What’s the point of it all? Some days we are tempted to just give up and quit trying. Today Jesus tells a parable about a corrupt judge and a persistent widow, and we hear an old story of Jacob the patriarch wrestling with God. They remind us that giving up is not an option. Even […]
How do we live with our enemies? This question is all over in our world, and the same was true in Jesus’ day. The gospel writer Luke tells a story about Jesus and ten sick people who ask him for mercy. How can mercy be a bridge between enemies? Who gets healed, who gets to […]
It has been said, “money is the root of all evil.” Today we might say “people over profit.” While money can do good and important things, it has a lot of corrosive power to harm human relationship. Today Jesus tells a story about how money can distort our ability to see others as real people, […]
Animals have a wisdom all their own, given to them by God, and they have much to teach us, if only we are patient and humble enough to pay attention. Today we wrap up the Season of Creation by celebrating Animal Sunday. Animals, especially wild animals, remind us that we are not the center of […]
Look up at the stars on a clear night and you will see a new reality. There is so much more than what we see here. When we feel torn apart, spinning out of control, the divine mind revealed in the universe reminds us that we are still right where we should be. Christ is […]
There is no shortage of storms in our world today, whether in weather, politics, or the state of the human heart. Storms originally had a purpose to play in creation, but today they have grown unbalanced in intensity and power. Jesus doesn’t prevent storms. Nor does he stand apart from them. But he is with […]
Oceans have captured human imagination for centuries. They are deep, mysterious, dangerous and unpredictable…but they are also part of us. God cares for the ocean like a child, like our brother or sister. Jesus partners with the ocean to teach his followers and bring abundance to the people. Through Christ we are one with the […]
If faith is a relay race, Jesus would run both the first leg and the anchor leg. He is the strongest and most reliable runner, able to endure the greatest hardship of all, but as each of us takes our turn with the baton of challenge and heartbreak, he is right there, coaching and encouraging […]
Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning—to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part in today’s assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear. This worship service includes […]
Talking to yourself is totally normal…right? Sometimes it’s just safer than trying to engage with other people. But today we hear about the misstep of talking only to yourself. How easily we get caught up in ourselves and our stuff and forget about the needs and perspectives of others! How easily we forget that true […]