This week I am sharing a poem that came to me at the Collegeville Writer's Workshop last summer. Wilderness Rhapsody “The wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” I did not expect that. I thought the wilderness was punishment- my exile- But I discovered I liked … Continue reading Isaiah 35 – “Wilderness Rhapsody”
Author: toddweir1
I am a progressive pastor, writer and leadership coach in Northampton, MA. I blog at Bloomingcactus about spiritual and religious issues, I also enjoy cooking, gardening and biking.
Advent Preaching: Week One
Think Fast! I remember these words from a silly game we played as kids. Hearing these dreaded words meant when you turn to see what was happening, there was a basketball already headed towards your head and only quick reflexes would keep you from getting knocked in the noggin. A variation of the … Continue reading Advent Preaching: Week One
“Are There Any Stupid Questions?” Luke 20:27-38
"There are no stupid questions!" I'm not so sure. This Sadducee question to Jesus about the resurrection and this poor woman whose husbands keep kicking the bucket seems close. It is the first of many in Christian history. What happens if you lose a leg in battle? Will you get it back in the resurrection … Continue reading “Are There Any Stupid Questions?” Luke 20:27-38
“Saint Zacchaeus?” Luke 19:1-10
The church often treats the story of Zacchaeus as a children’s story. If you grew up going to Sunday Church School, you may have learned this song: “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in a Sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.” I … Continue reading “Saint Zacchaeus?” Luke 19:1-10
Luke 17:11-19 “The Gratitude Factor”
Comedian Louis CK tells story that sums up the message of the parable of 10 lepers. He says the problems in society today are related to this: “Everything is amazing right now and nobody’s happy.” I was on an airplane and there was internet – high speed internet – on the airplane. That’s the newest thing that … Continue reading Luke 17:11-19 “The Gratitude Factor”
Christian Ethical Responses to War in Syria
This page summarizes a few of the many resources for Christian decision-making in the midst of war in Syria. As I write the situation is fluid, with a sudden move to have Syria give up its chemical weapons to an international body. By Sunday morning (September 15, 2013) when we discuss this at our 8:45 … Continue reading Christian Ethical Responses to War in Syria
Luke 14:25-33 “Counting the Cost: In Honor of Viola Liuzzo”
It feels like the lectionary is one week off. Since this is Gathering Sunday, the week that Church School, Choir and committee work begins again for a new year, it would be perfect to preach the preceding passage in Luke-The Great Banquet. There Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a banquet where the usual guests refuse to … Continue reading Luke 14:25-33 “Counting the Cost: In Honor of Viola Liuzzo”
September 1 – “Great Banquets are Never Easy”
Being way too early for a New Year's resolutions (or am I too late?), I am making a Yom Kippur resolution. Time to come back to weekly lectionary blogging. Bloomingcactus blog, true to its name, survives without my help, and periodically calls from the wilderness encouraging me to write. So look for something by Tuesday … Continue reading September 1 – “Great Banquets are Never Easy”
Luke 7:1-10 Amazing Faith!
Jesus had as many conflicts in Capernaum as the Northampton City Council does. This was his home base for much of his ministry. This fishing village of about 1500 is where Jesus called Peter, James, John and Andrew to leave their nets and follow him. I would say there is some faith in Capernaum. It was also … Continue reading Luke 7:1-10 Amazing Faith!
Love in the Abyss Romans 5:1-5
Tuesday morning, I sat down with our lectionary study group, eight local pastors I gather with each week to reflect on the next Sunday’s readings. None of us were excited about Trinity Sunday, or the theological Rubic’s Cube of explaining the three-in-one God. News was pouring in from Oklahoma City about the terrible tornadoes, and … Continue reading Love in the Abyss Romans 5:1-5
With all my soul 