no dry eyes – a reflection on Revelation 7:9-17

April 14, 2013
by rick
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Epistles / Lectionary / New Testament / Old Testament / Pentateuch / Religion / Temple / Year C
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. Read More

all the way – a reflection on John 21:1-19

April 5, 2013
by rick
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Easter / Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Year C

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. Read More

idle talk – a reflection on Luke 24:1-12

March 22, 2013
by rick
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Easter / Gospels / Holy Week / Jesus / Lectionary / Year C

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.

Carved angel at St. Mark’s-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church in Pikesville, Maryland.

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 disciples of Jesus—come to the disciples and tell them that Jesus has risen.

And the disciples thought it was an “idle tale?”

How condescending, right? Read More

holy arrogance – a reflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

March 1, 2013
by rick
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Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / Lent / New Testament / sin / Year C

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. Read More

falling towers – a reflection on Luke 13:1-9

February 25, 2013
by rick
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Epistles / Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / Lent / New Testament / sin / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 13:1-9, the Gospel lesson appointed for Lent 3C according to the Revised Common Lectionary.

A view from the Everglades. Photo by Rick Morley.

Those people. Those people who were slaughtered by Pilate. Those people killed in the falling tower. Were those people worse sinners than everyone else? Read More

how often – a reflection on Luke 13:31-35

February 14, 2013
by rick
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Creation / Gospels / Jesus / Lent / New Testament / satan / sin / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 13:31-35, the Gospel Lesson for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.

Detail of a 15th Century statuette base. Part of the collection of The Cloisters. Photo by Rick Morley.

How often I had desired…and you were not willing.

That’s the whole story of God’s relationship with us, isn’t it? Read More