Our texts today speak of despair and violence. Of hope crushed. Of faith shattered. In short, pretty negative. The Babylonian exile, which began in 587 BC, was a powerfully devastating and sad experience for the Jewish people. Their perception as the one true people of God was destroyed. It was … Read More
~ Luke16:19 – 31 ~ A Pearly Gate joke: A minister died and went to the Pearly Gates. Resplendent in his clerical collar and colorful robes he’s waiting in line and just ahead of him is a guy dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans. Saint Peter … Read More
~ Jeremiah 8:18-9:1/Luke 16:1-13 ~ There is no doubt, our two scripture texts today are troubling. In short, they are a mess. Let’s see if we can clean up the mess we have before us. And in so doing understand just a bit more about God’s redemptive love for us … Read More
~ Luke 14:25 – 33 ~ Before I read the next scripture lesson I want to talk about “lectionary.” Most of the time, with few exceptions, I preach from the lectionary. The Revised Common Lectionary, as it’s called, is a three-year cycle of scripture texts that covers most of the … Read More
~ Luke 9:51-62 ~ Being comfortable didn’t used to be a thing. Through most of history it was just assumed that the normal condition of life was being uncomfortable. Now, being ‘comforted’ was a thing. The bible speaks of such comfort: “Comfort ye, my people” and “The God of all … Read More
*Sermon presented by CLP Jeanne Choy Tate* ~ Luke 7:36 – 8:3 ~ Today’s story of the anointing woman is found in all four gospels. However, in Matthew, Mark and John this anointing takes place at Jesus’ final Passover near the end of his life. Because those stories end with … Read More