A reflection on Philippians 2:1-13, the epistle lesson for Proper 21a, according to the Revised Common Lectionary, which examines Paul's mystical theology of God being within us.
A reflection on Romans 8:26-39, the epistle lesson for Proper 12a according to the Revised Common Lectionary. “Would someone like to offer the prayer?” Before you can count 1–2–3, every eye in the place is either looking at me, or doing everything they can to not make eye-contact with the person who asked that question. No one told me that’s what would come with my clerical collar: that when-in-public, I’m the go-to prayer guy, no […]
“For as often as you eat this bread, and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death, until he comes.” We sometimes speak of Holy Communion as being a “memorial.” We use this language because Jesus himself said that we are to “do this in remembrance of him.” This is, I think, dangerous in our context because we have a weak understanding of what exactly constitutes “remembering.” We say we remember something when we recall […]
Zombies. Hungry with an insatiable appetite for living flesh, they roam alone and in hordes, looking and listening for prey. They have no regard for their own safety. No regard for life. No compassion. No relationships, not even with each other. They just want to feed. They want to consume. They are all hunger. As such, they are a grotesque statement on humanity. On culture: mindless consumming.
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 Acts 10:44-48, the second lesson properly appointed for Easter 6B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. …While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles… The two words above, which to me stick out as if they have […]
The following is a reflection on First Corinthians 8:1-13 the Epistle lesson appointed for January 29, 2012, the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Also on this site is a version of the Prayers of the People for all Epiphany. I believe that understanding Paul’s argument about eating meat sacrificed to idols is critical for the Church today. Paul’s argument here can be broken down into two distinct parts, […]
The following is a reflection on John 1:6-8, 19-28, the Gospel Lesson appointed for December 11th, 2011, the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also • a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and • a version of the Prayers of the People for Advent 3B. There was a man sent from God… That phrase hasn’t sat well with […]
The following is a reflection on Isaiah 40:1-11, the Hebrew Bible Lesson appointed for December 3rd, 2011, the second Sunday of Advent, Year B according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also • a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and • a version of the Prayers of the People for Advent 2B. Israel had sinned, and sinned mightily. God had saved them from Pharaoh’s hand, given […]
The following is a reflection on Philippians 3:4b-14, the Epistle lesson appointed for October 2nd, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 22, Year A) On this site there is also • a reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day, and • a version of the Prayers of the People, based on the lessons of the day. “I have suffered the loss of all things.” Oftentimes I sit in my office, […]