The Adventurous Lectionary – The Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – October 25, 2020

Last updated on: October 16, 2020 at 9:05 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – October 25, 2020 – Pentecost 21 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46 With the election just over a week away, this Sunday’s readings point us beyond the individual self – and our individual life histories – to identification with God’s Self and the well-being of others long after we have left the scene. They move us from self-interest to world loyalty and from short term goals toward the wellbeing of generations decades... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 11, 2020

Last updated on: October 1, 2020 at 8:36 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 11, 2020 Exodus 32:1-14, Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23, Philippians 4:4-9, Matthew 22:1-14 What happens when we turn away from God and follow the devices and desires of our own hearts? How does God respond to our waywardness? Are there ways that we can stay on the path, knowing from time to time we will miss the mark? As a spiritual guide once said, the path of faith is a constant... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 4, 2020

Last updated on: September 24, 2020 at 8:46 am By Bruce Epperly

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 4, 2020 Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19, Philippians 3:4-14, Matthew 21:33-46 While there are many entry points for this Sunday’s readings, I will focus on Philippians 3:4-14 as the primary lens for interpreting the other passages. Looking toward the far horizons, running the race with imperfection and hope, enables us to follow divine guidance (The Ten Commandments) as well as respond to the serious consequences of our responses to God. (Matthew 21:33-46) Good... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 27, 2020

Last updated on: September 17, 2020 at 3:18 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 27, 2020 Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32 It has been said that the question, “do you believe in God?” is less important than “what kind of God do you believe in?” Our images of God shape our understanding of our personal agency, hope for the future, authority, approach to diversity, and political perspectives. Some images of God may promote violence, passivity, and authoritarian approaches to... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 20, 2020

Last updated on: September 10, 2020 at 8:31 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 20, 2020 Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Philippians 1:21-30, Matthew 20:1-16 The times are in upheaval for persons and congregations. Many congregations are considering returning to public in-person worship and are feeling overwhelmed by details and concerns about congregants’ health. We are also concerned about our congregational health – most congregations are struggling with budgets and pondering reducing staff in the next few years. One of the most important... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 13, 2020

Last updated on: September 3, 2020 at 9:54 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – September 13, 2020 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 14:19-31, Psalm114, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35 Today’s readings explore the interdependent themes of forgiveness, pluralism, and deliverance. Our dependence and interdependence with God and others are the framework for understanding the spiritual adventure. Still, the readings are challenging, first, because of the relationship of deliverance and violence in the Genesis story and, second, in the contrasting scandal of Jesus’ demand for forgiveness in our current polarizing, unforgiving... Read more

Adventurous Lectionary – Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – September 7, 2020

Last updated on: August 27, 2020 at 3:49 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – September 10, 2017 – The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Bruce G. Epperly Exodus 12:1-14 Psalm 149 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 18:15-20 This week’s scriptures are spiritually ambiguous. They raise issues of divine violence and exclusion as well as God’s protective safety and the preservation of community. Like many important religious feasts, the celebration of Passover is shrouded in mystery and ethical ambiguity. On the one hand, God delivers the Hebrew people from oppression in Egypt. Those who... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Thirteenth Sunday of Pentecost – August 30, 2020

Last updated on: August 20, 2020 at 7:59 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – August 30, 2020 – Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-6. 23-26, 45a; Romans 12:9-21: Matthew 16:21-28 This Sunday’s readings join mysticism with action and God-awareness with sacrifice. Following the way of God, and the path of Jesus, doesn’t always lead to winning, contrary to the bloviations of certain political leaders who identify faith with coercive power and domineering orthodoxy. Following God’s way may lead to sacrifice, downward mobility, and moving from calm to chaos.... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Fishing for Persons

Last updated on: August 20, 2020 at 6:25 pm By Bruce Epperly

CXXXVIII Fishing for People (8/20) Follow me, and I will make you fish for people. (Matthew 5:19; see Matthew 5:18-22) Follow me! How can you follow Jesus and fish for people when you’re sheltering in place? How can you share good news when you don’t get out much? The gospel isn’t about distance. Every place can be the right place to share good news. No activity is bereft of God’s presence. You can serve God wherever you are. Look at... Read more