Amos 7:7-17; Luke 10:25-37 Ordinary 15C; Proper 10 “Amos, what do you see?” “A plumb line.” “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” The answers are obvious. The answers are obvious, but their implications not easy, nor always readily apparent. I can imagine Amos, that not-a-prophet-but-a-prophet, looking at what he knows to be a plumb line and wondering why God would be showing him a plumb line. What’s holy about a plumb line? What religious ritual employs a plumb line? What is God up to with this plumb line? I wonder if Amos gave his answer confidently or with an implied question mark at the end. What about that lawyer who wanted to test Jesus? I suspect he did not hesitate to show what he knew. Jesus asks, “What is written in the law?” and the lawyer thinks, “I got this.” The lawyer can recite … [Read more...]
Regeneration of life and family (Aug. 18, 2019)
UNIFORM LESSON FOR August 18, 2019 Scripture passage and lesson focus: Ruth 3:1-6, 8-12, 16-18 It is difficult to have hope in the midst of depression and desperation. However, the Book of Ruth shows how even the most desperate situations can be turned around through help from God and others in the community. In so doing, this book argues that suffering, though its feels perpetual, might just be temporary. The Book of Ruth begins with the near decimation of Naomi’s family with the death of her husband and sons. The book concludes, however, with the revival and resurrection of Naomi’s family through the actions of her daughter-in-law, Ruth, and Naomi’s relative, Boaz. Ruth 3:1-6 — Naomi’s plot Unlike the beginning of Ruth, the end of her story is filled with visions of food, abundance, hope and regeneration. The movements in the book from winter, death and hunger to summer, harvest and life is undoubtedly agricultural. Unsurprisingly, this book is read during the Jewish … [Read more...]
The relationship between Ruth and Naomi (Aug. 11, 2019)
UNIFORM LESSON FOR August 11, 2019 Scripture passage and lesson focus: Ruth 1:6-11, 14-18 Being a woman was never easy, but it was especially difficult in ancient times. As a woman you could not inherit, nor usually find respectable and safe employment. You were especially vulnerable if you were elderly, sick or poor. Men, usually those who were related to you, were your main means of protection, help and material support. In an uplifting tale, Ruth offers an optimistic vision of how women working together with the help of God lift themselves out of a tough situation. Ruth 1:6-11 — The tragedy of Naomi The book of Ruth begins with a bleak scene. Facing famine, an Israelite family moves from a town called Bethlehem to the nearby state of Moab. There the two sons of the family marry Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth before succumbing to a series of tragedies. First, the father dies and his death is quickly followed by those of the two sons whose names are Mahlon … [Read more...]
The relationship between Jonathan and David (Aug. 4, 2019)
UNIFORM LESSON FOR August 4, 2019 Scripture passage and lesson focus: 1 Samuel 18:1-5, 19:1-7 Many of us have had friendships and relationships with people who let us down. The biblical stories too speak of both good relationships and bad ones; and the one between Jonathan and David, as least according to my reading, is a bad one. To get a glimpse as to why this relationship is problematic, one has to read the story about David with fresh eyes — a difficult task considering the overwhelmingly favorable portrayal of David in the biblical text. Aligned with Jesus, whom Matthew repeatedly calls the Son of David, this figure is much beloved in the church (see Matthew 1:1, 9:27, 12:23 and 15:2). The reader must remember that David, who becomes the second king of Israel and who establishes a dynasty, was very much a cunning politician. And politicians usually did not successfully climb up the rungs of power without being a bit strategically and politically ruthless. 1 Samuel 18:1-5 … [Read more...]
4th Sunday after Pentecost — July 7, 2019
2 Kings 5:1-14; Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 Ordinary 14C; Proper 9 Seventy-two disciples. One servant girl. A group of Naaman’s servants. Not battalions of soldiers. Not a gathering of world leaders. Not a carefully selected group of the brightest and the best. Just 72 disciples made up of tradespeople and tax collectors. Just the least of the least. Just a young, female servant. Just those unworthy to advise the powerful who muster the courage to speak up. Both Old and New Testament lessons this week point to God’s choice of ordinary people to shape the salvation story and do divine work. Jesus’ advance team of 72, sent out in pairs, would not have appeared impressive or noteworthy. I suspect they looked like ordinary travelers, in need of hospitality, on the road going about their business — with few suspecting their business was divinely ordained and Spirit infused. After all, they did not carry any outward trappings of status or wealth, no readily evident signs of power or … [Read more...]
3rd Sunday after Pentecost — June 30, 2019
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14; Luke 9:51-62 Ordinary 13C; Proper 8 The point of no return looms over both the reading from 2 Kings and Luke’s Gospel. Elijah is about to be taken up to heaven. Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem. Big changes are afoot and there is no turning back from being taken up — in a whirlwind or on the cross. The question for Elisha and for disciples of Jesus is: Will they go the distance with those they profess to follow? Elisha repeats, “As surely as the Lordlives and as you live, I will not leave you.” Elisha remains steadfast, never leaving Elijah, receiving that double portion of Elijah’s spirit and taking on his prophetic mantle. The would-be followers of Jesus in Luke don’t exhibit such tenacity and loyalty. Jesus warns the first one who steps up and proclaims, “I will follow you wherever you go.” He says: Don’t count on lush accommodations, an easy life or much worldly comfort. The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. Are you sure you mean what … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 105
- Next Page »
Tweet With Us
Be A Facebook Fan
Our World in Photos
Pin With Us