In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be […]
Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in […]
Curious Nicodemus is searching for answers, but Jesus invites him into an experience. The Spirit blows where it will, bringing new birth and new beginnings over and over again, and we cannot understand it, dissect it, analyze it, or control it. When something starts, another thing ends, but we do not need to fear, for […]
In this corner…Jesus! In this corner…the devil! As Lent begins, we have an epic showdown on our hands as Jesus confronts sin and evil. But quickly we are faced with our own complicity. How can we live as people of faith who also mess up and test our boundaries on a regular basis? Jesus reminds […]
What is real? Transfiguration is an odd attempt to answer that question. Jesus goes up on a mountain, talks to dead guys, his face glows brightly, God speaks from within a cloud, and the disciples are terrified. Wouldn’t you be? But Transfiguration shows us that even when things are confusing and scary, Jesus isn’t going […]
Salt and light. That’s what Jesus says: “You are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world.” Notice he does not give a list of things to do in order to be salt and light. If you are a follower of Jesus, a citizen of God’s reign, then you already are these […]
When our world seems to be turned upside down…how do we go on? Jesus reminds us that in God’s kingdom, life is anything but business as usual. He is all about turning the world upside down, and giving a foundation of blessing and compassion to keep us right side up. This worship service includes Communion […]
What are you looking for? Where are you staying? Can I get a witness? Today’s Gospel reading is filled with provoking questions to, from and about Jesus. Who is he really? What is he up to? Where can he be found? Often we first see Christ in the example of other people. Indeed, he seems […]
You can’t baptize yourself. Jesus knew this—he came to the waters of the Jordan to be baptized by his cousin John. We know this—we come together to feel the water on our heads and hear words of forgiveness, love and grace. We come together to hear the call to work for justice and peace in […]
In the dumpster fire of life…God is with us. This is the foundation of our Christmas joy. In our Bible readings, Joseph and Ahaz find themselves in impossible situations with no good options and nothing to hope for. They both receive messages saying, Do not be afraid. Hang onto hope. Do not let go. Against […]