LIV IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH (5/9) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me…(Psalm 23:4) Psalm 23 is not for the faint-hearted. The Psalmist describes a dark valley, with threats all around. In ancient times, these threats might have been wolves or wild dogs. Denying their existence would lead to destruction of the flock. It might have robbers or enemy troops. Crying peace with enemies all around... Read more
LIII. PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (5/8) He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake…Psalm 23:3 A pandemic does not excuse us from faithfulness. A pandemic does not excuse us from playing our role as God’s agents in the moral and spiritual arc of history. Friedrich Nietzsche counseled us to be worthy of our sufferings. From the vantage point of surviving Auschwitz, Viktor Frankl claimed that “Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of the... Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 10,2020
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