When Simeon and Anna recognized who Jesus was as Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple, it wasn't because he looked any different from any of the other children with other parents in spite of all those old pictures that show Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with massive halos around their heads.… Read the rest “Table Meditation for Christmas 1b – 31-December-23”
The idea of Jesus being Emmanuel (God with us) is often difficult to get our minds around. Theologians have argued since John wrote the words we heard earlier just exactly what they mean so I'm not going to try to define it absolutely.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Christmas B – 25-December-23”
In the gospel reading for today, we hear the story of Mary who, when told the incredible news that she would be the mother of Jesus, said with simple humility, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Advent 4b 24-December-23”
John the Baptizer knew he was not Elijah. Yet he took up the role that Jewish tradition said Elijah would take: He announced and prepared the people for the coming of the Lord. We aren't Elijah either, nor John, but we too can take up the mantle and prepare the way and announce the Lord's coming. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Advent 3b – 17-December-23”
Both the Gospel and the Old Testament reading today talk about God's Good News coming into the world. One place we hear and receive that Good News is here at the Table, where we hear that God loves us so much that God would not let anything come between God and us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Advent 2b – 10-December-23”
The Gospel reading for today tells us about recognizing signs of Jesus' coming, but let's turn our attention to signs that Jesus was already here. We stand before this table, which Jesus gave to us to remember him.… Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Advent 1b – 3-December-23”
The Psalm for today begins with saying, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth." As we come to the table today, let's consider that we gather not only with the people who are physically together here and now, but with all people who have and will come to the table.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Psalm) for Reign of Christ A – 26-November-23”
As we hear the Parable of the Talents, we should think about how we are faithful in the little things that we are given. As we come to the Table, we are reminded that Jesus was faithful in giving it all, that we might have abundant life. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 28a – 19-November-23”
There's a small phrase, from 1 Corinthians 11:26, at the end of the traditional words of institution at the Table that goes, "you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes again." Like those young women that were called to be ready for the bridegroom's coming, we're supposed to be ready to, no matter how long it takes. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 27A – 12-November-23”
The burdens you're carrying right now probably weren't put on you by the Pharisees, as in Jesus' time, maybe it was you yourself who laid them on. Whomever and however they came to be there, as we come to the Table today, let us remember that this is a place to lay burdens down. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 26A 5-November-23”