Take a Knee
The word for “bless” in Hebrew is closely related to the word for “kneel.” The idea is that to praise someone and to receive a blessing is the same body posture… kneeling. We will look at the passage from Psalm 103 that underscores this linguistic lesson, as well as the story of Jesus washing the disciples feet as a practical example of how kneeling invites praise and blessing for all involved. This will lead us into a theology of servant leadership and humility at the core of the Christian message, that to bless and be blessed is to adopt a posture of kneeling–before God and before others.
The Hands of Healing
The “man with the withered hand” is one of the stories in the Gospels used to illustrate Jesus’ conflict with strict religious adherence (and adherents). He uses his hands not only to heal the hurting around him, he also uses his hands to wrestle with and overcome the leaders who would treat faith as a punishing list of rules. As we reflect on the faithful use of “hands,” we’ll look to Jesus, the pharisees, and the man in need of healing as examples of how our hands can work for liberation or captivity, and how God responds in kind.
Watch your mouth!
Our ability to communicate is one of the gifts of humanity, and we find ourselves with a greater capacity and platform for communication than ever before. I can pick up my phone and communicate with people (strangers even) around the world instantly, sometimes with very little responsibility for the outcomes of my communication. As people of faith, our mouths are not isolated entities, they are the mouthpiece of our heart and our spirit; they reveal the state and nature of ourselves and our faith. How will we choose to use our mouths? The Prophet Isaiah will be our guide.
Hearing in the Heart
Whether we hear with our ears, eyes, or heart, in the Bible, the concept of “hearing” is attached to our being attuned to the movement of God in our midst. Samuel was given “ears to hear” by the older Eli, who could be pulled out of sleep by the whisper of the Spirit. Paul reflects on the power of the “word of Christ” in the promise it offers to those who are willing to hear and embrace the message of resurrection. And in the story of Jesus healing the blind man, it is notable how his reaction to the shouts of the man in distress differs from the Pharisees, who also hear the man, but who instead attempt to shout him down.
Redeeming Grief and Joy
The holidays can be a season of intense joy, and also intense grief. A prophet named Isaiah connected the grief we feel to the passion God has for justice, in our personal lives and throughout the world. This week, let’s talk about why grief is something we can choose to embrace as a holy part of the human experience, and how it could lead us into hope.
Redeeming Grief
The holidays can be a season of intense joy, and also intense grief. A prophet named Isaiah connected the grief we feel to the passion God has for justice, in our personal lives and throughout the world. This week, let’s talk about why grief is something we can choose to embrace as a holy part of the human experience, and how it could lead us into hope.
Waking up to Christmas!
This week, let's talk about the gift of staying attentive to what God is doing in the midst of our lives.
Legacy Sunday
All Saints Sunday is a day in the life of the Church when we remember those we have lost in the last year. It’s also a natural time of reflection for our own lives, and how we hope to live with purpose and to find meaning in our day-to-day. This week, we’ll take a look at a passage in Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus tells his people “not to worry.” What sounds at first like a somewhat naive instruction could actually help us reframe our lives as we listen closer.
Sabbath
Let’s talk about work. I know, I know… work is the last thing you want to think about. But when the culture defines our personal value based upon what we do, the spiritual question to ask might be: is that all that I am? Whether it’s an office job, a family calendar, or the chaos of life itself, let’s all pause for a moment and consider why rest might be the most fruitful form of resistance we have available to us.
Bible on Broadway: Sister Act: The Musical
"Sister Act: The Musical" is the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a lively and aspiring nightclub singer who, after witnessing a murder committed by her mobster boyfriend, finds herself in danger. To ensure her safety, the police place her in the last place anyone would expect - a convent.
Deloris, now disguised as Sister Mary Clarence, struggles to adapt to the strict and serene life of the convent. Her vibrant personality clashes with the traditional ways of the nuns, but she soon discovers an opportunity to inject some much-needed life and spirit into the convent's choir. With Deloris at the helm, the once-tone-deaf choir transforms into a powerful and soulful singing sensation, attracting attention from both the congregation and the media.
As Deloris helps the nuns discover their own voices and personalities, she also undergoes a personal transformation. She learns about the importance of friendship, faith, and the strength of the human spirit. Ultimately, the story is a testament to the gift of beloved community, and the music we can make when we offer our full selves to one another.