| Infants learn that mommy (or daddy or doggy) doesn’t cease to exist just because she’s out of sight or hearing. It’s a fundamental learning that allows the human brain to understand time and space relationships. It can also become idolatry foolishness. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Malachi 4:1-2a; Luke 21:5-19
| How do you tell a sinner from a saint? A handy field guide is in the history of the martyrs (St. Stephen, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Joan of Arc, etc.). They were universally seen as enemies of the state and/or the established religion (Martin Luther narrowly escaped becoming a martyr as an enemy of the Church). Wanna be a saint? Being a sinner is a good start. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Job 19:23-27a; Luke 20:27-38
| Jesus tells a story about two people who come to the temple to pray, to present a “spiritual audit” to God. Both tell God the truth. One gives God all the glory. The other gives God nothing and asks for more. God is happier with the grifter than with the giver. Say what? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; Luke 18:9-14
| Jesus tells a story about a lawsuit brought before a callous judge. The facts are not in question but the character of the judge is. How would you rule? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8
| In both readings for this Sunday, pride plays a key role in the stories. Both featured characters in the stories had to change the way they looked at the situation… Sometimes, we need to turn our assumptions upside down and let go of our pride to see things clearly. |
Accompanying Scripture:
2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Luke 17:11-19
| Jesus is pretty rough on his friends, accusing them of not having enough faith (trust). If THEY, the ones who walked and talked with him in person didn’t measure up, how do we stand a chance of being worthy servants? Maybe – if we add our faith together – we could move a small plant… or build one. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Luke 17:5-10
| Jesus tells a troubling story about two men on opposite ends of the rich-poor spectrum but their fortunes are reversed in the next life. Apparently, “love your neighbor” isn’t just about a sentiment: it’s about noticing and meeting others’ needs. Turns out, we get to do God’s work with our wallets, too! |
Accompanying Scripture:
Amos 6 1a: 4-7; Luke 16:19-31
| From the trivial (a grocery list, an old sock) to the devastating (a job, a loved one), we all know the frustration, embarrassment, sorrow, anxiety, etc., of loss. Those are all common to the human experience… and the divine, too. Listen as Pastor Craig explores how does God – and how can we – deal with losing? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Exodus 32: 7-14; Luke 15: 1-10
| We’re trained to calculate from early childhood on. We get very good analyzing costs. Jesus challenges us to spend some time and money considering values. What is a healthy relationship with God, partner, parent, child, friend worth to you in time or money? Listen as Pastor Craig explores the question, “What are the most important things in your life?” |
Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
| Sometimes two passages of scripture seem to argue with each other. While we’re tempted to resolve tensions like this, it’s often healthier – but harder – to let them both work in our heads and hearts. Listen as Interim Pastor Craig considers two readings from Galatians and 1 Timothy that address gender roles… and illustrate a centuries-long debate. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Galatians 3:23-29; 1 Timothy 2:8-15
