Category Archives: lectionary reflection

Have a heart

When Jesus treads upon the storm, he reminds his disciples, he reminds us, that he is that Word of God that quells any force that mitigates against life, against light, against hope. The commentaries tell us that walking on water is a feat reserved to the divine; it is a quelling of the chaos, a subjugation of the elements that belongs only to the Creator of all things.[i] Jesus, coming to his disciples on the sea, was showing them who he was, who he is. The wind and the waves may have been against them, but Jesus says, “Take heart, it is I.” Continue reading

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Walking on water

Heartracing like the tideebbing and flowing withoutvolition, permissionbattering this vesselbattered by the moonand its phasesfading Do not be afraidof ghostsconjured of foamand fearsome prayer on the cusp of translation Takea stepmy handmy life and let it betake heartthe storm by … Continue reading

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Transfiguration and the transformative gospel

I enjoy a cleverly devised myth as much as the next person; but what sustains me is this: that I know that God is with us, that God loves us more than we love life itself; that when the world is too loud, or stuns us into silence, Christ is still speaking in that still, small voice, the language of mercy. Listen to him. Continue reading

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Pressed

What if the robes were reversed and among the throng of sweaty suitors for my notice you were plucking at my sleeve; would I know your touch from the pickpockets of power, care enough to turn and ask what you … Continue reading

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Mustard seed

Split it with thumbnail or teeth, feel its tiny fire upon the tongue, a supernova soon consumed; or let it swell from within, fed by filtered light and living water, until it bursts open and eager, expanding like a universe … Continue reading

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Together

Together we grow side by side rise and fall together who can tell us apart but God? Together in awful glory we will shine together with all the fire of the sun _______________________ Year A Proper 11: the parable of … Continue reading

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Confessions of a crow

Dear One, do I perceive that you have told this parable against me? Have I stolen the seeds of contentment from those with whom I am on the way, the path that you have laid out in crazy paving, gravel, and grass, where joy should be … Continue reading

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Rest

Did you recall, as you were falling into the earth, into the abyss of memory, before the ground dented the palms of your hands before their time; did you recall, as the once-living wood pierced your side with bitter splinters, … Continue reading

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Welcome

Welcome is costly. God is a gracious and abundant giver – but God also asks of us our love, our devotion, our service to one another and the creation which God made us to tend. Sometimes, sure, it seems as though God is asking a lot. Ask Abraham. … Continue reading

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Abraham also laughed

A poem-sermon for Friday in the first week of the 2023 Chautauqua season at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. The readings include Genesis 17:1,9-10,15-22 Abraham also laughed, in the face of God, no less, and lived – more than … Continue reading

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