“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Every year on the fourth Sunday of the Easter season we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday, giving thanks for our good God who loves us and cares for us as a shepherd does her flock. And each year we read a favorite psalm, the 23rd, one to … READ MORE…
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, … READ MORE…
Alleluia, Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia! The story of Holy Week is a journey from darkness to light. The fourth Gospel begins Easter Day in darkness, echoing the moment on Thursday when Judas left the community of disciples to betray Jesus and John writes, “it was night”. The night continued until … READ MORE…
Over the past months, there has been a surge at the border. Multiple processions filing in. Caravans, looking for peace, fleeing their homes from violence and challenges in Central America, seeking asylum as they file northward hoping for something better. And processions of military. Forces to hold the line, to “keep the peace.” Razor wire … READ MORE…
A dinner party among beloved friends, drawn closer together by a shared experience of loss and renewal. An unexpected and embarrassing interruption, an over-the-top gift, an acting out of unconditional love, an unwelcome reminder of a long shadow that looms over the gathering. I wonder if you have ever had something like this experience? Most … READ MORE…
There once was a man who, when filling out a form for a job, came to a question which said, “What is your church preference?” The man thought about the question for some time because he really needed the job. He wanted to impress the employer and answered very confidently, “I prefer a red brick … READ MORE…
Reading today’s lesson from Genesis is like coming across a long-running soap opera for the first time when the final episode is airing. If you’ve never sat down to read the whole story of Joseph, you have missed out on the oldest novella known to humanity. Starting in chapter 37 of Genesis with the story … READ MORE…
In the midst of splendid worship Isaiah cries out, “Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips.” Paul writes that he is unfit to be called an apostle. Simon Peter shrinks back from Jesus, stammering about his own sinfulness. Today’s Scripture conspires to convince us that the call to ministry is no … READ MORE…
What is Jesus talking about in today’s gospel? Why is everyone getting so angry? What are these Nazarenes so upset about? In order to get the whole picture of what Jesus is proclaiming in this week’s gospel we need to remember the whole story, which began in last week’s gospel. Not only that, but we … READ MORE…
For about a decade my sons spent time each summer at an Episcopal camp in the Shenandoah Valley. It was an old-fashioned rural camp with rustic cabins each sleeping 10 kids plus a counselor, separate bathroom huts, lots of outdoor activities, and daily worship. The closing worship was always the same. We parents gathered on … READ MORE…