no formulas

May 31, 2013
by rick
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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, Jesus raises the widow’s son in Nain. He approaches the funeral bier and touches it. Not him. But, the bier.

One of the things that these two miracles demonstrate is that, Jesus rarely, if ever, does anything in the same way over and over again. Read More

annoying – a reflection on Acts 16:16-34

April 30, 2013
by rick
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The following is a reflection on Acts 16:16, the Gospel lesson appointed for the seventh Sunday after Easter, year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.

You know that overpowering-intoxicating feeling when you’re annoyed?

And I don’t mean righteous indignation or anger over injustice. I mean being annoyed.

Quite frankly, I’m annoyed right now. Not for any good reason mind you. And certainly not for any righteous
reason.

I’m just plain annoyed.

The fact that my state of annoyance can serve a homiletical/ exegetical purpose tickles me. Not enough to lift my annoyance mind you.

But, I’m amused. Or, at least, I amuse myself.

Anyway. . . in the first paragraph of the lesson from Acts this week Paul is “very much annoyed.” Read More

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

April 26, 2013
by rick
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Christology / Current Affairs / Easter / Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Year C

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.

Read More

a litany in the wake of terror in Boston

April 15, 2013
by rick
comment 1
Current Affairs / Prayers of the People

Officiant
Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace and the Great Physician, and it is to you that we pray.

Intercessor
We pray, O Lord, for those who were so tragically killed in Boston. We pray for all who love them, and all who grieve. We pray that they might find strength in you, and not be overwhelmed by their loss.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray, for those who were injured. Those who lost limbs. Those who are in great pain. Those who lives will forever be changed.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray, for those who witnessed horrible sights, for innocent bystanders, for the first responders, police, nurses, doctors, and all who are shaken to the core.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are caring for the injured at this hour, that through them you would offer healing and life.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the men and women of law enforcement who have long and difficult days ahead of them.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the clergy and lay ministers who will tend to the needs of people in fear and grief.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all the people of Boston, and everyone across the world who live under the threat of terror.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In the spirit of you, O Christ, who commanded us to love, and pray for, our enemies; we pray for those who seek to do others harm. We pray that their hearts be turned, and their minds and souls find healing.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for all who are called to keep us safe. We pray that they might have wisdom and strength to do the task that is set before them.
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

Officiant
And, we pray for the day when evil takes its last gasp. When the light finally, and thoroughly, snuffs out the darkness in this world, and the darkness which infects the hearts of people who do unspeakable wrong. Amen.

If this litany is helpful to you or your community of worship in any way, please feel free to use it, and to use it freely. You may amend, add, adapt, etc. in any way that you see fit. Attribution is not necessary.