Psalm 22 and Mark 15:33-39 (It is helpful to read both scriptures before reading this sermon, especially Psalm 22) What comes to mind for you when you think of the Psalms? Is it a part of the Bible you read? Do you have a favorite Psalm? If I quote, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not … Continue reading Cry Pain, Cry Hope
Mark 9:2-9 How is your prayer life? Has anyone ever asked you that question? It may feel intrusive, too private, or you feel guilty. It’s almost like asking someone how their sex life is going. Not just anyone can ask. There has to be a level of trust. I wonder why it feels like such a tricky question. In therapy, we are … Continue reading How Is Your Prayer Life?
John 1:43-51 "Can any good come out of Nazareth?" Hearing Nathaniel's ugly question brings a flash of red to my cheeks. This story is supposed to be inspiring about Jesus calling his first disciples, declaring the wonders they will see, like Jacob's ladder where angels ascend and descend, connecting heaven and earth. I'll get there, but … Continue reading Come and See
John 1:9-18 January 3, 2021 "The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world." We’ve had wonderful celestial lights in this solstice season of long nights and short days. I was awakened by the big full moon, glowing yellow and orange as it sets in the morning sky. The planets in our solar system aligned for … Continue reading A Lighthouse to Guide us Home
John 1:6-8, 19-28 I know many of you ready to get to the main event of Christmas 12 days from now. Some people put up Christmas lights the day after Halloween. We went to get our tree on the first Saturday of December because we noticed several Jewish families in the neighborhood were decorating ahead of us. … Continue reading The Power of What You Are Not
Mark 13 November 29, 2020 When Jeanne came home from the grocery store with a flat of white beans, a case of wine, and candles, she joked, “I’m prepared for the apocalypse!” In general, when we hear about people building bomb shelters, stockpiling canned food, guns, and ammunition, we think they are paranoid. Some days we … Continue reading How to Survive the Apocalypse
Matthew 25:31-46 November 22, 2020 When you heard the scripture this morning, perhaps you thought, "I know where the pastor is heading this morning. The church is voting on a proposal to host a winter shelter, so he's bringing out the biblical heavy artillery." Actually, I didn't select the passage. That role belongs to the Revised Common Lectionary, … Continue reading Where Do You See God?
Matthew 25:1-13 November 8, 2020 Ten bridesmaids wait for the groom so the party may begin. Five women were wise, and five were foolish. It sounds like a metaphor for America after this last election. Half of America is looking at the other half with incomprehension, thinking how utterly foolish and immoral the other side is. I'd like to … Continue reading Check Your Oil
Matthew 5:1-12 November 1, 2020 (All Saints’) The pandemic has complicated the standard greeting, "How are you?" I can't say, "I'm great!" I don't readily admit if I'm not doing well. "Fine, thanks," sounds like a total evasion. I've opted for "Hanging in there…" which is generally accurate. On days I don't know how to answer, I … Continue reading Strange and Wonderful Blessings
Mark 12 - The Great Commandment The Great Commandment to love God and neighbor is central to my spirituality. The affirmation of both inward spirituality and outward compassion and justice grounds me. My soul is inspired by contemplatives like Thomas Merton, St. Benedict and St. Theresa of Avila; as well as Social Gospel preachers ranging from Martin Luther … Continue reading You Are Not Far From the Kingdom of God
With all my soul 