John 8:31-36 And so what is this truth that makes us free? I was called upon to preach at our local Hospice Annual Memorial Service a few weeks ago. Those in attendance were primarily family members and friends of dear ones who had died in the past year. I knew their memories would be fresh …
Category: Lectionary
James, John, Jesus and my Great Aunt Esther
Mark 10:35-45 When I was a child, my imagination had painted a picture of heaven — one which may well have been informed by the interaction between James and John and Jesus shared today. Now it is so that before the age of eight, I had little reason to think much of heaven. And then …
On Recovering Perfectionists and the Rich Man
Mark 10:17-31 My 7th grade home economics teacher called me a perfectionist. I don’t remember the occasion for this critique — and believe me, it was precisely that, for there was no kindness in her tone. I do remember being surprised, for I wondered then what could possibly be wrong with striving for perfection. And …
On Bandaged Fingers and Broken Hearts: Jesus’ Words on Divorce
If you are a regular reader, you will know that I already posted some reflections on this Gospel reading. However, since I attempt to get something online in a timely way so as to be in conversation with other preachers, often my thoughts crystallize between then and when I actually preach on a particular text. …
On Divorce and and All of Us Little Children
Mark 10:2-16 When I was a young pastor this was a particularly challenging Gospel to preach. It still is, of course, but close to thirty years ago one was especially aware of the mere handful in our midst who had been divorced. Now, though, I am hard pressed to think of a family which in …
Meat (and Potatoes)
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 The story painted in Numbers this week is a vivid one. Indeed, it hits awfully close to home for anyone, anywhere who has ever tried to lead. I find myself especially struck today by Moses’ cry to God, for by now the burden of leadership has become profound — so heavy, …
“Whoever Wants to Be First…”
Mark 9:30-37 I offer my thoughts today in gentleness to colleagues who climb into the pulpit or rush to the hospital or who are struggling especially at this time of year to keep up with the demands of getting a new program year off the ground. I write this in gentleness and humility, knowing that …
“Who Do You Say That I Am? … Bearing the Cross as Jesus Did”
Mark 8:27-38 As of this writing, I’m not exactly sure where my preaching will take me next week-end. As a result, I am simply offering several starting places. Maybe one of these will work for you as well. It’s September and the Chicago Cubs are still in the race. OK, it’s just the wild card …
A Young Man Named Pablo and the Syrophoenician Woman
Mark 7:24-37 A few days ago I got a window into the utter courage the woman in the story before us now displayed. For I surely saw its opposite. Not that I’m judging that, believe me, I am not. Here is how it was. I spent the last week on a cruise with some of …
On Hand Washing, Shells, and Our Oh So Human Traditions
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 This is true. I never thought much about what was behind the Jewish tradition of hand washing before today. I have always simply jumped to what appears to be Jesus’ main point and skimmed over the roots of the tradition which is at the center of this week’s controversy. And yet, …