Tag Archives: Year C Proper 15

An “unsafe peace”

It is strange that peace should be so divisive: that putting love before enmity, generosity before gain, gentleness before vengeance, patience before pride, kindness before triumph, justice before profit should be a less popular way forward than winning at all cost. But that division has been our shadow side since Cain slew Abel out of envy and Jacob cheated Esau out of his inheritance by using his own hunger against him. Continue reading

Posted in current events, lectionary reflection, sermon | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Love will tear us apart

The divisions that Jesus describes are growing pains, signs of the emergence of the kingdom of God. Discipleship stretches our souls to love more deeply, to forgive more recklessly. Discipleship should change us, stretch us, and there will be friction as we rub up against the tolerance of the structures that have formed us. These are the signs of the kingdom, Jesus tells us, so do not be afraid. God is willing and waiting to restore all things in God’s mercy, risking everything alongside you on the Cross, transforming its hard lines into new life through the Resurrection. Continue reading

Posted in lectionary reflection, sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The cross and the lightning rod

It is not the purpose of the lightning rod to be destroyed by the storm. Continue reading

Posted in sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Year C Proper 15: “I came to bring fire”

Jesus said, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under, how I am strained, and constrained, and … Continue reading

Posted in sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tomorrow’s sermon: Fire

Posted in image, lectionary reflection, sermon, sermon preparation | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment