John 6:51-58 It is an old story, this one, but one I still find myself standing still in from time to time. It came to mind in a particular way in these last days as I considered the down to earth grittiness of Jesus’ words for us this week. “Those who eat my flesh and …
The Bread of Life in Ordinary Bread
John 6:35, 41-51 It is a theme where I often pause, this one, where Jesus takes something we know so well we barely pause to take note of it, and imbues it with meaning far beyond that which was first intended. Surely not by the one who first discovered the rising power of yeast. Nor …
The Food that Endures…
John 6:24-35 I know that too much of the time I am among those who ‘work for the food that perishes’ rather than that which ‘endures for eternal life.’ I worry about things that in the end, do not matter. I check my bank account and my retirement account more often than I ought. I …
Multiplying Loaves and Fishes — and the Space in Our Hearts
John 6:1-21 It is so that we hear stories like the one in John’s Gospel today and it is easy to believe miracles like this don’t happen any more. I am here to tell you that they do, though. That there are times even now when unexpectedly the meager gifts we have are divided in …
Called to Reflect God’s Kingdom Economy…
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 Now it is so that on a first read through there may not appear to be much that actually ‘preaches’ in this week’s Gospel. Indeed, the folks who put together our lectionary selections completely skipped over the vivid scene of Jesus feeding the five thousand (not counting the women and children) with …
The Beheading of John: How Might This Gruesome Story Still Speak?
Mark 6:14-29 It is so that the images brought to mind by Mark’s Gospel today are gruesome in the extreme. Perhaps because of or in spite of this, one almost cannot help but be pulled into the drama playing out before us now where the scene includes: A drunken party A young girl’s (no doubt) …
Taking Nothing for the Journey…
Mark 6:1-13 “Take nothing with you,” Jesus says today. Not a loaf of bread, or a bag, or a little extra cash, or an extra coat. Pack lightly. And so today I cannot help but wonder how Jesus might phrase this now. For not only are you and I certainly encumbered with more ‘stuff’ than …
There May Yet Be Hope
Lamentations 3:22-33 I confess to not having spent a whole lot of time in Lamentations. These powerful prayers reflect an experience of utter devastation which have not been part of my life experience — at least not first-hand. And yet, of late, I have yearned for the hoped for promise uttered in the section which …
Turning to the One in the Stern…
Mark 4:35-41 I was on call at our local hospital a few weeks back. I take my turn every six weeks or so. Often those weeks pass without a single call. That week was different, though. It seemed as though every day there was a request for a chaplain. It was on my third such …
He Does Not Know How… Scattering Seeds in the Kingdom of God
Mark 4:26-34 Could there possibly be an easier illustrated Gospel reading than this one at this time of year? At least I know this to be the case where I call home. I look out my window to see a world that is lush and green. I drive through the countryside and take in field …