The following is a reflection on Luke 17:5-10, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 22C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The apostles ask Jesus to “increase” their faith. For me, when a parishioner walks into my office and asks for help increasing and deepening their faith, I’m thrilled! I break out some good books, talk about their prayer life, get them signed up to serve Communion on Sunday… But Jesus? He brushes the disciples […]
The following is a reflection on Luke 16:1-13, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 20 C, of the Revised Common Lectionary. What’s the fastest way to make God laugh? Tell Him your long-range plans. Almost every year I plan this Sunday as a ‘welcome back’ Sunday where we have all the kids in church, and we have them come up and get involved in the sermon… I always envision a tear in every mother’s eye, […]
The following is a reflection on Luke 15:1-10, the Gospel lesson appointed for Proper 19C of of the Revised Common Lectionary. Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? Nobody. No one does this. No one would ever do that.
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 10:25-37, the Gospel Lesson appointed for Proper 10 Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. The bulk of this post is also an excerpt from my book, Going to Hell. When Jesus is approached by the rich young ruler and asked, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” the answer Jesus gives is pretty stunning: You know the commandments: You shall not murder; You shall not […]
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, […]