These prayers are inspired by the great Psalm of contrition, Psalm 51. The main body of these prayers are designed to be used each week in Lent, and there are different concluding prayers which reflect each week’s Gospel lesson. These prayers will work best if a brief pause is observed before the couplet. Celebrant Have mercy on us, O God, according to your loving kindness; in your great compassion, hear our prayers. Intercessor We pray […]
The transfiguration is certainly a Christological event—it says something about Jesus. Jesus is at center of it all, and even the pillars of the Hebrew Bible are there to demonstrate that. But, it's also a scene which says a lot about the disciples, and thereby discipleship itself. They were taken up the mountaintop, and they had their socks knocked off. AND, they were totally and completely spiritually unprepared for such an experience.
The following is a reflection on Mark 1:40-45, the Gospel lesson for the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 12th, 2012, according to the New Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also a unique version of the Prayers of the People for All Epiphany. I take the stories of healing/ exorcism/ and raising-of-the-dead at several levels. First, there’s obviously the point that the Gospel authors wanted to make, that Jesus healed real people […]
The following is a reflection on Mark 1:29-39 the Gospel lesson appointed for February 5, 2012, the fifth 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. Imagine walking into the office, and immediately getting hit with, “Everyone’s looking for you!—Where have you been?” What’s your first response? What’s the first thing you do? If you’re like […]
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 Mark 1:14-20 the Gospel lesson appointed for January 22, 2011, the third Sunday after the Epiphany – according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Also on this site is a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, and a version of the Prayers of the People for all Epiphany. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good […]
The following is a reflection on Jonah 3: 1-5, 10, the Hebrew Bible lesson appointed for January 22, 2011, the third Sunday after the Epiphany – according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Also on this site is a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, and a version of the Prayers of the People for all Epiphany. Who would you NOT want to see succeed? Or, maybe more to the point, who would […]
Officiant Let us pray to God, who is made manifest in Jesus Christ. Intercessor As the prophet Isaiah rang out, “Arise, shine; for your light has come”; empower your Church, O God, to ring out the Good News of the Light of your son Jesus, which pierces even the deepest darkness. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. As a star rose high into the nighttime sky to draw the nations to the Christ-child; send […]
The following is a reflection on1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20), the Hebrew Bible Lesson appointed for January 15th, 2012, the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also a version of the Prayers of the People for All Epiphany, and a reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day, John 1:43-51. The scene in First Samuel, where Samuel hears God’s call, but doesn’t readily know that it’s […]
The following is a reflection on John 1:43-51, the Gospel Lesson appointed for January 15th, 2012, the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also a version of the Prayers of the People for All Epiphany, and a reflection on the Hebrew Bible Lesson for the same day, 1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in […]