Category Archives: lectionary reflection

Stealing a blessing

Christ the King Sunday arrives with less pomp and circumstance than ambiguous authority; a compromised crown; the scandal of the crucifixion. Yet there is a promise to be heard: not only that we, like the thief on the cross whose … Continue reading

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“Do not be weary of doing what is right”

The work hasn’t changed since last week. But some of the challenges have. Continue reading

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Weary blessings

I apologize for skipping last week’s lectionary-based blessing post. I was overwhelmed by the choices – All Saints’ or Proper 27? Track 1 or Track 2? Narrative Lectionary or RCL? Actually, that last one’s a bit of red herring, because … Continue reading

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A post-election sermon on a pre-election Sunday

All Saints, 2016 Readings: Daniel 7:1-3,15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11-23; Luke 6:20-31 Paul wrote, “I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you … Continue reading

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Prayer and empty air

A sermon for the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, October 30, 2016 Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144 or Isaiah 1:10-18, Psalm 32:1-8, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 On Friday morning, I went to the new Old Fort steps at the Rocky River Metropark. They carry visitors … Continue reading

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The view from the top

empty light shuffling shadows fall out unseen if you never look down

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Climbing the blessings tree

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, Psalm 119:137-144, or Isaiah 1:10-18, Psalm 32:1-8, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, Luke 19:1-10 In this Sunday’s gospel, a long-ago tax collector reminds me of the days when our youngest child was small, but climbed higher than any of her siblings or their … Continue reading

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Where is God?

Where is God in this parable? God is the one holding up a mirror to us through our own prayers. Continue reading

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Humble blessings

For the twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost in Year C (Proper 25): the Pharisee and the tax collector are praying at the Temple. One is so self-satisfied that he is blinded by his own glory; he outshines God. One is so self-abased … Continue reading

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Persistent blessings

If you are following Track 2, you may be interested in the experience of Jacob, who wrestled a blessing from God: May your prayers be heard without harm,     and the intercession of your heart received with gentleness. Otherwise, from … Continue reading

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