The following is a reflection on John 21:1-19, the Gospel lesson appointed for Easter 3C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
The reredos in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, General Seminary. NYC. Photo by Rick Morley
In meaningful conversation there’s what’s said, and then there’s what is actually being said. The conversation underneath the conversation. Read More
The following is a reflection on Luke 24:1-12, one of the Gospel lesson options for Easter Day, Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Carved angel at St. Mark’s-on-the-Hill Episcopal Church in Pikesville, Maryland.
But these words seemed to them an idle tale
The disciples thought they were offering an “idle tale?”
Jesus, their Lord and friend, has died on Friday. It’s now Sunday. He had been offered up to the authorities by one of their own, who had just recently committed suicide. Women—other friends and disciples of Jesus—come to the disciples and tell them that Jesus has risen.
And the disciples thought it was an “idle tale?”
How condescending, right? Read More
There’s a lot going on when Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. One of the things that amazes me is how he heads right into the belly of the beast. Read More
The following is a reflection on John 12:1-8, the Gospel lesson appointed for Lent 5C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.
The following is a reflection on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, the Gospel lesson for Lent 4C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
There is an arrogance that comes with believing and proclaiming that God – the God who created the heavens and the earth—loves us.
It’s arrogant.
I mean, it’s true. In the fullest and most wonderful sense, it’s true.
But, it’s arrogance. A holy arrogance. Read More
The following is a reflection on Luke 13:1-9, the Gospel lesson appointed for Lent 3C according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
A view from the Everglades. Photo by Rick Morley.
Those people. Those people who were slaughtered by Pilate. Those people killed in the falling tower. Were those people worse sinners than everyone else? Read More
The following is a reflection on Luke 13:31-35, the Gospel Lesson for the Second Sunday in Lent, Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
Detail of a 15th Century statuette base. Part of the collection of The Cloisters. Photo by Rick Morley.
How often I had desired…and you were not willing.
That’s the whole story of God’s relationship with us, isn’t it? Read More
The following is a reflection on Luke 4:1-13, the Gospel lesson appointed for the first Sunday in Lent, Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary.
A “fierce camel” from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Temptation. Let me go out on a limb here and say that most of us aren’t tempted to do truly diabolical things, because most of us aren’t diabolical people.
I’ve never been tempted to kill anyone. Or to steal a car. Or abduct a child. Or hurt someone just for the pleasure of hurting them.
And, if you’re reading this blog, I bet you would say the same things. (My blog’s settings filter out the truly diabolical…)
But, temptation…ah, don’t fool yourself. We’re all tempted. Read More