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 – 27-August-23”
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 – 20-August-23”
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 – 13-August-23”
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...… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 13a – 6-Aug-23”
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 – 30-July-23”
In Jesus' parable in our scripture for today, there isn't any way to tell one from the other until they mature and grow. One interesting consequence of that is here at the Table. It isn't up to us to determine who belongs here or how they qualify. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 11a – 23-July-23”
In Jesus Parable of the Sower, the seed goes everywhere, into all kinds of likely and unlikely places. As you look around the Table today, you probably see some unlikely people in whom the seeds of faith have grown and flourished. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 10a – 12-July-20”
Jesus said, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." As we come to the Table it's time to lay down those heavy burdens we've been dragging through our lives. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 9a – 9-July-23”
Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me." Now, he was talking to his disciples, but I also think that applies to Jesus' disciples throughout all time and space. That means, any and all who want to know about Jesus, any and all who long for God's presence and want to know the love of God, anyone who desires to come, is welcome here.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 8a – 2-July-23”
"How long will you hide your face from me?" says the Psalm for today. The answer is, "Not long." We all have those moments, like the king in Hamlet when our "words fly up, but our thoughts remain below"; when God seems far off.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Psalm) for Proper 7a – 25-June-23”