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
Easter Sunday Mark 16:1-8 “When is an ending not the end? When a dead man rises from the tomb-and when a Gospel ends in the middle of a sentence.” A great story is only as good as the ending. I like stories where the plot twists surprise me. The surprise can’t be too out of the blue, like … Continue reading When Is An Ending Not the End
Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Can you still remember what you gave up for Lent? We have given up a lot in the past few weeks – handshakes, warm embraces, shopping, haircuts and a cup of coffee with a friend. Worse, things have been taken away from us – Sunday gatherings, security, health, 3 million jobs. In the midst of … Continue reading Can These Dry Bones Live?
Easter 3B Luke 24:36-48 (In Eastertide, we have 40 days to reflect on the challenges of understanding the resurrection, and the whatever doubts and complications arrive theologically as we think about if we believe in miracles, are open to mystery, and want to have faith along with our questions. Consider this part to of dealing … Continue reading “Joyful Disbelief and Still Wondering”
Luke 24:13-35 Cleopas and Simon are heading to Emmaus. They have about two hours for one of the most important human experiences, a long walk with a good friend to figure things out. There is a flow to a good walk together. It begins with relief and gratitude of companionship. After Easter Jeanne and I took a … Continue reading Walking and Hoping With Jesus
This is my 17th Easter Sermon, and I still find it tricky. We come to this moment each year with a crescendo of hope and excitement, but also with a great theological burden. What happened? Was the tomb of Jesus really empty? Was the resurrection a physical resuscitation of the body, or an apparition seen … Continue reading John 20:1-18 “The Great Resurrection”
With all my soul 