The following is a reflection on Luke 14:25-33, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 18C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. First of all, if anyone can get me the address of the lectionary compiler whose great idea it was to have the “hate your father and mother” and “give away your possessions” Gospel lesson hit on the first Sunday of the fall…that’d be great. I mean, for real? “Welcome back everybody, and especially welcome […]
The following is a reflection on Luke 10:38-42, the Gospel Lesson appointed for Proper 11C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things… Oh, man… The only thing that would make this verse any more uncomfortable would be for Jesus to substitute “Martha, Martha” for my own name. Because, when it comes to being worried and distracted, I am guilty as sin.
The following is a reflection on Luke 9:51-62, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 8, year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. James and John, the Sons of Zebedee, to Jesus, about the Samaritans: Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? I mean…really? “Jesus, do you want us to burn people alive on your behalf?” Is that even close to Jesus’ M.O.?
The following is a reflection on Luke 8:26-39, the story of the Gerasene Demoniac, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 7C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. People learn to love their chains.
The following is a reflection on Luke 7:36-8:3, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 6C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner…brought an alabaster jar of ointment. Oh, she was a sinner, was she? Like a sinner, sinner, or a SINNER, SINNER? And, what would that even mean?
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, […]
The following is a reflection on Luke 7:1-10 and Galatians 1:1-12, the gospel and epistle lessons properly appointed for Proper 4C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The epistle and gospel lessons this week deal with two very different and very similar forms of faith, and approaches to worthiness.
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. 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 […]
The resurrection has consequences. It changes things. Everything. The very fabric of the universe, in fact. But, it doesn’t stop there. (!) It also changes the way we are supposed to relate to each other.