She wept as her only son’s body was being carried away.When he saw her, Jesus had compassion. He wept as he sat outside the hospital while his wife was inside dying of COVID-19.When he saw him, Jesus had compassion. She…
Blog Archives
Wiggle Room for Love
We create walls and rules around you and your expectations. In time, we find ourselves worshiping the walls and rules instead of you.Make our walls and rules porous so that we might have the wiggle room to love. Keep our…
Joining the Mission of Christ
The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at his baptism, “This is my son in whom I am delighted.” After this, Jesus went into the wilderness where he was tempted by power, by earthly pleasures, and by the Devil. Returning…
Following the One in Whom God Delights
John the Baptist calls out, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.”But how do we prepare for the Christ? Don’t cheat. Don’t harass others. Share what you have. Don’t rely upon the ancestors to cover up your…
Posted in Call to Worship, Isaiah, Isaiah 42, Isaiah 42:1, Luke, Luke 3, Luke 3:1-22, narrative lectionary, New Testament, Old Testament
Grow & Follow, Follow & Grow
Jesus was actively engaged in Temple life. He asked questions, challenging ideas, and listened to the rabbis.He wanted to learn and grow. Faith is about questions and doubts. It is about listening to those who have studied and experienced beyond…
Pondering, Wondering; God is Moving Closer
Gabriel appears to Mary. A practical woman, she asks for more details. “How can this be?”And she ponders. God is moving closer. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth for counsel. Elizabeth’s child leaps for joy in her womb.And we wonder. God…
Gabriel’s Assurance
Prayer of Confession We confess we focus on the noise and fail to hear you. We are visited by angels and still don’t get it. Forgive us. As we pause in the silence may we once again hear Gabriel’s words…
Gabriel Answers
We’ve been through the exile. We’ve returned home to Jerusalem. The Temple has been rebuilt. The faith has been rebuilt. Then why? Why are we still repeating the same mistakes? Why do we grieve the human condition so? We crave…
Sharing the Alighted Flame
Confession of Sin When we receive the flames of love and fail to share it. God, have mercy. When we share our gifts with those like us forgetting the poor and oppressed and imprisoned. God, have mercy. When we let…
The Fast We Have Chosen
Suddenly a sound from heaven like the howling of a fierce wind filled the entire house… (Acts 2:2 CEB) A flame…
Posted in Acts, Acts 2, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:42-44, 47a, Call to Worship, Isaiah, Isaiah 58, Isaiah 58:6, Luke, Luke 10, Luke 10, Luke 10:37, New Testament, Old Testament
