When are the free not really free? In today’s reading from Acts, the free are enslaved and the enslaved are made free in a topsy-turvy story about an exploited young woman, a city suspicious of newcomers, and a jailer conflicted about his role in a corrupt system. Paul and Silas come preaching the kingdom of […]
They say “no man is an island,” but sometimes it’s better and saner to have a little solitude. Still, it’s not good to be alone for too long. Jesus explains how God will send the Holy Spirit to urge us on to love one another. The story of Paul and Lydia demonstrates how the Spirit […]
Easter brings a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth, knowing that the risen Christ makes all things new—including us. It washes away human barriers that do not serve God’s purposes for this new family, this new realm. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens […]
It’s usually reassuring to get back to normal after a big life event. But for Peter and Paul, their attempts to get “back to normal” went off track the minute Jesus got involved. Sometimes normal is overrated. Sometimes normal is a code word for being stuck in the status quo. When Jesus shows up, a […]
Locked in the upper room, the disciples weren’t sure how to go on after the crucifixion. Rumor had it Jesus was alive again, but only a few were sure. Jesus shows up for all them, but especially for Thomas, who needs to know Jesus is real and alive in the flesh and in our world. […]
Hosanna! Save us! Today begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a parade for a king who rules by love, not by force. The crowd’s exuberant cries fade partway through the worship service as we look ahead to what is to come: his unjust trial and death sentence. Jesus will face the worst of our […]
Our sense of smell cuts right through our reason and logic and goes straight to our center of emotional memory. Our gospel today is filled with powerful scents and emotions that speak prophetically about what is to come. Jesus will be poured out for the world as Mary pours out her precious perfume. The scent […]
Prodigal or prudent? Wise or wasteful? Which one are you? The story of the Prodigal Son is one that many know and love, but the characters can get on our nerves because it all hits a little too close to home. In the end, Jesus says, it is more important to be in relationship than […]
What do you do when something truly terrible happens? Have you ever wondered if God is punishing us (or you, or them)? The sad reality of tragedy and injustice makes us painfully aware that our lives are limited. It is natural to wonder why, but maybe we could use the time we do have to […]
Jesus uses the image of fox and hen to convey the reality of God’s love in a world of danger. Often we doubt and resist God’s desire to protect and save us. God comes not as an aggressive presence with talons and fangs, but rather as a humble mother hen, gathering us all under her […]