Posts Tagged ‘20th Sunday After Pentecost’
Who’s on the Guest List?
As Jesus approached the cross in Jerusalem, not everyone grasped the significance. There were those religious leaders who were threatened by his increasing popularity among the masses and wanted to shut that down. AND there some who were awaiting a Jesus that would green-light a violent overthrow of Roman oppression and were hoping this was their time.
Read MorePrayers you can’t F#CK Up
Our lectionary text this week picks up on a common theme in Luke’s Gospel. The writer of this gospel often places those that have little political power or religious clout, social outsiders, at the center of the story. This usually happens to the dismay of those that might consider themselves righteous and worthy of being at the center. Luke often decenters and recenters through table fellowship; Jesus has dinner with undesirable characters and the meals foreshadow a heavenly feast filled with celebration and community.
Read MoreHis Most Prized Possession
On the surface it seems perfectly obvious. Jesus tells a wealthy man to sell all he has and give it to the poor. When the rich man hears this he is “shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” It seems Jesus’ words also shocked the disciples too, who wondered, if this is the expectation, then “who can be saved?”
Read MoreWho is More Right?
To not judge ourselves in comparison to others is extremely difficult. Sometimes, the only way we know we are “right” is when we judge and compare ourselves against others; our opinions, our strongly held views, our values. The binaries of “right-wrong”, “good-evil”, “us-them”, etc. define who we are.
Read MoreYou’re Invited
Stephen Curry, basketball star of the Golden State Warriors, said he wasn’t quite sure he wanted to visit the White House. He was hesitant due to the President’s statements concerning NFL football players and their protests during the national anthem…
Read MoreSuperhero Spandex
Superhero movies are all the rage recently. I’m sure there are a variety of reasons why…such as an affinity for spandex. A more likely reason might be the attraction of…
Read MoreBecoming Human
This week’s text is a difficult one. The disciples want Jesus to increase their faith, which is the very thing Jesus is eager to do. At first glance, however, Jesus…
Read MoreGood God
Is there enough good for all of us?
Read More