The Adventurous Lectionary – Pentecost Sunday – June 8, 2014 Bruce G. Epperly Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b I Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 7:37-39 The back to back celebrations of Ascension and Pentecost surely give mainline and progressive Christians something to think about. They stretch out imaginations beyond the breaking point, and then center us in God’s revelations right where we are. They emerge from an “enchanted” world view in which miracles occur and divinity acts decisively in human life. Incomprehensible... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Ascension Sunday – May 28, 2017 Bruce G. Epperly Acts 1:6-14 Psalm I Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11 Can we be both heavenly minded and earthly good? Can we have an eternal perspective, embracing the afterlife and also be committed to bringing beauty and justice to our earthly lives? Today’s readings are about height and depth. Jesus is no longer on the earth. He has ascended. But, this is no cause to abandon our planet. We... Read more

The Adventurous Lectionary – Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 21, 2017 Bruce G. Epperly Acts 17:22-31 Psalm 66:18-20 I Peter 3:13-22 John 14:15-21 My teacher John Cobb referred to Christ as the way that excludes no authentic spiritual way. In our pluralistic age, as Cobb describes it, we need more rather than less theology. Although our theological perspectives need to be fluid, contextual, and open to change, the variety of theological and spiritual perspectives available to seekers and church... Read more

One afternoon, Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh reflected about what happens when a child begins school and starts to grow up. Christopher Robin lamented that he will no longer be able to respond to the question, “What are you doing?” with the words, “Nothing.” Growing up means schedules and commitments and fewer hours for joyful meandering without purpose in the 100 Aker Wood. There is, of course, much to be gained in growing up in terms of knowledge and... Read more

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