Browsing RCL Reflections

Change of Plans

Lectionary Reflection for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A
December 22, 2013
Yes, it will soon be Christmas, but we’re not there yet. Why not spend some time today reflecting on how a change of plans in Joseph’s life made all the difference–both to him and to this world. God is still in the business of changing plans and lives. How is God speaking to you? (Photo:

Life is a Highway

Lectionary Reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent, Yr A
December 15, 2013
If life is a highway, then one would do well to travel the hopeful route described in this week’s lesson from isaiah. Maybe now, as Christmas draws ever closer, we need to hear this message of hope. (Photo: Matt McGee, Creative Commons)

Fling Wide the Doors, Church!

Lectionary Reflection for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A, December 8, 2013
Could this week’s Advent lessons offer an opportunity to talk about how to be a welcoming church and an hospitable people? How can we welcome others as Christ has welcomed us? ‘Tis the season, and we have the best reason! (Photo: sage, Creative Commons)

Expecting the Unexpected

Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday of Advent, Year A December 1, 2013 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. — Matthew 24:44 What do you expect of this season? What does Advent mean to you? Is it a time of waiting and watching for glimpses of […]

Why Perseverance Matters

Lectionary Reflection for the 26th Sunday after Pentecost November 17, 2013 Brothers and sisters, do not be weary in doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Doing the right thing can be tough—tough to discern, tough to put into practice, and tough practice consistently. Staying the course and using critical thinking to discern the right […]

Focus

25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year C, November 10, 2013
This week’s lesson offer powerful reminders of our need to remain focused on the things that really matter. How can you use these lessons to help those in your worshiping community find renewed focus? (Photo: toolstop, Creative Commons)

At the Feet of the King

Christ the King Sunday Lectionary Reflection, November 24, 2013
Christ is the King of Kings, the ruler who turns all of our human notions and illusions of power squarely on their heads. In what by worldly definitions appears to be weakness and failure, Jesus shows that real power is rooted in love, bathed in grace, and covered with mercy. (Photo: Sue Hasker, Creative Commons)

Reformers’ Mashup

Reformation/23rd Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection
October 27, 2013

Reformation throughout church history is a mashup of people, places, and ideas. The good news remains unchanged, but the Church of Christ in every age looks a little different. Why not use today to celebrate reformation–not just as history but as ongoing, necessary, and good? Check out these ideas for the lessons, for worship, and for time with youth and children. (Photo: Rene Clausen Nielsen, Creative Commons)

Pester, Pester, Pester

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost YR C Lectionary Reflection
October 20, 2013
According to Jesus it’s perfectly o.k. to pester the powers that oppose the reign of God and justice for all of creation. We can do this knowing that it is God’s nature to give, love, and care for us. We are not alone…so go ahead and pester, pester, pester for the sake of the gospel. (Photo: Caelie Frampton, Creative Commons)

First (and always)–Give Thanks

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost Lectionary Reflection, Year C
October 13, 2013
One of the greatest gifts we can give to each other in Christian community is that of helping one another cultivate a spirit of gratitude. If we do this, the glad hearts and generous spirits will follow. Saying “Thank you, Jesus” is enough, but it’s only the beginning.