The Adventurous Lectionary – Sixth Sunday after Easter – May 17, 2020

Last updated on: May 7, 2020 at 7:28 pm By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 17, 2020 Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:18-20 I Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 Theological reflection matters. Indeed, theology matters even more in times of crisis. Times of crisis bring out the best and worst of us, ethically and theologically. Many congregations, such as my own, despite lower revenues during this time of pandemic, when sanctuaries are shuttered, have increased their outreach to the larger community. The challenges we face inspire us to... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Still Waters Run Deep

Last updated on: May 7, 2020 at 7:27 am By Bruce Epperly

LI. STILL WATERS RUN DEEP (5/7) He leads me beside still waters…Psalm 23:3 On a regular basis, I stop in the parking lots adjoining Wequaquet Lake and Jonah’s Pond here in Barnstable. I bathe my senses in cool breezes and gentle waters. All is at rest. All is calm. All is at peace. Many of us struggle to find a still point, a quiet center, in this rapidly turning world. While our days have fewer activities – although many of... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Be Still, My Soul

Last updated on: May 6, 2020 at 6:49 am By Bruce Epperly

LI. RESTORING OUR SOULS He restores to my soul – Psalm 46:3 The word “restore” occurs throughout the Bible as a way of describing a return to health, a recovery of national sovereignty, a return to a former place, and a realization of God’s purposes for us. We need restoration as persons and as a nation – we need personal and national economic restoration, we need a restoration of hope in the future, we need a restoration of trust in... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – Resting in Still Waters

Last updated on: May 5, 2020 at 7:02 am By Bruce Epperly

L IN PLACES OF REST AND BEAUTY He makes me to lie down in green pastures…Psalm 23:2 How good it is to rest awhile! How good it is to sit under a tree, lie down in a field, or plant your beach chair looking at Craigville, Covell’s or Dowse’s Beach! How good it is to feast your eyes on beauty! We aren’t going far from home these days, but many of us feel fatigued. There is no denying that we... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – I Have What I Need

Last updated on: May 4, 2020 at 7:28 am By Bruce Epperly

XLIX I HAVE WHAT I NEEED I shall not want…Psalm 23:1 During this time of pandemic, many of us have discovered that with the classic Rolling Stones’ song “you can’t always get what you want.” Our family orders groceries online to be delivered at our home. As we go down our list of items, often we can’t find products we took for granted a few months ago – paper towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, that special cut of meat, a... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – God’s Care for Us

Last updated on: May 3, 2020 at 5:57 am By Bruce Epperly

XLVIII GOD’S CARE FOR US The Lord is my shepherd…(Psalm 23:1) or the week ahead, we will be reflecting on Psalm 23. I invite you to read it daily as an anchor for your spiritual life in this time of pandemic. These days I know a bit about shepherding. Each weekday our two grands, nine and seven, come over for homeschooling and companionship while their parents are working at home. I know we have all heard the phrase about “herding... Read more

Faith in a Time of Pandemic – You Have What You Need

Last updated on: May 2, 2020 at 6:22 am By Bruce Epperly

XLVII. GOD WILL SUPPLY OUR NEEDS (5/2) My God will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19) Mahatma Gandhi once said that there is enough for our need but not for our greed. In this time of pandemic, we are discovering what’s really important. Two months ago, who would give a second thought to toilet paper, paper towels, and hand sanitizer? Who would have thought we would have to strategically look for... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 10,2020

Last updated on: May 1, 2020 at 7:45 am By Bruce Epperly

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2020 Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-15, 15-16 I Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, the heart of the lectionary readings is John 14:1-14. This reading is both inspirational and challenging. During this time of pandemic, Jesus’ assurance, “do not let your hearts be troubled” truly hits home. Without denying our anxiety and concern for ourselves, loved ones, and the nation, Jesus’ words with his disciples,... Read more

FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC – I CAN DO ALL THINGS

Last updated on: May 1, 2020 at 5:23 am By Bruce Epperly

XLVI. I CAN DO ALL THINGS (5/1) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) From the vantage point of prison, Paul makes this remarkable affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I am sure he is not talking about flying faster than a speeding bullet or breaking down the walls. I believe that he is speaking of our ability to open to the power and wisdom God gives him each new... Read more

FAITH IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC – RITUALS THAT HEAL

Last updated on: April 30, 2020 at 7:18 am By Bruce Epperly

XLVI RITUALS THAT HEAL (4/30) Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9) A good life joins order and novelty. In times of crisis, we need novel responses in order not only to survive but to thrive. We also need predictable spiritual practices, rituals, and behaviors. During this time of pandemic, I still do my morning prayers, daily walk on the beach, and writing. I still take... Read more