At the Table, we usually think about the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins. That's good, because it really should be a focus of our remembering. But we also need to keep in mind that our Host, the Risen Christ, is the one who calls us to this Table. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter Sunday 2020”
Did you ever notice that all of the twelve were there at the Last Supper? What I mean to point out is that even Judas, the betrayer, was there. Clearly Jesus knew what Judas had planned and yet, here he is, welcome at the Table with all the rest. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Palm/Passion Sunday 2020”
In the Old Testament reading for today we hear the words, probably of the prophet himself, of one who endures all kinds of harm without returning harm in turn, waiting for the Lord to vindicate him. One can't read this without thinking of Jesus, quietly enduring "such contradiction of sinful people" as he made his way ultimately to the cross. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Palm/Passion Sunday 2020”
What do you do when you have to do something really hard? [Wait for answers]
In today's story from the gospels, Jesus is about to do the hardest thing in his life and he does two things. First, he spends time with his friends.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Palm/Passion Sunday 2020”
Does anyone here know who Lazarus was? He's actually pretty famous now because of what happened in our story for today, but this story is the only time he's ever mentioned and it's just in one gospel. So, you see, Lazarus wasn't a big deal.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Lent 5a – 29-Mar-20”
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Ezekiel came upon the valley of dry bones and God asked, "Mortal, can these bones live?" Ezekiel gave the only answer one could give: "O Lord God, you know." And God showed him the miracle of dry bones coming to life.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Lent 5a – 29-Mar-20”
So, Lazarus is raised from the dead. Raised to do what? Sure, every time one of the people who were present at that resurrection sees Lazarus walking around, they'll think about the power of God who raised him, but neither Jesus nor God seem to be really concerned with bringing faith through signs and wonders in John's Gospels. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 5a – 29-Mar-20”
Who was blind in the Gospel story? True, the man who was born blind had been unable to see. Yet, by God's grace, he was given both the ability to see the physical world and a new insight into the spiritual world. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 4a – 22-March-20”
Have you ever seen something bad happen to a good person? [Wait for answers] If you haven't yet, you will. It's something that we adults think about a lot and no one's really come up with a great explanation. Sometimes bad things happen because people do bad things and they affect other people.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Lent 4a – 22-Mar-20”
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When Samuel looked at young David, he didn't see the man who would defeat the Philistines time after time. He didn't even see the boy that would take down Goliath.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Lent 4a – 22-Mar-20”