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Category Archives: Lection Reflections
Is Jesus Calling Us To Be Superheroes?
(a Lection Reflection on Mark 4:35-41) I have a guilty habit to share: I enjoy reading adventure novels. Jason Bourne, Dirk Pitt, Jack Ryan — I buy them in paperback, and usually read them in a couple of days. They’re brain … Continue reading
Of David, twigs, and seeds — a lesson about the Kingdom of God
(A Lection Reflection on 1 Samuel 15:34 – 16:13, Ezekiel 17:22-24, and Mark 4:26-34) I love the Onion. So, when they put out a faux compilation of their work across the 20th century entitled “Our Dumb Century,” I had to have a copy. On … Continue reading
Are Christians Crazy? (Mark 3)
(a Lection Reflection on Mark 3 and 2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1) Yes, that’s a provocative title — as in, for most people it provokes an immediate response. Based on recent incidents reported in the media, the response “hell yes” … Continue reading
The Process of Being Born-ed (John 3)
(a Lection Reflection on John 3) My wife and I have two grown sons. We have experienced many special, wondrous moments with each of them. I have to say, though, that one of the most amazing moments I have ever … Continue reading
Dry Bones, Dry Drunks, Dry Churches, and Hope — a Pentecost Reflection
(A Lection Reflection on Ezekiel 37: 1-14) This week’s Old Testament lection is one of my favorites. The symbolism is powerful, the message of resurrection even more so. But, in the midst of the word of hope, there is also … Continue reading
Cynics, Scoffers, Despair, and Me (Psalm 1)
I am, by nature, a Pollyanna. I tend to look on the bright side, to see the good in everyone, to be Up most of the time. On the Enneagram, I am a Seven, which means life to me is … Continue reading
We’re Only Loved If We Obey? (John 15)
(A Lection Reflection on John 15:9-13) At first glance, this week’s lection looks less like the reassuring Jesus of the Farewell Discourse, and more like the “right strawy epistle” of James. Lots of “ifs” here: IF you keep my commandments, … Continue reading
I John 3:18 — Act or Career?
“Love in word and deed.” This week’s Lection Reflection looks at that word “deed” – and finds a deeper meaning in the Greek. #lectionary Continue reading
The Right and The Wrong Way to Deny Yourself
(A Lection Reflection on Mark 8:34) Since forever, humankind has been trying to propitiate an angry god. From sacrificing virgins, to self-flagellation, to whatever gift of obligation we can think up, we keep approaching the spiritual world as something to … Continue reading
Lection Reflection: Processing the Transfiguration
This week’s passage is a very familiar one, and has been written and preached about so many times that there is not much for me to add. I will note, though, a couple of things that struck me. Continue reading