All posts filed under: Jesus

squandering right – a reflection on Luke 16:1-13

comment 1
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / Money / New Testament / Religion / Status / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 16:1-13, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 20 C, of the Revised Common Lectionary. What’s the fastest way to make God laugh? Tell Him your long-range plans. Almost every year I plan this Sunday as a ‘welcome back’ Sunday where we have all the kids in church, and we have them come up and get involved in the sermon… I always envision a tear in every mother’s eye, […]

for real – a reflection on Luke 14:25-33

comment 1
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 14:25-33, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 18C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. First of all, if anyone can get me the address of the lectionary compiler whose great idea it was to have the “hate your father and mother” and “give away your possessions” Gospel lesson hit on the first Sunday of the fall…that’d be great. I mean, for real? “Welcome back everybody, and especially welcome […]

I am Martha

Leave a comment
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 10:38-42, the Gospel Lesson appointed for Proper 11C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things… Oh, man… The only thing that would make this verse any more uncomfortable would be for Jesus to substitute “Martha, Martha” for my own name. Because, when it comes to being worried and distracted, I am guilty as sin.

you know the commandments

comment 1
Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Religion / Soteriology / Theology / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 10:25-37, the Gospel Lesson appointed for Proper 10 Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The bulk of this post is also an excerpt from my book, Going to Hell. When Jesus is approached by the rich young ruler and asked, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” the answer Jesus gives is pretty stunning: You know the commandments: You shall not murder; You shall not […]

face palm

comment 1
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Religion / Year C

 The following is a reflection on Luke 9:51-62, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 8, year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. James and John, the Sons of Zebedee, to Jesus, about the Samaritans: Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? I mean…really? “Jesus, do you want us to burn people alive on your behalf?” Is that even close to Jesus’ M.O.?

no formulas

comments 2
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Religion / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 7:11-17, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 5C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The bulk of this post is also from my book Going to Hell, Getting Saved. Last week in the beginning of Luke chapter 7, Jesus heals the centurion’s slave. Without a word, a command, or formula. Not even a touch. He does it at a distance, without even being in the slave’s presence. This week, […]