The following is a reflection on Luke 8:26-39, the story of the Gerasene Demoniac, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 7C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. People learn to love their chains.
The following is a reflection on Luke 7:36-8:3, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 6C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner…brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Oh, she was a sinner, was she? Like a sinner, sinner, or a SINNER, SINNER? And, what would that even mean?
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, […]
The following is a reflection on Luke 7:1-10 and Galatians 1:1-12, the gospel and epistle lessons properly appointed for Proper 4C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The epistle and gospel lessons this week deal with two very different and very similar forms of faith, and approaches to worthiness.
The following is a reflection on John 14:27, as John 14:23-29 is the Gospel Lesson for the Sixth Sunday of Easter in Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. I’m currently reading Stanley Fish’s magnificent little book, How to […]
The resurrection has consequences. It changes things. Everything. The very fabric of the universe, in fact. But, it doesn’t stop there. (!) It also changes the way we are supposed to relate to each other.
The following is a reflection on Revelation 7:9-17, the New Testament lesson appointed for Easter 5C, and All Saint’s Day, Year A according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. The Book of Leviticus tells of the major festival of Tabernacles. All Israel was to gather together, and construct temporary shelters, called tabernacles, to remind themselves of their ancestors dwelling in temporary shelters for the forty year wilderness journey. They were also to pray, waving palm, […]
The following is a reflection on John 21:1-19, the Gospel lesson appointed for Easter 3C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. In meaningful conversation there’s what’s said, and then there’s what is actually being said. The conversation underneath the conversation.
The following is a reflection on Luke 24:1-12, one of the Gospel lesson options for Easter Day, Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. But these words seemed to them an idle tale The disciples thought they were offering an “idle tale?” Jesus, their Lord and friend, has died on Friday. It’s now Sunday. He had been offered up to the authorities by one of their own, who had just recently committed suicide. Women—other friends and […]
There’s a lot going on when Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. One of the things that amazes me is how he heads right into the belly of the beast.