Isaiah 49:1-7; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 Ordinary 2A God called you. God is faithful. This refrain of God’s initiative and God’s trustworthiness resounds through all three readings this week. Questions on our part remain. The chosen one in Isaiah expresses deep discouragement and God’s response reassures the doubting, despondent servant that divine will may be delayed but will ultimately be accomplished. The epistle reading reminds a nascent Christian community of Christ’s ongoing work among and within them. Christ not only called them, Christ continues to strengthen them. No spiritual gift is lacking — not now, not ever. John lifts up the utter unexpectedness of a transformative encounter with Jesus. Mere curiosity on the part of John the Baptist’s disciples ends in a new vocation, a new purpose and, in the case of Simon, a new name. God calls us. God, the Alpha and Omega, is faithful throughout the journey no matter what we encounter along the way. Ministers of … [Read more...]
Prayer for peace
Lord of all nations, as we watch world events unfold, our anxiety about our life together grows. As tensions around the globe persist, we look to you for wisdom. You are just and merciful, abounding in steadfast love, relentlessly working for reconciliation. Send your Spirit into the halls of power and the hearts of leaders who make life and death decisions that will impact countless people. Remain close to those in harm’s way, be with members of the military who have chosen to serve despite the real and present risks. Strengthen and comfort the families and friends of those deployed to dangerous places. Surround with compassion those worried and fearful of what may happen next. Help us, God of all, to set aside partisan politics in order to seek the common good, work for the life-giving solutions and enact policies that lead to peace in every corner of your beloved creation. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, grant us mercy, for the living of these complicated and chaotic days. … [Read more...]
Baptism of the Lord — January 12, 2020
Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17 Baptism of the Lord — Year A God is a gentle bringer of justice who shows no partiality. These descriptors feel out of place at the beginning of 2020. The beloved Son of God consents to be baptized by one unworthy to untie the Savior’s sandals. What do we do with such humility from none other than the Messiah and Lord of all? Jesus, in his baptism, affirms God’s willingness to go to whatever lengths required to be united with humanity, in solidarity with sinners, unquestionably present in the chaos of the waters of this world. How do we respond to a divine show of compassionate power made evident in the heaven-opening, earth-colliding, Jesus-emerging, Spirit-descending, God-speaking moment of the baptism of the Lord? Is there anything akin to this in our experience? Why does this matter for us these many years later? The Sunday when we mark Jesus’ baptism reminds us not only of Jesus’ identity, character and habits, but the … [Read more...]
Prayer for Puerto Rico
God, you assure us that when the earth trembles and the hills shake, your covenantal love remains forever. We cling to your word of relationship and compassion for the people of Puerto Rico. As they sift through the rubble and worry about what might come next, we pray courage and comfort for those impacted by the recent earthquakes. Knowing how much our neighbors have already endured from natural disasters, we yearn for an end to their hurt and loss. May they know they are remembered, treasured and not alone during these difficult seasons. Surround them with an unquestionable sense of your healing presence made known through the tangible support from your people. Amen. … [Read more...]
Meet Presbyterian Outlook Foundation board member Tom Currie
An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Tom served as pastor of congregations in Brenham, Texas, and Kerrville, Texas, before helping to establish Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Charlotte, North Carolina, campus in 2001. Tom served as the dean of Union at Charlotte until 2014. He is the author of several articles and four books, including “The Joy of Ministry,” "Bread for the Journey" and “Prayers for the Road.” Tom’s service on the Outlook board has included chairing the nominating committee for many years. Recently, that committee’s duties have expanded to include governance and strategy. Per usual, Tom willingly and ably took on this extra responsibility. Tom thoughtfully helps us remember, when we get anxious or distracted, that our mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are exceedingly grateful for Tom’s humble spirit, keen mind, steady presence and dedicated service. The Presbyterian Outlook Foundation is governed by a board of 15 … [Read more...]
Prayer for Australia
God of all creation, we weep at the destruction wrought by wildfires in Australia. The images of land, homes, people and animals decimated by flames and smoke evoke cries of “How long, O Lord?” Bring relief to those suffering unspeakable loss. Grant respite for firefighters and first responders, helpers of all kinds and leaders making difficult decisions. Even as the land is engulfed in devastation, grant hope for new life and restoration. Grow our resolve to do all that is in our power to stop the conditions that are the catalysts of countless natural disasters. Envelop your beloved world with a vision of your promised future, where crying and death are no more, where the river of life flows, trees shelter all nations and every creature is cared for with compassion. May your peaceful and certain future compel us to actions that give glimpses of its beauty today, especially in those places most in need of your healing. Amen. … [Read more...]
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