In our gospel lesson for today, Jesus calls himself the true vine, with us as the branches. Whatever else that means, it means that we draw our life and sustenance from Jesus. Through Jesus flows all that we need to grow and thrive. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 5b – 28-Apr-24”
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." As we gather at the Table, we remember that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, did indeed lay down his life to save us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
What the disciples experienced that convinced them that Jesus was to be a continuing presence in their lives first frightened them, but as he showed them how it fit into the ministry and teaching, he had already given them, they were reassured, emboldened, and empowered.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
"It was the first day of the week and his disciples were together." That sounds like us, right now. Even if we're all alone in the room, when we gather at the Table, all who've shared this feast of remembrance gather with us...… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 2b – 7-April-24”
We come to this table to remember the death of Jesus but, in a way, we're also remembering Jesus' resurrection. We know that Jesus is our host here at the Table, so in coming, we remember that he lives and is with us in this very moment. … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Easter B 31-March-24”
We already know that God's idea of power is not much like our own. Yet it's a hard lesson to really learn, so today we get two very clear examples:
First, we get Jesus, riding on the back of a donkey, surrounded by ordinary people, making his way into Jerusalem. … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Palm Sunday – 24-March-24”
"unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." This bread before us is the result of seeds that fell to the earth and was reborn as stalks of grain, then "died" again, to be reborn as bread. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 5b – 17-March-24”
John 3:16 is the most well-known scripture in the Bible, but does us well to read on to the next verse. John 3:17, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 4b – 10-March-24”
Have you ever heard the word "condemn"? What do you think "condemn" means?
[wait for answers]
In today's gospel reading, we hear that God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world. In fact, God sent Jesus into the world to save it.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Lent 4b – 10-March-24”
Sometimes we're so used to a story that we lose the shock or surprise that it had for those who first saw the event. Jesus clearing the temple was such a surprise to the priests that they said, "What did you see that said you could do this?"… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 3b – 3-March-24”