Peter’s words say that our youth shall see visons and our elders shall dream dreams (Acts 2:17) It is easy to see ways that generations are at odds: in the workplace, community, or schools. They see the world from different vantage points. But the call of Pentecost is toward shared visions and dreams rooted in […]
In today’s service we explore Psalm 23 in spoken and sung versions. The psalm imagines an abundant life as promised to those who follow Jesus. An abundant life is one lived in God’s presence, in the Lord’s company. Whether it is in green pastures or the darkest valley, there is nothing to want because God […]
This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. […]
Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as […]
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 […]