Category Archives: lectionary reflection

Forgiving Jesus

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

The readings for the third Sunday in Lent include Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at a well, and Moses’ miraculous striking water from stone. In the old stories, this encounter beside a well would have ended in marriage. Jacob’s … Continue reading →

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Well

Posted on March 16, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

“Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did.” John 4:29 Continue reading →

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Fear of falling 

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

The lectionary lessons for today are about Adam and Eve, the fall, temptation, redemption, resistance … The devil dared him to be fearless. The devil dared him to be brazen, in God’s face; a son so independent in his own … Continue reading →

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The sun also rises

Posted on February 19, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

The love that Jesus describes is unflinching, unafraid, and it is relentless. Rebuked and reviled, love nevertheless persists. It refuses to be overcome. It will not give way to injustice. It turns the other cheek. Continue reading →

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For the love of libraries

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

Yesterday was the commemoration of Thomas Bray, who founded scores of lending libraries and founded the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge and the Society for the Promulgation of the Gospel. The gospel reading appointed for his festival is … Continue reading →

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Truth, love, and justice

Posted on February 12, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

Jesus has some advice: tell the truth. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no. Do not bluster, do not brag. Tell the truth, says our Way, our Truth, and our Life. Continue reading →

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Salt and light

Posted on February 5, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

Salt is not only a matter of good taste. It is elemental. It is sacramental. Continue reading →

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The loser gospel

Posted on January 22, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

A sermon for the third Sunday after the Epiphany, and the first Sunday after the Inauguration of Donald Trump as POTUS and the worldwide Women’s March. A few years ago, driving home from another church, I saw a billboard advertising … Continue reading →

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The Holy Name

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Rosalind C Hughes

The Feast of the Holy Name, January 1, 2017 In the very name of Jesus is our prayer. The name, which was not chosen by his parents but given to them as a sign when his birth was announced by … Continue reading →

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Married to the miracle

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Rosalind C Hughes

A sermon for the Fourth Sunday of Advent in Year A. Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 So this is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: his mother, Mary, engaged but not married, was found to be with child by the … Continue reading →

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