All posts filed under: Current Affairs

covered in dust – a reflection on Mark 6:1-13

June 28, 2012
by rick
comments 12
Current Affairs / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Religion / Year B

The following is a reflection on Mark 6:1-13, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 9, year B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Christianity in the west is in deep trouble. In America over 1/4th of adults have left the religion of their youth, most for no religion at all. In Europe, many grand cathedrals and basilicas are more like mausoleums than thriving centers of worship. People are leaving the faith. But, unlike some, I […]

where’s the beef? – a reflection on First Corinthians 8:1-13

January 17, 2012
by rick
comments 5
Current Affairs / Lectionary / Paul / Year B

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, […]

confessions of an inconsistent peacenik – a reflection on Matthew 18:21-35

August 31, 2011
by rick
comments 12
Current Affairs / Gospels / Lectionary

The following is a reflection on Matthew 18:21-35, the Gospel lesson assigned for September 11th, 2011 according to the Revised Common Lectionary. On this site there is also: • A reflection on the Hebrew Bible 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. Generally, I’m a peacenik. […]

lighting up the night – Exodus 14:19-31

August 30, 2011
by rick
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Current Affairs / Exodus / Lectionary / Old Testament / Pentateuch

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 […]

a litany for the tenth anniversary 9/11

August 29, 2011
by rick
comments 16
Current Affairs / Prayers of the People

The following is a litany—based on the Great Litany (page 148 of The Book of Common Prayer)—composed for the occasion of the tenth anniversary of 9/11. • You’ll also find on this site another set of prayers modeled on the traditional Prayers of the People format, and • A reflection on the Gospel Lesson for the same day; • A reflection on Exodus 14:19-31, the Hebrew Bible lesson O God, our mighty tower, and creator of […]

prayers of the people for September 11th

August 16, 2011
by rick
comments 6
Current Affairs / Prayers of the People

Prayers of the People for September 11th, based on the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11th, 2001 and the lessons from Proper 19 Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary. • Also on this site is a longer, litany-style, set of prayers for the same day, •  a reflection on Matthew 18:21-35, the Gospel lesson for 9/11/11, and  • a reflection on Exodus 14:19-31, the Hebrew Bible lesson. Officiant   Lord, […]

the good news about being lost – Matthew 16:21-28

August 16, 2011
by rick
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Current Affairs / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament

The following is a reflection on Matthew 16:21-28, the Gospel lesson for August 28, 2011, according to the Revised Common Lectionary (Proper 17). • Be sure to check out a reflection on the Hebrew Bible lesson for the same day . “Get behind me Satan!” has been a stock conversational phrase in our culture for quite some time now. But, even though we use it, and hear it, often, I’m not sure we’re much closer […]