The following is a reflection on Mark 1:4-11, the Gospel Lesson for January 8, 2011 – the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. Also on this site is a Prayers of the People for All Epiphany. John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized […]
The following is a reflection on Joshua 3:7-17, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for October 30th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 26, 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. The miraculous crossing of the River Jordan is one of those texts that […]
The following is a reflection on Exodus 33:12-23, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for October 16th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 24, 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. “In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every […]
The following is a reflection on Exodus 32:1-14, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for October 9th, 2011 according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 23, 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 Canticle of the Sun. The root of the problem in Exodus 32 isn’t idolatry. It’s patience. From […]
The following is a reflection on Exodus 14:19-31, the Hebrew Bible lesson assigned for September 11th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also: • A reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day; • A version of the Prayers of the People based on the lessons of the day, and • A longer litany-style prayer written for the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. This year we’ll […]
The following is a reflection on Exodus 12:1-14, the Hebrew Bible lesson properly appointed for September 4th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. (Proper 18, 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. Can you imagine the logistical nightmare that Moses was handed? He had to […]
The following is a reflection on Exodus 3:1-15, the Old Testament lesson for August 28, 2011, according to the Revised Common Lectionary (Proper 17). • Also check out a reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day . When Moses saw a bush that was burning, but not being consumed, his curiosity was piqued. He needed to know more. He needed to take a closer look. And so, he took the time to go […]
A reflection on Genesis 45:1-15, the Old Testament lesson for August 14, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. A reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day can be found here. “And now, do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life…God sent me here before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth…So it was not you who […]
A reflection on Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28, the Old Testament lesson for Sunday August 7, 2010 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. A reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day is available here. Isaac had two boys, and one conspired to lie and cheat his way into a blessing that, by birth right, belonged to the other. Jacob had twelve boys, and ten of them conspired to kill one of their brothers–and probably would […]
A reflection on Genesis 32:22-31, the Old Testament lesson for July 31st according to the Revised Common Lectionary. A reflection on the Gospel lesson for the same day can be found here. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31 Jacob sent everything and everyone away. Across the Jabbok. They were gone. He was alone. But, he wasn’t. One of the basic precepts that I insist on, […]