Exodus 16:2-15 September 24, 2023 The Exodus story moves from one disaster to the next. At the burning bush, God said, “I have heard the cry of my people, and I will save them.” Now, the freed people are in the wilderness, wondering how to get their next meal. Some rescue! Apparently, the mighty deliverance … Continue reading What Is This Stuff?
Reflections on God's response to job, suffering and the climate crisis Job 38-41 Your first thoughts about the book of Job are not likely about the vastness of the universe and the wonders of God's creation. You are more likely to ask why. Why is there human suffering? Why is life unfair when good people … Continue reading Its Bigger Than You
Leviticus 25 and Sabbath for the Land At the heart of the universe is a giant pause button. Life needs moments to stop, rest and wait. Seeds fall into the Earth and wait for Spring to germinate. Trees drop leaves in Autumn and don't do the work of photosynthesis. A caterpillar must hang in a … Continue reading Cultivating Sabbath
There are great and mighty things happening all around us. I was taught to preach with the Bible in one hand and the New York Times in the other. This process means studying the prophets Jeremiah and Amos alongside Jamelle Bouie and Charles Blow. Hear together the first evangelist of the resurrection, Mary Magdalen, while … Continue reading Reflections on Tides
Refelctions on Genesis 1 and the Image of God within God created humans in the divine image and likeness. Depending on your viewpoint, this idea is the greatest force for human dignity and equality or the source of patriarchy, domination, and environmental destruction. Maybe both sides have worthwhile points. On the positive side, being created … Continue reading Image and Likeness
Genesis 1 July 23, 2023 God saw that it was good. Each day of creation in Genesis has a poetic rhythm. God speaks an intention for what will happen next. "Let there be light…Let the earth put forth vegetation…Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures." After each declaration, the narrator tells us, "It … Continue reading God Saw It Was Good
Acts 8:26-40 June 25, 2023 As a not-quite Baby Boomer born in 1964, I have seen astounding changes in gender roles, identity, and sexuality. I have gone from being traditional to cutting edge to bewildered to trying to stay curious to see where it all goes. I went to a college where we had to … Continue reading Where the Welcome Meets the Road
Ephesians 3:17-18 June 4, 2023 A noise awakened me in the night. I was a teenager on an Iowa farm. The sound was likely a squeal from a spooked pig, but I knew I would not sleep unless I checked to see what was happening. I was grumpy. Was there a dog bothering them? Did … Continue reading Rooted in God’s Unconditional Love
John 21:1-14 April 30, 2023 I wonder if we have missed the boat about the deeper meaning of Resurrection. Eastertide lasts 40 days before Pentecost, the same length as Lent, but we have no seasonal spiritual practices to shape our vision toward Resurrection. Lent is full of spiritual practices, like giving up something we value … Continue reading Resurrection 1: Fishing with Jesus
I want to move slowly through Jesus' resurrection appearance in John's Gospel to appreciate the author's magnificent storytelling. In the other three Gospels, several women arrive at the tomb together, and they are met by dazzling angels who tell them Jesus has risen. Matthew is the most dramatic, 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, … Continue reading Love Will Find You
With all my soul 