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Tag Archives: faith
(Un)Documented
But, Luke shows us, what we document, what we record, whom we remember is a choice. It is a choice that reflects what we consider to be important. Luke recognizes the culture of a world that requires context, but he also sees where God is at work in the wilderness, in the oddball person of faith standing in a river of prayer. He pivots quickly from the traditional seats of power because he sees, too, the one making a way out of rocks and rifts and building bridges where none seemed possible. Because Luke has seen Christ coming, and he knows that all manner of heaven is about to break loose. Continue reading
Posted in advent meditations, lectionary reflection, sermon
Tagged Advent, faith, Jesus, John the Baptist, Luke 3, Year C Advent 2
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Signs
Though the sun fail, I will look for your light. The scarred and subtle moon draws tides high above our understanding of the depths of your mercy or our judgement. The fig tree, survivor, of your kindness growing peace offerings … Continue reading
What is the church for?
How do we let people know that we are here for them? Not, as James said a couple of weeks ago, only if they are properly turned out and prompt in their arrival, if they know their way around the service, and sing in tune. I love that in my twelve years with you, there have always been people who come late, leave early, get up and stretch mid-service, act like human beings in the middle of divine worship. Just as Jesus became human with us. And that matters, so much, that we can be human in church, drawn toward the one in whose image we all share. How else do we let people know that we are here if they are sick, if they are suffering, if they are singing, if they are sighing, that they can be human here? Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, sermon, story
Tagged Christianity, church, faith, God, human, James 5:13-20, Jesus, worship, Year B Proper 21
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On this rock
They set a boulder to blot life
from the garden, light from the tomb.
When it was rolled away you spoke
her name into the morning like dew. Continue reading
Posted in poetry, prayer
Tagged #preparingforSundaywithpoetry, faith, rock, Stonehenge, Year A Proper 16
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Of faith, tides, and tables
Paul writes to Timothy (in so many words), “Do not be ashamed of the faith whose testimony I have given”; faith is a gift, but not one to be locked away in a secret safe, nor set on the shelf for later, nor even hung as a piece of art, an installation, or an exhibit. Like a musical instrument, like a precious crystal flute, as it were, faith is designed to be taken out and played, not merely looked upon, but heard, heeded, acted upon, perhaps even danced with. Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, sermon
Tagged Cnut (Canute), faith, hurricane, Luke 17:5-10
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The gifts of the wise ones
The Feast of the Epiphany is a new year of sorts for us, the people of Epiphany. Who knows what this one will bring. But if we are able to keep our hearts and minds and expectations open; if we deploy the gifts of humility, creativity, faith that the magi, the wise ones have taught us, then we may find unexpected grace, unlooked-for epiphanies, the glory of God waiting for us to stumble upon it as the year takes shape, growing like a child, full of curiosity, wonder, and delight. Continue reading
Posted in holy days, lectionary reflection, sermon
Tagged creativity, Epiphany, faith, gifts, humility, magi, three kings, wise men
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Walking on water
Walking on water: skipping faith like pebbles … Continue reading
Posted in poetry, prayer
Tagged faith, heron, Matthew 14:22-33, nature, walking on water, Year A Proper 14
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To move mountains
When she was old and fading –
her gray hair paling,
her skin thinning and softening –
my grandmother painted watercolours. Continue reading
Posted in lectionary reflection, poetry, sermon preparation, story
Tagged Bob Ross, dementia, faith, imagination, Luke 17:5, mustard seed, Year C Proper 22
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By faith
A word of encouragement for the ninth Sunday after Pentecost in Year C. The author of the letter to the Hebrews was not, to our knowledge, a theoretical physicist; although they might have been. To declare that “faith is the … Continue reading
Attempting faith
I crossed the creek on the old tree trunk, letting its broad back bridge the gap between my fear and its fall. I trod in the lake, letting its icy wash awaken the dream of walking on water.
over the water 