~ Jeremiah 14:7-18 ~ I have to admit I’m feeling weary these days, even somewhat depressed. This current election cycle will do that to you. It is truly wearisome, isn’t it? Just want it to be over. But it isn’t. So, I have decided in the weeks leading up to … Read More
~ Isaiah 52:7-9/Mark 1:1, 9-15 ~ Down around the corner on 24th St is a small store called “Good News.” Despite the crammed quarters there always seems to be some locals hanging out with Sam, the proprietor. The other day I was in there and asked, a bit facetiously, “Have … Read More
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