learn from them, too. (Photo: Nosha, Creative Commons)
Mindset
Lectionary Reflection for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6, 2014
Whether we choose to spiral toward death in all its manifestations or set our minds and hearts on Jesus’ desire to give us life abundant and peace everlasting makes all the difference. Paul’s words make a strong case for setting one’s mind on Spirit-life. (Photo: , Creative Commons)
Of Spit, Mud, and Miracles
Fourth Sunday in Lent Lectionary Reflection, March 30, 2014
It’s truly amazing what Jesus can do with a little dust, some simple spit, and a few words. He gives sight to the blind and new life to those dead in sin. How is it that we so often miss the action of Jesus in the world? Why are we so blind to the everyday miracles that surround us? Read on for ideas about the gospel lesson for this week; open your eyes and see. (Photo: Tony Alter, Creative Commons)
Thirst
Third Sunday in Lent Lectionary Reflection Year A
March 23, 2014
In the Samaritan woman at the well we dare not see someone “other†or “less than†ourselves. Rather, mirrored in her eyes is the reflection of our own brokenness and shame. We all thirst for the living water that only God can provide. (Photo: kateausburn, Creative Commons)
Stewarding the Mysteries
Second Sunday in Lent Lectionary Reflection, Year A, March 16, 2014
Yes, we are charged with stewarding the mysteries of faith in a world that seeks ready, quick, and easy answers. Impossible? Thanks to the faithful witness of those who have gone before us, we continue to share the good news and sacred mysteries that defy explanation–and that defy sin and death. Along with Nicodemus, we still sometimes wonder “How can these things be?” (Photo: Punktraum, Creative Commons)
