The following is a reflection on Mark 12:38-44, the gospel lesson appointed for Proper 27B according to the Revised Standard Lectionary. The contrast between the self-serving lawyers and the widow in Mark 12 couldn’t be any greater, and Mark’s weaving of these two stories together is, I think, where most of the meaning lies.
The following is a reflection on Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, the Gospel lesson properly appointed for Proper 11 year B. After an insanely busy and draining period of teaching, and exorcising, and healing—after Jesus and his disciples had given of themselves over and over again, day after day—Jesus tells his disciples, “come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” There are four different parts to this statement which mean something on […]
Stewardship in church isn’t about money. I mean, it is. But, it’s also about far more than that. It’s about relationship. It’s about our relationship with God, and our relationships with each other. It’s also about thankfulness. Thankfulness to God for life and it’s many blessings, including our church community. Last year we tried a new stewardship idea at St. Mark’s–an idea that highlighted the twin themes of relationship and thankfulness. Our stewardship campaign looked […]