The Adventurous Lectionary: Personality and Transpersonality — August 4, 2013

Last updated on: July 29, 2013 at 12:43 pm By Bruce Epperly

Thank God that we can “know” God; but thank God also that God is shrouded in unfathomable mystery. In the liveliness of faith, we need both intimacy and prophetic distance. Read more

Adventurous Lectionary: Divine Parenting and Human Well-Being – July 28, 2013

Last updated on: July 23, 2013 at 5:05 pm By Bruce Epperly

Lectionary Reflections for Pentecost 10 — July 28, 2013 Texts: Hosea 1:2-10; Psalm 85; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13 Today’s readings are profoundly theocentric in their proclamation of a universal God for whom the affairs of humans and nations are of significance. The readings also present the many faces of God – as challenger, restorer, enemy, parent, and transformer. The God of Hosea is morally ambiguous, destroying and demeaning as a prelude to new creation. The Psalmist images God as the source of national restoration. ... Read more

Power, Love, and the Absence of God: A Dialogue with Sheridan Voysey’s “Resurrection Year”

Last updated on: July 19, 2013 at 5:52 pm By Bruce Epperly

[This post is part of a roundtable conversation on the new book, Resurrection Year by Sheridan Voysey, now featured at the Patheos Book Club.] Sheridan Voysey’s Resurrection Year is a testament to faith and honesty. It opens the door for faithful Christians to take theology seriously and go beyond the rote recitation of “orthodox” doctrines, especially when time after time our prayers remain unanswered. Author Madeleine L’Engle describes a question she once received following a lecture at a Christian college. ... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary: Pentecost 9, July 21, 2013

Last updated on: July 19, 2013 at 12:10 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – Pentecost 9 – July 21, 2013 Texts: Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42 Today’s readings abound in possibilities, including the possibility that we will suffer serious consequences if we deviate from God’s vision of Shalom. According to the readings from Psalms and Amos, there is both a promise and threat in our relationship with God. Openness to God’s vision opens us to lively and transformative energies and contributes to the healing the world. Closing... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Prophet, Pastor, and Provocateur – July 14, 2013

Last updated on: July 8, 2013 at 12:20 pm By Bruce Epperly

Lectionary Reflections for Pentecost 8 – July 14, 2013 It has been said that the prophetic task involves agitating the comfortable and comforting the agitated. This is surely the case in today’s lectionary readings. Just ten days beyond the Fourth of July, these readings challenge our personal and national priorities and pretentions, and our temptation to subvert justice and care for the vulnerable for the sake of our economic and national well-being. The church, even the liberal church, is often... Read more

Can the Fourth of July be a Spiritual Holiday, Too?

Last updated on: July 3, 2013 at 11:45 am By Bruce Epperly

Here are some spiritual practices for experiencing the holy amidst the nation's fireworks. Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary for July 7: Transformation is Right in Front of You

Last updated on: July 1, 2013 at 7:04 pm By Bruce Epperly

The central question for pastor, congregants, and the congregation as a whole is: Are our choices and behaviors opening us and others to Christ or are they standing in the way of God’s generously given abundance? Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary for June 30: Bold Requests and Challenges

Last updated on: June 24, 2013 at 4:23 pm By Bruce Epperly

Today’s scriptures assert that God’s realm promises great things, and asks us to be persistent and focused in our quest to be faithful; we may have to let go of familiar relationships and comforts to awaken to the wonders God has in store for us. Sacrifice is essential to living faith, and our sacrifices open us to surprising powers and possibilities. Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary for June 23: Questions That Change the World

Last updated on: June 18, 2013 at 2:02 pm By Bruce Epperly

Lectionary Reflections for the Fifth Sunday in Pentecost – June 23, 2013 I Kings 19:1-4, 8-15a; Psalm 42 and 43; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39 Questions that Change the World “What are you doing here?” God’s question to frightened Elijah addresses us all. Why have we taken this path? What events got us into our current situation or life crisis? Now that we are here, what is our intention? Elijah’s intent was to save his skin. But, in hiding out, he discovered he could... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary: Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Last updated on: June 5, 2013 at 2:09 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – June 16, 2013 I Kings 21:1-10, 15-21a; Psalm 5:1-8; Galatians 2:15-21; Luke 7:36-8:3 Lively Grace and Difficult Justice Grace abounds, but grace doesn’t nullify the consequences of our personal or corporate actions. What we do matters and although grace can change the meaning of the past and awaken us to alternative futures, it cannot erase the impact of our actions. Justice and mercy leave seeds of creative transformation that contribute health and wholeness, while injustice and hard-heartedness... Read more

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