The two great commandments, which encompass the others, are to love God and love others. We should be clear here, the saying we love God and others is fine, but it doesn't provide any evidence. If we truly love God and others, our actions will show it.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 25a – 25-October-26”
Jesus tells us, in the gospel passage for today, that the focus of our life with God and each other is to love. Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 25a – 25-October-26”
Of all the things you should do, what do you think is the most important? What should you do first, most, and all the time?
[wait for answers]
When Jesus was asked that question, he said there were two things: First, love God with all your heart, soul, and strength.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 25a – 25-October-26”
Giving can seem like an obligation, a duty, but it's much more a response. We respond to God's generosity with us by being generous ourselves, to share the love that we have received with others. Giving is a spiritual exercise, but it is also simply passing on what we have received.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 24a – 18-October-26”
In today's story from the Gospel, some folks asked Jesus about paying taxes. Now, just as it is now, in Jesus' day, people didn't really like paying taxes. These folks were trying to catch Jesus because, no matter what Jesus said, they could make him seem wrong.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 24a – 18-October-26”
We often think of giving to God what is God's during the time of the offering, but it's also appropriate at the Table. Here Jesus asks only one thing from us: "Do this to remember me." And so, we come to the table to remember the Christ who gave up his life that we might have life with God. … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Proper 24a – 18-October-26”
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." The thing about thinking is that it should prompt action.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 23a – 11-October-26”
At the end of Paul's comments in Philippians 4 for today, he says, "whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Epistle) for Proper 23a – 11-October-26”
What would you do if you were able to have a big party for your birthday, you invited all your friends, and every one of them came up with some excuse for not coming. How would that make you feel?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 23a – 11-October-26”
Why would someone reject the message of God's love? I don't have a full answer for that, but I do have a partial one. One reason is that they might hear the words, but they don't see it in action, actions like helping those with needs for basic things like food, shelter, or clothing, actions like visiting those who are in prison, in pain, or who are facing the end of life, actions like working for justice, especially for those who are likely to be pushed aside or forgotten.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 22a – 4-October-26”