On that last night before his arrest and crucifixion, John tells us that he prayed that all of us would be one. In our Acts passage for today, we see that happening: Day by day, as they spent much time together... … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Acts) for Easter 4a – 30-Apr-23”
The Church has always struggled with hearing and understanding the voice of our Shepherd. In those awful times when we don't hear right, the Church becomes a very human institution and in terrible need of reform. In those glorious times when we get it right, the Church becomes a beacon and a guide for the world around us, just like that Shepherd's voice. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 4a – 30-Apr-23”
When we meet at the table, even with Jesus as our host, we're probably not going to see the fire and mist, darkness, and red moon that Peter mentions in Acts. We do, however, hope to see God's Spirit poured out on each of us to show is God's vision for God's people and the world, to give us dreams worth dream, and plans worth following.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Acts) for Easter 3a – 23-Apr-23”
The disciples that Jesus met on the road to Emmaus didn't recognize him, in spite of his opening the scriptures to them, until he broke the bread with them. It was in the act of communion that they knew him for who he was and the course of their lives changed even as they changed the direction of their travels. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 3a – 23-Apr-23”
In the passage for today from Acts, Peter tells the first converts to Christianity that "the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls." Jesus faced death to break its power for all people.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Acts) for Easter 2a – 16-Apr-23”
It's not just us at the Table right now. In God's time, all people in all times and in all places are gathered here to remember. So, as the writer of Hebrews puts it, "We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses," from those first disciples who like Thomas actually saw the risen Lord and touched his hands and side, to the martyrs who gave their life in witness to their faith, to the strong leaders who called the people to a witness of unity and simple faith, to us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 2a – 16-Apr-23”
The scripture from Jeremiah for today foretells the time when the exiles would return to Israel from Babylon. It tells of joyful dancing and music-making celebrating their freedom and return to a place where they can thrive.
The elements at the table don't look like a feast, but they are a simple celebration of our freedom from sin and a glimpse our place in the realm of God.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Easter Sunday – 9-Apr-23”
At the Table, we usually think about the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins. That's good, because it really should be a focus of our remembering. But we also need to keep in mind that our Host, the Risen Christ, is the one who calls us to this Table. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter Sunday – 9-Apr-23”
Did you ever notice that all of the twelve were there at the Last Supper? What I mean to point out is that even Judas, the betrayer, was there. Clearly Jesus knew what Judas had planned and yet, here he is, welcome at the Table with all the rest. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Palm/Passion Sunday 2-Apr-23”
In the Old Testament reading for today we hear the words, probably of the prophet himself, of one who endures all kinds of harm without returning harm in turn, waiting for the Lord to vindicate him. One can't read this without thinking of Jesus, quietly enduring "such contradiction of sinful people" as he made his way ultimately to the cross. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Palm/Passion Sunday 2-Apr-23”