The cause of Jesus’ lament, our sin, does not hold the final word. Jesus has invited us to stop the puppet show and to step into his grace under his wing of love, protection, and transformation.
Read MoreThe Gospel good news is that there are no ifs. There are no buts. No fine print.
Read MoreThe triumphal procession that was to begin this reordering of the world began two disciples sent to wheel and deal with a local donkey dealer. A humble way for the Savior of the world to take his reign.
Read MoreOvernight we began keeping our distance from one another – from extended family, friends, and strangers at the grocery store. We made masks from bandanas and rubber bands. We hoarded toilet paper (some haven’t needed to buy TP in the past year) and stocked up on any of the essentials we could find. We sat in front of our televisions and scrolled endlessly online looking for information about the virus, determining what we needed to do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Read MoreIn less than a week the man who entered the city peacefully, with no show military force, will tell his disciples to put away their swords as he was taken from a garden, arrested and then killed. The quickness with which we move into Holy Week, beginning with this procession, is a shock we experience year after year.
Read MoreThis is just the beginning of revealing the fullness of God, in Christ, to us.
Read MoreWithdrawn reflection is different from happily boasting of one’s piety.
Read MoreThe shadow of the cross blinds us to the peace of heaven spilling over into creation. Domination through ruthlessness - Pax Roma - is no match for the justice and mercy - Pax Christi - of the Kingdom of God.
Read MoreThe Lord is telling Israel, “yes I did a new thing in bringing you out of slavery. And yes, you are being provided for in a barren land where not even the wild beasts can survive. I know it is hard for you to see it because you have become hardened by life but if you could just look at the world with possibility and joy you will see the best is yet to come.”
Read MoreChrist’s resurrection, overcoming the power and defeat of death, is what has made us able to live in the newness of what G-d is creating. Resurrection was and is divine transformation and renewed our relationship, humanity’s relationship, with our Creator.
Read MorePaul wrote to a church in Philippi contending with issues of arrogance and disunity. Arrogance and disunity act as prohibitors to imitating Christ’s love as a community. Arrogance and disunity were distractions, and Paul extended grace to the Philippians by reminding them of what the love of G-d in Christ had accomplished.
Read MoreDuring the season of Lent, we are wandering our way to the cross and empty tomb. It is a season where we wonder what will happen next. Will disagreements keep us divided? Will we continue to legislate Law in a way contrary to Paul’s declaration that Everyone who calls on the name of” Jesus will be saved?
Read MoreTo challenge the empire, to be the counter-cultural voice, to put on a piece of political street theater, requires you to be willing to enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere while it lasts because if you challenge things enough if you push the empire enough the empire will push back
Read MoreAsh Wednesday offers the church gathered (however small a gathering it is) the opportunity to see how the church can really stand as a witness for the community. However small a gathering, the congregation is taking the sins of the community upon themselves. This is no easy task nor should it be undertaken flippantly.
Read MoreWe want to have a relationship with students, to be their friend, and then maybe talk about Jesus a little bit. You know, just enough to say we did but not enough to engage in thought provoking questions or even questions we might not know the answer to.
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