Sometimes we're so used to a story that we lose the shock or surprise that it had for those who first saw the event. Jesus clearing the temple was such a surprise to the priests that they said, "What did you see that said you could do this?"… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 3b – 7-March-21”
In our gospel story for today, Peter manages to hit a high and a low within five sentences. The high point is recognizing who Jesus is and claiming it as a statement of faith. The low point is wanting Jesus to be Christ the way Peter wants him to be Christ. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 2b – 28-February-21”
I feel like going out and taking a test... said no person ever. We don't like testing, even when we know it's necessary. And, in the case of living out our life with God, we know there will be testing along the way. … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Lent 1b – 21-February-21”
Paul warns us that we should always examine ourselves before taking communion. Lent is also a time of self-examination and repentance so it's very appropriate, in the quiet time before the prayer, to look at our lives and see if there's anything we need to lay down before we come together at the Table. … Read the rest “Table Meditation for Ash Wednesday B – 17-February-21”
Like the disciples in the story of the Transfiguration, we sometimes want to stay in the moment and enshrine it for as long as we can. Gathering at the Table can be such a time. Here we most often see people at their best. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Ordinary 6b – 14-February-21”
Sometimes, as Jesus did in our gospel verse for today, it is important to be alone with God. Other times, it is impossible (or at least difficult) to see God at work and to hear God speak without being in the presence of other believers. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 5b – 7-February-21”
A lot of interesting things happen when people see Jesus. For those who stood and learned from him at the synagogue, there was the sheer amazement of his teaching with authority. For the demonic presence, there was outright fear. What happens when you see Jesus? … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 4b – 31-January-21”
In the gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his earthly ministry with "The kingdom of God has come near." or "The kingdom of God is at hand." In our lives as Christians, one of the great privileges is to catch glimpses of the kingdom of God as it comes near. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Ordinary 3b – 24-January-21”
The gospel story for today tells about Philip bringing his brother Nathaniel to meet Jesus. As we come to the Table, remember that the invitation that Philip brought to Nathaniel extends to us all, for we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Ordinary 2b – 17-January-21”
This morning we remember the baptism of Jesus which marked the beginning of his earthly ministry. At this Table, we remember his death, which marks it's end. In both cases, the events show Jesus' obedience to God's plan "so that all righteousness could be done." … Read the rest “Alternate Table Meditation (Gospel) for Ordinary 1b – 10-January-21”