Like Peter, we realize that there are a lot of times when we're just not good enough for God's standards. The good news is that God doesn't expect us to be. When we give of our time, efforts, and financial resources, it isn't to somehow do enough good that God will recognize us.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Epiphany C5 – 9-Feb-25”
Click here for Table Meditations for other dates.
There are times, in our relationship with Jesus, where God's perfection and the sense of our own sinfulness collide and, like Peter, all we can say is "Lord, you should have nothing to do with me.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany C5 – 9-Feb-25”
Today, in our story from the gospels, Jesus meets some fishermen, and he goes out to fish with them. After working all night, they still hadn't caught any fish at all. Now some fishermen will tell you that that isn't the point, but these guys had to catch fish to sell in order to make a living, so they were disappointed, tired, and probably a bit mad.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Epiphany C5 – 9-Feb-25”
Jesus tried to get his home congregation to see that the realm of God was far bigger than they thought. That the love, respect, and looking out for each other extended to all people everywhere. Later he said that the best place to begin was with the poor, the outcasts, and the forgotten.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Epiphany 4C – 2-Feb-25”
When Jesus went back to his hometown in our gospel story for today, he tried to explain to them that God's love is for everyone. I guess a lot of them thought that it was just for them and they were upset to hear that God's love was not only for other folks but that those folks might receive it better than they would.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Epiphany C4 – 2-Feb-25”
Click here for Table Meditations for other dates.
Jesus had to break it to his home congregation that the realm of God wasn't only for them; not for just an inside group. That's always been true and it's still true today.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 4C – 2-Feb-25”
Jesus said that the scripture was being fulfilled as the folks heard it read. I will say that this scripture is being fulfilled as we live it out in deeds of reconciliation, liberation, and simple caring for those in need.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Epiphany 3c – 26-Jan-25”
One of the things we do in Church is to read small parts of the Bible out loud. It probably wouldn't surprise you a bit that they did that in Jesus' time too. In fact, our gospel story for today is about a time when Jesus was asked to read scripture in the place he grew up in.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Epiphany C3 – 26-Jan-25”
Click here for Table Meditations for other dates.
Jesus said, in our gospel reading for today, that the scripture was being fulfilled in their hearing. He meant a lot by saying that, but one thing he meant was that they would see God doing exactly what God had promised in that scripture.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 3c – 26-Jan-25”
I wonder if Jesus, in John's gospel, seems to be reluctant to openly begin his ministry at the wedding in Cana. I think we can understand. Sometimes we're reluctant to be seen in a particular way.
As we come to the time of offering, we might recognize ourselves as standing in the middle of what we're comfortable with and what we're called to do.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Epiphany 2C – 19-Jan-25”