The word of God is a refining fire. Jesus is the great divide in human history. He invites our undivided attention and devotion. Today in worship we are surrounded by a great “cloud of witnesses.” In the word and in holy communion we are invited yet again to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 23:23-29, Psalm 82, Hebrews 11:29–12
The Lord tells us to be ready. Are you ready for whatever comes your way? Hip hop artist, Suga Free, sings the line, “if you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready.” As the body of Christ, we are charged with the task of being ready to serve. A month ago, Jesus reminded us that we are to serve our neighbors. We are to serve each other. We need to break away from the walls of the church and be servants of Christ in the world.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 15:1-6, Psalm 33:12-22, Luke 12:32-40
What makes someone a neighbor? Explore the parable of the Good Samaritan in our context today. How are we neighborly? How are we not neighborly? Does it matter who our neighbors are? Some tough questions to ponder but in the end Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors. Period. There are no exceptions. It is hard to give unconditional love but as Christians, we are commanded by Jesus to love our neighbors.
Accompanying Scripture:
Deuteronomy 30:9-14, Psalm 25:1-10, Luke 10:25-37
On Pentecost, we celebrate that we have been given an Advocate to accompany us. Poured out in wind and fire, water, wine, and bread, the Holy Spirit abides in and among us. We give thanks that God speaks to each of us, no matter our origins, language, or life path. Filled with the Spirit of truth, we go out from worship to proclaim the saving power of Christ’s love and the freedom of God’s grace with all the world.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17
Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Christ is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love.
Accompanying Scripture:
Acts 11:1-18, Psalm 23, John 13:31-35
Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. Joseph lives it in Egypt. Jesus preaches it in the gospel. The Spirit guides us into merciful lives with the power of forgiveness to reconcile what is fractured and divided.
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 45:3-11, 15 , Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40, Luke 6:27-38
Our scripture readings today discuss the importance of being rooted in love and grounded in God’s beloved community. Blessing comes not from having everything all together but from being in relationship with one another especially in times of struggle and pain. Together we remember how to trust God through anxious times.
Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, Luke 6:17-26
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
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
When Amos reports his vision of God judging Israel for its mistreatment of the poor, he becomes a threat to the power of the priests and the king. John the Baptist also speaks truth to power, and Herod has him killed. In Herod’s fear that Jesus is John returned from the dead, we may hear hope for the oppressed: all the prophets killed through the ages are alive in Jesus. We are called to witness to justice in company with them, and to proclaim God’s saving love.
Accompanying Scripture:
Mark 6:14-29, Psalm 85:8-13, Amos 7:7-13
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