Mark 12 October 24, 2020 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. Contemplatives like Thomas Merton, St. Benedict, and St. Theresa of Avila inspire me and Social Gospel preachers ranging from Martin Luther King, Jr., abolitionists like Harriet Beecher … Continue reading You Are Not Far from the Kingdom of God
Exodus 17: 1-7 Reading about Moses inspires me. He is a bold advocate for justice, speaks truth to power as he confronts Pharaoh. He gets into “good trouble” many times, as he navigates multiple threats. Pharaoh’s armies, hunger, thirst and the flagging faith of the people he leads. Throughout everything Moses continually deepens his relationship with God. He is … Continue reading A Step Ahead of Thirst
Exodus 16 - Discovering Manna “Doom-scrolling” is now on the new word watchlist for the Marriam-Webster dictionary. It means “the tendency to continue to surf or scroll {online} through bad news, even though that news is saddening, disheartening, or depressing.” Welcome to a typical Thursday while I read the news and write my pastoral prayers. Should I … Continue reading Doom-Scrolling in the Wilderness
Moses vs. Pharaoh Part II: Superpower Battles of Creation vs. Chaos Exodus 14 September 13, 2020 This would be a great time for a Superhero to come in and fix things. How are ancient miracle stories like the parting of the Red Sea relevant to us now? Do you believe Moses commanded the waters to part allowing the … Continue reading Superpower Battle of Creation and Chaos: Moses vs. Pharaoh – Part 2
Exodus 12 Today’s biblical text begins with the 10th and final plague on Egypt. Because of COVID, I have some new questions about this scripture. What does it take to recognize a plague is a real threat? What did the average Egyptian think as Moses and Pharaoh dueled over the fate of the Hebrew slaves? First, the water turned red. That … Continue reading Passover, Plagues and Praise
Matthew 14:13-21 We might want to rush to the ending of the story, proclaiming bread for the poor. Jesus the compassionate, Jesus the wonder-worker, creates an abundance where people felt scarcity. Like Moses, who showed people manna in the wilderness, here is a new Moses who will provide bread and justice. It’s a great text … Continue reading From Grief to Justice
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (The Mustard Seed and Pearl of Great Price) I have preached on this passage many times and I realized this week that I have often missed the real point. This is a great passage to run out to the Indian grocer, buy some mustard seed for the children’s sermon, and talk about what … Continue reading Parables for a Liminal Space
Psalm 23 I don’t know much about shepherds. Even though I grew up in farm country, everyone had cows and pigs. I know more about cowboys. Cowboys seem rough and ready for a challenge, strong and independent. I learned to rope calves from my uncle, but I’ve never held a shepherd’s crook, or carried a lamb. Just piglets. Shepherds herd sheep, … Continue reading What’s In Your Cup?
Luke 11:20, Mark 15:21 - First Sunday after Easter A reflection on Simon of Cyrene, cross-bearer Easter is over, now what? Here we are in a pandemic and maybe that Lenten feel hasn’t quite worn off. But that is not unlike the early church, where both the crucifixion and the resurrection were near their heart and soul. This … Continue reading Easter in a Time of Pandemic
Matthew 21:1-17 Palm Sunday I love a good parade – always have. As a child my mother loaded me in a red wagon and took me to the humongous parades at Iowa State University. Students put all their Springtime yearnings and creativity into the floats. It was Spring 1968, and I remember marching bands and one group of … Continue reading Some Parades Aren’t Meant to Be
With all my soul 