Scripture: John 14:23-29 While John 14 graces us with a blessing of peace, it also holds us accountable. Before Jesus speaks of peace, before he promises the Spirit, he reminds his followers that truly knowing and loving God cannot be separated from actions: “Those who love me will keep my word.” So, as we near the end of our Easter … Read More

Scripture: John 13:31-35 As a young girl, I love new things. I couldn’t wait to tear off the wrappings and put on whatever new things I received. I love to put on new shoes and go out somewhere, anywhere. When I planted my first narcissus bulb, I got up at night hoping to catch its flowers coming out. When I … Read More

Scripture: John 10:22-30 This Gospel reading takes us back to winter, to Hanukkah, the festival of Dedication. Jesus walks around the Temple during a time when his contemporaries are especially mindful not only of the liberation and restoration of the Temple under the Maccabees but also of kings and kingship. Perhaps that mindfulness prompts the question, “How long will you … Read More

Scripture: John 21:1-13 “Can we go fishing” my 13-year-old daughter, Ellen, asks quite often. Her requests are usually last-minute ones, but I try to go whenever possible. I am her ride, the one who buys the bait, and the helper with twisted lines. Typically, I just sit and watch, and usually, she doesn’t catch anything. But it’s a great way … Read More

Scripture: John 20:19-31 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” (John 20:21) Jesus commissions each of us to extend his work in the world today. We need not, out of false humility, believe we can do nothing great as he did. We must not, out of arrogance, … Read More

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 A sanctuary is a place where we meet God. But it is not only in churches that we encounter God. It is sometimes a place like an empty tomb that we vividly experience the grace of God. When the women walked to the tomb to tend Jesus’ body at dawn, they were going back to a place … Read More

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 Today’s reading marks the climax of the travel narrative, Luke’s account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. Jesus and his disciples have reached the Mount of Olives. It will play a prominent role in the Passion narrative, but now it is the place of preparation for the entry into Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples as advance agents to … Read More

Scripture: John 12:1-8 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3 John chose to include this account in order that we might understand something of what real worship is. Worship is the center of Christian life. … Read More

The Parable of the Lost (Prodigal Son) Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 In line with the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus tells an extended parable with the same lesson in mind. However, the parable of the lost son packs more of an emotional punch. Most Christians already know this parable well, even new Christians. It’s one of … Read More

What is the Meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree? Scripture: Luke 13:1-9 Jesus told the Parable of the Fig Tree — Luke 13:6-9 — immediately after reminding His listeners of a tower over the pool of Siloam (John 9:7) which unexpectedly fell and killed eighteen people. The moral of that story is found in Luke 13:3 — “Unless … Read More