One of the most tragic dualisms in contemporary Christianity is the separation of spirituality and theology, reflected in the separation of the congregation and retreat center from the seminary. Over the years, I have found only a few theologians who are committed to regular spiritual practices and integrating their spiritual experiences with their research. For many of them, theology is primarily an intellectual practice, aiming at shaping the mind, and not inherently a whole person enterprise. Conversely, I have found... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 14, 2017 Bruce Epperly 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. It invites us to reflect on the scope of salvation and trust that God has prepared a place for us and our loved ones that is more than we can ask or imagine.... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Fourth Sunday of Easter – May 7, 2017 Bruce G. Epperly Psalm 23 I Peter 2:19-25 Acts 2:42-47 John 10:1-10 Today’s reading could be titled, “The Shepherd of Abundance” in which the preacher may choose to focus on the vocation of shepherds as seen in the Psalm and Gospel along with the generous spirit of Acts 2. According to these scriptures, the work of the shepherd is to ensure the well-being of the flock so that... Read more

As I wait for my flight at Logan Airport, I am pondering Thomas Friedman’s recent book, “Thank You For Being Late.” Friedman notes that accelerations are accelerating, and faster is going faster, and that while we are adaptive creatures, changes are happening almost too quickly for thought and responsible action to catch up. Whether by choice or necessity, we need to pause to find our bearings, to gain perspective, and to let the deeper realities of life soak in. Winnie... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Third Sunday of Easter – April 30, 2017 Bruce Epperly Luke 24:13-35 Today’s reading highlights the Emmaus Walk. It could be titled, “Let’s Go For a Walk.” Or, “Walking with Jesus.” Jesus doesn’t come to us “in the garden” but on the highway, the seven mile stretch from Jerusalem to Emmaus, and in our own daily journeys. Today’s Easter reading is about embodied movement. Resurrection moved the cells as well as the soul of Jesus, and... Read more

Between Death and Resurrection : The Mystery of Holy Saturday Bruce G. Epperly During Holy Week, most of us focus on the palms, the passion, and the resurrection. The movement from celebration to desolation and surprising celebration again characterizes not only Holy Week but the realities of a meaningful life. We can’t escape suffering but our suffering is often transformed into joy by surprising events or unexpected insights and experiences. In the shadow of loss, the light of new birth... Read more

The Second Sunday of Easter – April 23, 2017 Bruce G. Epperly Acts 2:14a, 22-32 Psalm 16 I Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31 Breathe! Think! Expand! These are some of the themes from this week’s lectionary readings. Though considered a “low” Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter is a “high” Sunday in terms of homiletic possibilities. In fact, it is so chockful with possibilities, that the scriptures for this Sunday will make up the next two weeks of my preaching at... Read more

Easter Celebration – April 16, 2017 Bruce G. Epperly Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-18 Matthew 28:1-10 Today we celebrate! Someone amazing and unexpected “once upon a time.” Could it happen again in our time? That is the challenge for preachers and congregants every Easter Sunday. “This is the day that God has made, and we will rejoice and be glad in it.” These words from Psalm 118 set the tone for our Easter Adventures. Joy and... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Palm Sunday – April 9, 2017 Bruce G. Epperly Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 21:1-11 Palm Sunday straddles celebration and suffering. The crowds that shout “Hosanna” in great celebration soon will fade in the background to be replaced by “Crucify him.” Life is joy and celebration; it is also sorrow and grief, and a holistic faith must embrace both. This year, our congregation will focus primarily on celebration. We will begin with joy. No passion... Read more

Who me, a mystic? The Mysticism of Everyday Life: Responding to Becky Eldredge For the last two years, I have taught a first Monday seminar at the church I pastor, entitled “A Month with a Mystic” in which we focus on the theology, spirituality, and practices of a particular spiritual guide or mystic. In the past two years, we have held seminars on persons such as Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Rumi, John of the Cross, and Albert Schweitzer.... Read more