Author: rick

a day of rest: an infographic on the 4th commandment

September 29, 2014
by rick
comment 1
infographic / Lectionary / ministry resources / Old Testament / Pentateuch / Religion / sabbath / Year A

This Sunday (Proper 22a) we have the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Sabbath these days…particularly in the sense that as a culture we don’t get any…. and I’m going to be preaching on that this Sunday. Walter Brueggeman’s recent book “Sabbath as Resistance” is amazing, and I recommend it highly. A hi-def version of the infographic below can be downloaded in PDF form here.

what is fair

September 14, 2014
by rick
Leave a comment
Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Year A

A reflection on Matthew 20:1-16, the gospel lesson for Proper 20a, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. This parable sounds “unfair” to our ears, every bit as much as it sounded unfair to those who heard Jesus say these words 2,000 years ago. But, they are only unfair if you’re looking out for yourself first. I mean, what if, just for a moment, your main concern was for someone else to get ahead. I mean […]

infographic: remembering grace

September 14, 2014
by rick
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

I’ve started using Piktochart, which is an infographic creator. It’s not free, but there is a MAJOR discount for nonprofits. I sent them our church tax id, and they gave us the steep discount. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s pretty quick to pick up once you get the hang of it. I like it mostly because I’m a visual thinker, and it REALLY helps me story-board my sermons. I’ve used it […]

the weasel

September 5, 2014
by rick
Leave a comment
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / New Testament / Year A

A reflection on Matthew 18: 21-35, the gospel lesson for Proper 19a, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Oh, how I love this parable. If ever there were someone who got what they deserved, it’s this weasel! He owed a debt of 10,000 talents. A talent was equivalent to a year’s wage. In 2013 in America, the median yearly income was a little over $51,000. So, in 2013, 10,000 talents would be worth a little […]

the harder way

August 26, 2014
by rick
comment 1
Gospels / Jesus / Lectionary / Year A

A short reflection on Matthew 18:15-20, the gospel lesson for Proper 18a, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. No matter how holy the person, or how pure their intentions, eventually they are going to hurt someone else. It’s inevitable. When we are hurt, there are the two great temptations: 1) to strike back with vengeance and spite, and 2) to put on a fake smile and pretend that everything is just fine. Some people are […]