Archives For New Testament

a peace of marvel – a reflection on John 14:27

rick —  April 26, 2013 — 1 Comment

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.

“gratia in procella” Acrylic on canvas by Rick Morley. Inspired by the grace of God evident in communities of faith living in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

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 Write a Sentence. He says that a good sentence is something to marvel at. Something to savor.

The twenty-seventh verse of the fourteenth chapter of John isn’t a sentence. It’s a verse. Depending on how you translate it, it’s at least two sentences. Maybe even three.

But, it is indeed worthy of marveling at. And savoring.

Continue Reading…

In Christology, Current Affairs, Easter, Gospels, Jesus, Lectionary, New Testament, Year C
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great consequences – a reflection on The Fifth Sunday of Easter, C

rick —  April 18, 2013 — Leave a comment

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. Continue Reading…

In Acts, Creation, Current Affairs, Easter, Gospels, Jesus, Lectionary, New Testament, Religion, Year C
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no dry eyes – a reflection on Revelation 7:9-17

rick —  April 14, 2013 — Leave a comment
palm

Detail of palm branches from the tomb effigy of Elizabeth Boott Duveneck by Frank Duveneck (1848–1919), from the American Wing at the MMA. Photo by Rick Morley.

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, and other kinds of branches, in the air.

I have to say, that I think having a great-national-camping trip each and every year would have been an awesome experience. Can you imagine being a kid during this great festival? Everyone getting to sleep outside? Everyone coming into the Big City and making their huts and waving their branches?

I think it would have been amazing. Continue Reading…

In Epistles, Lectionary, New Testament, Old Testament, Pentateuch, Religion, Temple, Year C
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all the way – a reflection on John 21:1-19

rick —  April 5, 2013 — Leave a comment

The following is a reflection on John 21:1-19, the Gospel lesson appointed for Easter 3C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.

The reredos in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, General Seminary. NYC. Photo by Rick Morley

In meaningful conversation there’s what’s said, and then there’s what is actually being said. The conversation underneath the conversation. Continue Reading…

In Easter, Gospels, Jesus, Lectionary, New Testament, Year C , , , , ,
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holy arrogance – a reflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

rick —  March 1, 2013 — Leave a comment

The following is a reflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, the Gospel lesson for Lent 4C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.

There is an arrogance that comes with believing and proclaiming that God – the God who created the heavens and the earth—loves us.

It’s arrogant.

I mean, it’s true. In the fullest and most wonderful sense, it’s true.

But, it’s arrogance. A holy arrogance. Continue Reading…

In Gospels, Jesus, Lectionary, Lent, New Testament, sin, Year C , , , ,
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