Category Archives: lectionary reflection

Lent-check

Matthew 20: 17-28 Jesus predicts his suffering and death – and the disciples’ response still leaves a little something to be desired. They have got past last Sunday’s denial of the whole horrible thing – they can, perhaps by now, bring themselves … Continue reading

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Year B Lent 2: The cross: hoping against hope

Jesus began to teach his disciples that he, the Son of Man, must undergo great suffering and be rejected by his own people, and killed, and after three days rise again. The promise of God with us is a strange … Continue reading

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Year B: Last Sunday after the Epiphany

When I told my youngest child that my mother had died, she said, “But she was supposed to get better!” A week or so later, when I was talking to my father about talking to an old friend, he asked, … Continue reading

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Year B Epiphany 6: people first

I mentioned earlier this week the ecumenical lectionary group that I am blessed to attend each Tuesday morning, and my colleagues’ influence on my understanding of this Sunday’s readings. A few days later, I am still grappling with one of the effects of hearing, … Continue reading

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Year B Epiphany 6: Who does he think I am?

 I’m not preaching this Sunday, but I did attend my regular weekly appointment with an ecumenical group of local preachers yesterday, and this is what struck me when I listened to the reading from 2 Kings (once more realizing that … Continue reading

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The Thessalonians (and centuries later, we) are told: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words … Continue reading

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Friday, December 9th: Listen …

The pied piper leads a merry dance, compelling gaity and painted smiles; canned laughter pops open like beer, frothing over the dancing throng. Weaving through the sombre parade, out of key and out of place, piercing tunes enough to wake … Continue reading

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Thursday, December 8th: God’s Christmas Shopping List

Alright, so that’s tongue-in-cheek. God doesn’t need to buy gifts – God is the gift! Still, in today’s reading from Isaiah, God makes some promises: When the poor and needy seek water,    and there is none,    and their tongue is … Continue reading

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Wednesday, December 7th: Ambrose of Milan

The story is told that Ambrose, a father’s-footsteps-following Governor in northern Italy, was summoned to address the people of Milan as their crowd threatened to become a mob, and their election a melee. The former bishop of Milan had died, and … Continue reading

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The parable of the talents

While I was growing up, the pretty china with the pink rose pattern lived a life of static beauty in a glass-fronted cabinet in the dining room. We could watch the plates while we ate from the other, everday ones. … Continue reading

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