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Go in Peace—and then do something!

15th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, Lectionary Reflection
September 6, 2015
Luther may have called the book of James an “epistle of straw,” but this week’s lessons complement each other, compelling us to action after having been “opened” to the amazing grace of Jesus. (Photo: Daniel Holt, Creative Commons)

A Tough Teaching

Lectionary Reflection for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 23, 2015
Yes, this is a difficult teaching, but is there really anything else worth learning? We’re at the end of the “Bread of Life” series of lessons in the Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary, complete with Peter’s confession. The key is how to make it our confession today. (Photo: Fotolia)

Hungry Hungry Humans and the Bread of Life

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost Year B Lectionary Reflection, August 16, 2015
If you’re ever played the game “Hungry Hungry Hippos” you may have a good image for this Sunday’s gospel reading. Curious? Read on! You can even find out how to make a “Hungry Hungry Human Game.” (Photo: Chris, Creative Commons)

Less Fuss, More Feasting

Lectionary Reflection for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 9, 2015
It’s oh so easy to focus on the negatives in life and in our congregations. Jesus instructs us to choose another way, to feast on the Bread of Life and follow his lead. (Photo:Just Cook NYC, Creative Commons License)

Non-Perishable Discipleship

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, August 2, 2015
Hungry people and perishing food do not make for a pleasing combination or happy picture, especially in light of this week’s gospel lesson (John 6:24-35) where we feast on the image of Jesus as the bread of life, as food that does not perish. There’s a stewardship connection here it would seem. (Photo US Department of Agriculture, Creative Commons)

Peace and More Peace

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 19, 2015
This is a good Sunday to preach and teach about peace–both peace found in our unity in Christ and peace that Christ commands us to seek in rest and time apart. Whichever route you take, we all need a little more peace in our lives. That’s one thing upon which we can all find common ground. (Photo: bana gurl, Creative Commons)

The High Cost of Truth-Telling

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
July 12, 2015
What is the cost of discipleship? Are you willing to go there? Are you willing to speak out, stand up, and move your feet for justice and love of neighbor? What are you willing to lose? This Sunday’s gospel is a great springboard for discussing discipleship and taking a stand. Blessings on your preaching and teaching, bold colleagues. (Photo: Keith Bacongo, Creative Commons)

Lord, Have Mercy

Lectionary Reflection for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B, July 5, 2015
What might it look like to challenge congregants to speak boldly in the name of Christ, and to utter a prophetic word of hope, peace, justice, and love? Can we stand in solidarity with those who are suffering? Are we ready to make a difference, to raise our voices and lend our hands, or will it be to go on with business as usual? (Photo: James Trosh, Creative Commons)

Touching the Hem of the God’s Garment

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, Year B
June 28, 2015
The 1980s AT&T slogan “Reach out and touch someone” certainly applies to this week’s lessons. We reach out in faith–no matter how pitiful–and God reaches out to us in love and mercy. (Photo: Creative Commons)

In Case You Forgot…

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Year B, June 22, 2015
One might think we wouldn’t need reminders of just how amazing the Creator of the Cosmos really is, but then again we are human and prone to forget that we don’t really control much of anything at all. It’s not about us; it’s all about God and God’s desire to be in relationship with us. (Photo: Stenly Lam, Creative Commons)