In the gospel story for today, the problem with those particular Pharisees was not their righteousness, but their focus on acting as door-keepers to the realm of God. For them, it was all about who was in and who was out. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 21 – 27-September-20”
In his parable, Jesus tells us that all workers in the vineyard would be given an equal measure. Some of the workers were disappointed that they didn't receive a greater measure. As we gather around this Table, let it not be so with us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 20a – 20-September-20”
Jesus says we're supposed to forgive wrongs done seventy-times-seven times. In other words, too many times to keep count, so just don't keep count. When we're living up to that standard, the Table, where we gather with those we've forgiven, being forgiven countless times ourselves, can be a place of joy and peace as we celebrate that nothing separates us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 19a – 13-September-20”
Isn't it amazing that, even in the midst of talking about what to do with difficult people, Jesus never loses sight of the open arms of God's welcome? His focus is not on how to punish someone who has wronged another, but on how to restore them. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 18a – 6-September-20”
Jesus showed the truth of his own words, "those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." So, at the Table, as you meet our Host, who laid down his life that we might have life with God, let's recommit ourselves to laying down all that stands in the way of our life with God. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 17 – 30-August-20”
Jesus commends Peter saying "flesh and blood have not revealed this to you." Interesting that Jesus himself was revealing God in flesh and blood. Here at the table, these two symbols, the bread and the cup represent the broken flesh and spilled blood that Jesus gave to open the way for us to be right with God. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 16a – 23-August-20”
Jesus said that it's not what goes into our mouths (or doesn't) that changes us for good or ill. It's what comes out of the heart. This is true here at the Table as well. It's not the bread and cup that we take that change us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 15a – 16-August-20”
There are times when I wish for big miracles, like walking on water and calming the storm. But, most of the time, I'm looking for "smaller miracles," like God calming the chaos in my life and in my mind or just walking through the next day. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 14a – 9-August-20”
When Jesus fed the 5000, it was the bread and fishes that were multiplied by God's abundant grace to meet the needs of the people who had gathered around. At the Table,, God's abundant grace also fills us... and an amazing thing happens, if we allow it. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 13a – 2-Aug-20”
Parables, at least the way Jesus told them, are not fables. There isn't a moral to these stories. It goes far deeper than that. Jesus isn't simply telling us to be wheat and not tares; to be mustard seeds or leaven or hidden treasure. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 12a – 26-July-20”