What goes up must come down. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. Easy come, easy go. The theme of reversal runs throughout our readings today, as luck begins to change for Haman and Mordecai in the book of Esther. Alongside the Esther story, we hear Jesus’ words about God’s justice, […]
Perhaps you have been chosen for such a time as this. Mordecai’s words to Esther ring true for us as well, whenever we face choices and crossroads in life. Do we take the safe path? Or do we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it requires risk and sacrifice? We may feel […]
What does God ask us to do in impossible situations? Is it better to challenge authority or keep your head down? As we begin a four-week series on the book of Esther, we hear about two very different women and how each of them exist in an unjust regime with a dangerously erratic king. Vashti […]
Is it Jesus, or a ghost? Far from the shore and in the midst of a storm, the disciples see Jesus walking on water, but assume it can’t possibly be him. We often assume the mysterious workings of God are something far worse, because our perceptions have been skewed by the storms we are in. […]
In a lonely place, both the disciples and a crowd with many great needs gather to be with Jesus. They are more alike than they realize—all sheep in need of a shepherd. Jesus feeds both groups with a miraculous meal of bread and fish, with belonging, with compassion, with purpose. Daily bread begins with satisfying […]
Worst party ever. Our gospel story tells the story of John the Baptist speaking truth to power and paying the ultimate price. We are called to courageously break toxic cycles of violence and destruction and choose to live as citizens of the kingdom of God. It won’t be easy, that’s for sure, but following the […]
Healing is a word we throw around a lot in the church, but what does it really mean? Jesus heals a woman who has been bleeding for twelve years and brings a girl back to life in today’s gospel reading. In both cases he restores them to the healing power of their community, and reminds […]
Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation! Now we are in the storm, the boat almost swamped; but Jesus is here now, and when we call him, he will calm the storm. Even the wind and waves listen to him as they would to their creator. We also listen to him […]
The mustard seed becomes a great shrub that shelters the birds, recalling ancient images of the tree of life. We’d expect a cedar or a sequoia, but Jesus finds the power of God better imaged in a tiny, no-account seed. It’s not the way we expect divine activity to look. Yet the tree of life […]
What’s gotten into you? Jesus returns to his hometown and brings the drama, as a crowd demands healing, exorcisms, and explanations. Even his own family worries that he might be out of his mind. When people don’t understand you, Jesus says, remember the world needs to be shaken up. The Holy Spirit is what’s gotten […]