In the passage from Matthew, Jesus tells the disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations." We can talk about the fact that there's still work for us to do to complete this task, but what I'd like to talk about is what to do with those disciples when they're made. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Trinity A – 4-June-23”
It's interesting how many great things start with just a little. From twelve confused and scared apostles came, in the day of Pentecost, over 3000 believers. From small tongues of fire came understanding and belief.
Here at the Table, we celebrate the community of faith that began that day and, even now, is bound together through such small things as a piece of bread and a sip of juice. … Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Pentecost-a – 28-May-23”
There at the Table, Jesus prayed for his disciples; that they would remember his teachings, that they glorify Jesus and glorify God, that they all be one. Here at this table, as we remember him, let us pray for the same thing.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 7a – 21-May-23”
At the Passover meal, with his disciples, Jesus says "I will never leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." He might have been talking about his coming at the end of time, but he was also surely talking about his constant and continued presence in the form of the promised Holy Spirit. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 6a – 14-May-23”
In the Father's house, there are many mansions and Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. But, although there are many mansions, there is only one Table. In God's Realm, we will gather together with all people in all times in all places at the One Table. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 5a – 7-May-23”
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”