Sometimes we settle for peace as an absence of violence or tension. John the Baptist and other prophets call us to a more robust peace: one that brings safety, refuge, and rest to the vulnerable. Peace enacts justice, and it requires the hard work of constructing new roads through the wilderness. (Barne Geese)
Accompanying Scripture:
Malachi 3:1-4 , Luke 1:68-79, Luke 3:1-6
Our culture often speaks of hope as either a Pollyannaish positivism or a measured optimism. Viewed through the lens of the cross, hope becomes an agent of empowering transformation instead. It does not deny suffering. Hope acknowledges that the present conditions are desperate, and it depends on God, with whom nothing is impossible. Hope is honest about suffering and urgent about God’s future. (From Barn Geese)
Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 33:14-16, Psalm 25:1-10, Luke 21:25-36
We often define justice as people getting what they deserve, but Jesus shows us a kind of justice that is more interested in what is necessary and loving than in what is fair. Jesus’ justice is ridiculously unbalanced: the Human One takes all of the hits, and humanity gets all of the benefits. Once we’ve experienced the liberation this kind of justice brings, it calls us to lives of even greater responsibility.
Accompanying Scripture:
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14, Psalm 93, John 18:33-38
“Great is thy faithfulness!” sings a favorite hymn. We encounter God’s faithfulness whenever God meets us in baptismal waters, in bread and cup, in the word proclaimed, and in sins forgiven. On the other hand, our culture often frames faith as something we force into existence by sheer willpower: “Just have a little faith!” If our faith is a manifestation of God’s own faithfulness instead, then it is communal. It is tied to regular practices, and it asks us to show ourselves to God, just like God shows Godself to us.
Accompanying Scripture:
1 Samuel 1:4-20 , 1 Samuel 2:1-10, Mark 13:1-8
Widows are visible everywhere in today’s readings. Jesus denounces those scribes who pray impressive prayers but devour widows’ houses. He commends the poor widow who in his view gave far more than the major donors. Jesus doesn’t see her simply as an object of compassion or charity. She, like the widow of Zarephath who shares her last bit of food with Elijah, does something of great importance. Today we are invited to reflect on what we have to offer, what God can do with what we bring and how do we lift up those on the margins?
Accompanying Scripture:
1 King 17:8-16, Psalm 146, Mark 12:38-44
On All Saints’ day, we remember loved ones who have died. In worship we will name out loud each loved person we have buried in the last year. In our scripture readings we are reminded that our grief, our tears are sacred. Together as the church we celebrate God’s hope and promise of resurrection for all. Someday we will be reunited again. Our sainthood is not based on our goodness or earned acceptedness but God’s constant love and grace for us.
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 25:6-9, Psalm 24, John 11: 32-44
This week’s gospel starts with disciples obsessing over who will be closest to Jesus, leading to Jesus teaching his followers about God’s take on importance and power. Here Jesus makes it explicit that the reversal of values in God’s community is a direct challenge to the values of the dominant culture, where wielding power over others is what makes you great. When we pray “your kingdom come” we are praying for an end to tyranny and oppression. We pray this gathered around the cross, a sign of great shame transformed to be the sign of great honor and service.
Accompanying Scripture:
Job 38:1-7, Psalm 91:9-16, Mark 10:35-45
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other.
Accompanying Scripture:
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15, Psalm 90:12-17, Mark 10: 17-31
This Sunday we celebrate the bright and beautiful creation we are a part of and live with on a daily basis. We remember all of creation matters, even the mosquito. We recommit ourselves to be a careful steward and together with God, we build a hopeful future where all thrive.
Accompanying Scripture:
Romans 8:18-25, Psalm 96, Mark 16: 9-15
Throughout scripture, mountains are a sign of God’s majesty and power. From these high vantage points, we feel in the tingling sensations of our toes how high up we are and how small humanity truly is. This Sunday we give thanks for a different perspective and renew our call to care for all things great and small.
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 3:1-12, Psalm 148, Mark 9:2-10
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