Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany – January 29, 2017 Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; I Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12 The biblical tradition is always counter-cultural in spirit. It agitates the comfortable, whether conservative or progressive, by challenging our lifestyles and assumptions. And, conversely, as the saying goes, it also comforts the agitated, those at the margins of life, those with their backs against the wall, or struggling with debilitating life issues. Today’s scriptures abound in relational and political reversals, and this... Read more

A Message for Our Leaders on the Eve of the Inauguration: A Heart of Wisdom Scripture I Kings 3: 5, 7-12 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your... Read more

The Third Sunday after the Epiphany – January 22, 2017 This Sunday, we will gather for worship in the wake of the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States and the Women’s Marches throughout the country. The nation remains divided and while politicians can cling to illusions regarding their election, no politician has a mandate to govern at this time. Read in light of the passing of the office from one President to his successor, today’s passages have... Read more

The Second Sunday after the Epiphany – January 15, 2017 Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 41:1-11; I Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42 Jesus’ question is a powerful entry point for today’s readings, “What are you looking for?” Jesus query is followed by an equally significant invitation, “come and see.” The spiritual journey involves an adventure of self and God discovery, of opening to the deeper dimensions of life, many of which were unknown to us until embraced the question, “What are you looking... Read more

The Baptism of Jesus – January 8, 2107 Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17 It’s all about water, flowing Jordan waters, waves on Cape Cod shores, the water of the womb, and the waters that nourish our crops and our bodies. Without water, our lives are in danger. We can do without food for a few days, but water is a necessity, even in the comfort care of persons at the descending edges of life. This Sunday, we... Read more

The Epiphany of Our Christ – January 6, 2017 Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12 For many people, Christmas is now a past memory. We are back in ordinary time and the quotidian we’ve returned to seems so ordinary, busy, and challenging. We are tempted to fall back into old ways, succumb to hopelessness and self-interest, and reduce our scope of interest to those who share our lifestyle, belief systems, and neighborhoods. We need to be reminded... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – January 1, 2017 – The First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Luke 2:13-23 A new year is upon us. After the revels of the holidays, with extra services and visits, and imaging for the year ahead, I’m taking this Sunday off, leaving it in the capable hands of two colleagues in ministry. Hopefully, it will not be a “low” Sunday, after the “high” of Christmas Eve. Still, I find this passages edifying... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Christmas Eve and Day , December 24/25, 2016 Isaiah 9:2-7 Luke 2:1-12 John 1:1-14 Christmas Eve is a challenge for preachers. And, this year, so is Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is perhaps the best-attended worship service in the Christian year. Family members and visitors who don’t normally attend church show up not only as a matter of obligation to their parents, but also hoping to experience wonder amid the bells, carols, and candle lighting. Self-described spiritual... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fourth Sunday in Advent – December 18, 2016 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 This week I am focusing on Joseph’s Christ-saving dream. While we need not neglect Isaiah’s imaginative vision of a child whose birth will change everything, the Psalmist’s hymn to divine restoration, or Paul’s account of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, Christmas is on the horizon and with it the surprising accounts of Jesus’ birth. Today’s Gospel... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Healing the World – Third Sunday in Advent – December 11. 2016 Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:46b-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 2:1-11 Advent is a time for hopeful transformation. Creation and humankind lean toward wholeness; creation groans and so do we. We imagine a new age – an age of Shalom – despite the realities of war, racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, sexism, and polarization. God is at work in all things, restoring the broken, healing the sick, and welcoming... Read more