When Jesus spoke about burdens that some of the Pharisees were putting upon others, part of that was the obligation give their tithes to the religious community. The prophets and Jesus both talked about the futility of doing that.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 26A 5-November-23”
Let's talk a bit about rules. What are some rules that bother you? [Wait for answers]
What are some rules you think everyone should follow? [Wait for answers]
One day, Jesus was talking to his disciples and he said, "You know all those rules the Pharisees have?… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Proper 26a – 5-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”
"The two Great Commandments are guidelines for all we do in our lives of faith as individuals and as the Church. As such they are appropriate for this time of offering as well. When we consider what we will give back to God for the work of the Church, there are no better guidelines than, support that which embodies our love for God and communicates our love for all people, all our neighbors.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 25a – 29-October-23”
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 – 29-October-23”
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 – 29-October-23”
You probably can't find a more appropriate verse to enter into a time of offering than our gospel passage for today. I could simply say Jesus' own words, "Give to God what is God's." and end there... but I won't.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 24a – 22-October-23”
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 – 22-October-23”
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 – 22-October-23”
Jesus' warning in the gospel reading for today is that it's not about who we know or who we associate with that opens up the Realm of God for us. We should also say that it's not about doing good things either, like contributing to the offering.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Proper 23a – 15-October-23”