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Category Archives: lectionary reflection
On forgiveness
Let me ask it plainly: Would Joseph have forgiven his brothers so completely if they had not been completely beholden to him? Would he have been so magnanimous if he were not dressed in magnificent robes? Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, sermon
Tagged forgiveness, Genesis 45:1-15, Joseph, Matthew 15:10-28, Romans 11:29-32, Year A Proper 15
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First and last
Do you remember how,in the parable, he paid them, last and first?To the first he was fair, but to the last he was magnificent. Neither knew whether to laugh or shout or fall to their knees; so we, too, swayed between the thirsty and the relieved, envying and blaming each in … Continue reading
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
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
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
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
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer
Tagged discernment, healing, hem of his cloak, hem of his garment, Mark 5:21-43, prayer
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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
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
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
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
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, prayer, sermon preparation
Tagged cross, Matthew 11:25-30, Matthew 11:28-30, year a proper 9
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over the water 