Browsing Year A

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First Sunday of Christmas, Year A, Lectionary Reflection
December 29, 2013
The gospel lesson this week is a particularly tough one coming on the heels of the Christmas story. However, it is one that we should not ignore because it says something critically important about the reality of life and our utter dependence on Jesus, God Incarnate. (Photo: mararie, Creative Commons)

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 […]

Ultimate Reality: Goats, Sheep, and Judge Jesus

Christ the King Sunday, November 20, 2011
Lectionary Reflection

Sheep, goats, Jesus, and judgment–it’s the stuff of human wonder and worry. Maybe we’re missing the point when we scratch our heads and ponder which critter we really are. What is Jesus really getting at in this week’s gospel lesson?

Fear Factor vs. Faith Factor

22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Lectionary Reflection “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live. It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least?’ Matthew 25:26 (The Message) The parable of the talents has always made me uncomfortable. […]

In the Company of Saints

Lectionary Reflection for All Saints Sunday
November 6, 2011

Beloved Children of God, rejoice and be glad! When we gather at God’s table, when we share God’s love, and when we are God’s hands and feet in the world, we are in the company of saints. (Photo by Klearchos Kapoutsis used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)

Christians in the Catbird Seat?

20th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper A26, Lectionary Reflection October 30, 2011 “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:3 Do you sit in the “catbird seat”? If so, at least according to Jesus, you may soon find yourself in for a mighty fall. Jesus offers a […]

The Truth About Freedom

Reformation Sunday Lectionary Reflection, October 30, 2011
What constitutes real freedom? Jesus has the answer…if only we will listen.
(Photo by cliffjamester used under Creative Commons License. Thanks!)