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A Mouthful of Divine Words

Narrative Lectionary Reflection (Year One, Week Ten), November 23, 2014
Jeremiah’s call to speak prophetically to God’s people is a tough one, but God puts the words in his mouth and goes with him. Yes, God equips ordinary people like you and like me to speak. When we do so, we can count on God to be sowing seeds of hope and abundance–even when the situation looks hopeless. (Photo: emdot, Creative Commons)

Strange Tools and Enduring Words

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 16, 2014
The success of the church does not depend on our puny efforts, however well-intentioned they may be. God doesn’t need us. We need God, and God responded to that need by sending Jesus into the world to show us a different way of being. Our Lord, instead of pruning hooks and plowshares took the cross to make peace once and for all. (Photo: Amanda Slater, Creative Commons)

Talent Show

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, Year A Lectionary Reflection
This week’s parable has me wondering how our churches and individual disciples would fare if we had a “faith and mission” version of Simon Cowell’s “Got Talent” show. How would we be judged on the use of our God-given, Spirit-fed, and Jesus-led talents? (Photo: Wikipedia)

“Discipleship Starter”

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 9, 2014 (Year One)
In this short passage from Micah, God gives us some simple ingredients for the life of discipleship. This faith “starter” takes on a life of its own, multiplying, growing, sweetening, and creatively expanding as we share, learn, and walk together. (Photo: Neil Conroy, Creative Commons)

Being Prepared: Not Just for Bridesmaids and Boy Scouts

Lectionary Reflection for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Yr A
Perhaps the point of this pesky parable is more about trying to remain alert and in the moment—even more than making sure we are prepared, right down to the last ounce of extra oil. Plus, there’s a point or two to be made about stewardship. (Photo: James Emery, Creative Commons)

The Water Cure

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for November 2, 2014 (Year One)
What will it take, I wonder, for us to be pursuaded—as Naaman—to wash in the waters of baptism daily, to die to sin regularly, and to rise to newness of life clean and whole? Can we listen to the voices of the saints who have gone before us and who have lived lives of faith in specific times and contexts? Can we hear and live into the old, old story in a new time? (Photo: J>ro, Creative Commons)

A Day for Hope and Rejoicing?

All Saints Sunday, Year A, November 2, 2014
All Saints Sunday is truly a day where the church can shout “Amen,” live in abundant hope, and rejoice prodigally. Such rejoicing is an act of defiance in the face of the powers of death and darkness and an affirmation of our Lord’s promises and teachings. (Photo: Beatrice Murch, Creative Commons)

A Real Wise Guy

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for October 26, 2014, Year One
Leadership demands careful listening and practiced discernment. Leadership must be bold, and leaders must walk confidently in their God-given authority. God provides the tools for leadership and the wisdom to lead if we will but follow God faithfully. (Photo: Andy Rennie, Creative Commons)

The Days are Surely Coming

Reformation Day Lectionary Reflection, October 26, 2014
If nothing else, this Sunday should be a day to be unbound from fear of the future and to celebrate freedom in Christ and God’s steadfastness across the ages. Remembering can give us fuel and freedom to face the future. (Photo: Col Ford, Creative Commons)

Confession and Forgiveness

Narrative Lectionary Reflection for October 19, 2014 (Year One)
This week’s lesson is a tough one. Here are some ideas for how to broaden the context from David’s specific sin to the various corporate sins and injustices of our own age and context. (Photo: Shawn Semmler, Creative Commons)