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 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
With all my soul 