Category Archives: lectionary reflection

Year B Proper 17: preaching the Song of Songs

Perhaps the most bewildering question about the Song of Solomon, or the Song of Songs, or Canticles – the book has gone by many names – is how it ended up in the Bible, a sacred text. Historical criticism insists … Continue reading

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What is it to you?

Every day. Every day I confess my sins, my sinfulness. Every day. But Job asks, “If I sin, what do I do to you, you watcher of humanity?” Yes, Job is feeling reckless; that recklessness that hold hands with despair, … Continue reading

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Year B Proper 16: gateway evils

Weekly lectionary groups are great. I recommend them. This week, we meandered around the readings with all of the purpose and direction of a fog, but we did have a few moments where we got high enough to break through … Continue reading

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Reading between the lines

The past few weeks, depending on which Lectionary cycle is used, you may have heard the continuing story of David – or at least, selected highlights. This week, as David’s son is killed in battle, to David’s distress, the need … Continue reading

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Unsolicited advice

Because I know that you all love to receive unsolicited advice, and pearls of wisdom from one who has been ordained all of five minutes and just can’t help herself, here it is: If you are already committed to preaching … Continue reading

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Comfortably numb

We all know that feeling. When we’ve been resting on our laurels – or our haunches, more likely – for a little too long, and things – feet, other extremities – have ‘fallen asleep. ‘ Gone numb. That was the … Continue reading

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Cliff song

From this morning’s Psalm: I waited patiently upon the Lord. He stooped to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set my feet upon a high cliff … Continue reading

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The wellness gospel

Last week, driving a bunch of overtired teens back from a rollercoaster day (literally; they were at Cedar Point), my car flashed me a warning light. Well-trained in the vagaries of overworked technology, I ignored it until it went away. … Continue reading

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God-check

A first glance at this week’s lectionary readings: IN 2 Samuel, David, still high on his worship of the living God last week, wants to take things a step or three further, and build a temple in which to house … Continue reading

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Herodias’ Revenge

“Revenge is a dish best served cold,” someone said; but it burns in your veins, beating you without remorse until the heat sears out sweet reason, with its cool, calm attempts at peace; its urgent rationale adds fuel to the … Continue reading

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