A reflection on Matthew 10:24–39, the Gospel lesson for Proper 7a according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Fear really is the antithesis of faith. And yet, fear hangs on us like humidity on an summer night. It coats us front and back, and attracts all kind of grime, so that even when it’s dries it’s still sticky. In adulthood we may not be living in fear of what bumps in the night, what’s under the […]
Towards the end of the second chapter of “Acts,” we find a summary of how the first followers of Jesus lived: They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds […]
On the day of the resurrection, some of the followers of Jesus went to the tomb. They were going to make the final preparations of Jesus’ body, for he had been buried with haste. And when they got there, they were met with the amazing revelation that Jesus was…no longer dead. He was dead, but now he wasn’t anymore. He was very much alive. And different. Mary didn’t recognize him. He had to speak her […]
The mission of the Church is to be a vessel where transformation can happen. Where lives may be changed by the Presence of God. Where people are reconciled to God in Christ, and to each other as neighbors. That transformation isn’t a small thing. It’s not a fresh coat of paint. It’s not even an upgraded operating system. It’s metamorphosis. It’s wholesale change. From the bottom up. From the inside out. And, to be honest…it’s […]
It is to be noted that the semantic parallel of “low-grade” with imbecile is far closer than might have been expected. (The Anchor Bible Commentary: Matthew by W. F. Albright and C. S. Mann. Page 55.) That is, quite possibly, the funniest statement that I’ve ever read in a biblical commentary. Had I been enjoying a beverage whilst reading that statement, I would have soiled the book. Albright and Mann have a quite different translation […]
Many years ago my wife and I moved to Atlanta. We roamed around our new city, taking in the sights and sounds of our exciting new home. On one of our travels we happened by a place where there were some interesting shops. Above the shops was a towering building with a very unique cantilevered roof. Not long after that trip her birthday was coming up, and I wanted to go back to those shops […]
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 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.?