Finding God in Silence and Chaos – Pentecost 2 Commentary

Last updated on: June 15, 2025 at 2:47 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Second Sunday after Pentecost – June 22, 2025 (Proper 7) I Kings 19:1-15a Psalm 22:19-28 Galatians 3:23-29 Luke 8:26-39 The great religious traditions began with mystical experiences, and are sustained through an ongoing commitment to spiritual practices. In the biblical tradition, persons encounter God and then are given a mission. Encounters with God challenge us to action. Mysticism inspires mission, and confrontation with injustice. The Old Testament/Hebraic and Gospel readings introduce us to the paranormal.... Read more

A Teenage Symphony to God: A Homage to Brian Wilson

Last updated on: June 12, 2025 at 7:04 am By Bruce Epperly

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A Teenage Symphony to God – A Homage to Brian Wilson When I heard that Brian Wilson had died, it rocked by soul. Brian had been a spiritual companion to me for nearly sixty years. He was the musician of my life, who spoke to my spirit in the same way that the hymns of my childhood still speak to me. Whether it was a surf song, a hymn to youthful angst, the melodies of “Pet Sounds” and “Good Vibrations,”... Read more

Become Fire: A New Pentecost for Progressive Christians

Last updated on: June 10, 2025 at 5:20 am By Bruce Epperly

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The story is told of an encounter involving the North African Desert Fathers, Abba Lot and Abba Joseph. Seeking Abba Joseph’s wisdom, Abba Lot confided in the North African sage, “As far as I’m able I follow my daily office, I fast a little, I pray and meditate, I live in peace as far as I can, and I purify my thoughts.” The old man paused, stood up, and stretched his hands toward the heavens. Fire burst forth from his... Read more

What’s So Holy about the Trinity – Trinity Sunday Commentary

Last updated on: June 8, 2025 at 2:48 pm By Bruce Epperly

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What’s So Holy About the Trinity? – Trinity Sunday – June 15, 2025 Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15 Celebrating the glories of God’s presence in the world continue on Trinity Sunday. Although the Trinity is much neglected in progressive churches, its theological resurrection is essential for a holistic theological, spiritual, and political vision in our time. Following the radical amazement inspired by Pentecost Sunday, we move from the Descent of the Spirit, and the transformation of... Read more

When the Spirit Moves, There is Unity – Pentecost Commentary

Last updated on: June 1, 2025 at 9:16 am By Bruce Epperly

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The Adventurous Lectionary – Pentecost Sunday – June 8, 2025 Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:14-17 John 14:8-17 (25-27) Pentecost is a day of celebration. A day to awaken to God’s mystic presence. To sing, dance, speak in different languages, and claim God’s unitive spirit. A day that transcends division and binary thinking. A day that affirms E Pluribus Unum, from many one, and challenges us to embrace the Spirit’s unity in a world of diversity, honoring both unity... Read more

Singing our Faith – Lectionary Commentary – June 1, 2025

Last updated on: May 26, 2025 at 9:01 am By Bruce Epperly

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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Seventh Sunday of Easter – June 1, 2025 Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97 Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17:20-26 Christian spirituality is, in its essence, adventurous, surprising and countercultural. God never stands still, nor should our faith. Faithfulness to God is openness to change. It is also mystical nature, opening us to deeper experiences of the Holy, from which we receive our life mission. God is in this place – our lives – and we can... Read more

Do You Want to Be Healed – Lectionary Commentary for May 25

Last updated on: May 18, 2025 at 8:14 am By Bruce Epperly

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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 25, 2025 Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10; 21:22-22:5; John 5:1-9 In Search of the Miraculous Many people today are in search of the miraculous. We want to transcend the challenges of the daily news. We want a new world to emerge beyond the current injustices perpetrated by national leaders. We want to experience faith rather than hear about it. We want the living word of God’s presence and... Read more

Praise, Value, and Love – Lectionary Commentary for May 18

Last updated on: May 11, 2025 at 3:29 pm By Bruce Epperly

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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 18, 2025 Acts 11:1-18 Psalm 148 Revelation 21:1-6 John 13:31-35 Today’s readings describe the scope of grace and salvation and God’s revelation in the non-human as well as human world. Is salvation restricted to a small group or are the gates of salvation wide open? Is salvation restricted to humankind, or does it include the non-human world? If the non-human world can praise God, does that mean that God... Read more

Miracles, Wonders, and Hospitality – Lectionary for May 11

Last updated on: May 5, 2025 at 9:14 am By Bruce Epperly

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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fourth Sunday of Easter – May 11, 2025 Acts 9:36-43, Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 On this Sunday, we focus on shepherds, lambs, and sheep as image of the divine-human relationship. In most churches, mothers – and the women who have shaped our lives spiritually and intellectually – if not biologically. Whether living or deceased, we give thanks for our good ancestors or good ancestors in the making who have provided guidance and inspiration... Read more

Mysticism that Moves the World – May 4 Lectionary Commentary

Last updated on: April 27, 2025 at 4:16 pm By Bruce Epperly

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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Third Sunday of Easter – May 4,2025 Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19 An Abundance of Possiblities Some Sundays give the preacher too many possibilities, and The Third Sunday of Easter is no exception. The Third Sunday of Easter is a mother lode of riches for the adventurous preacher, chock full of homiletical possibilities. The readings all have a mystical air, but they express the life-changing mystic vision in a variety of ways.... Read more