When Jesus sent out the twelve, it was one of the first steps in broadcasting the message that God's love was for all people. He didn't send them very far at first. That was to come later. The message was preached first in Judea with the intent of going into all the world when the time was right.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Proper 6a – 18-June-23”
Abraham was a wanderer. Until he was able to finally settle in the land that God had promised, he was the outsider where he was living at the time. God and God's prophets often reminded Abraham's people about that history and exhorted them to welcome outsiders into their midst.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Proper 5a – 11-Jun-23”
In the passage from Matthew, Jesus tells the disciples to "Go and make disciples of all nations." We can talk about the fact that there's still work for us to do to complete this task, but what I'd like to talk about is what to do with those disciples when they're made. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Trinity A – 4-June-23”
It's interesting how many great things start with just a little. From twelve confused and scared apostles came, in the day of Pentecost, over 3000 believers. From small tongues of fire came understanding and belief.
Here at the Table, we celebrate the community of faith that began that day and, even now, is bound together through such small things as a piece of bread and a sip of juice. … Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Pentecost-a – 28-May-23”
There at the Table, Jesus prayed for his disciples; that they would remember his teachings, that they glorify Jesus and glorify God, that they all be one. Here at this table, as we remember him, let us pray for the same thing.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 7a – 21-May-23”
At the Passover meal, with his disciples, Jesus says "I will never leave you orphaned; I am coming to you." He might have been talking about his coming at the end of time, but he was also surely talking about his constant and continued presence in the form of the promised Holy Spirit. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 6a – 14-May-23”
In the Father's house, there are many mansions and Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. But, although there are many mansions, there is only one Table. In God's Realm, we will gather together with all people in all times in all places at the One Table. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 5a – 7-May-23”
On that last night before his arrest and crucifixion, John tells us that he prayed that all of us would be one. In our Acts passage for today, we see that happening: Day by day, as they spent much time together... … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Acts) for Easter 4a – 30-Apr-23”
The Church has always struggled with hearing and understanding the voice of our Shepherd. In those awful times when we don't hear right, the Church becomes a very human institution and in terrible need of reform. In those glorious times when we get it right, the Church becomes a beacon and a guide for the world around us, just like that Shepherd's voice. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 4a – 30-Apr-23”
When we meet at the table, even with Jesus as our host, we're probably not going to see the fire and mist, darkness, and red moon that Peter mentions in Acts. We do, however, hope to see God's Spirit poured out on each of us to show is God's vision for God's people and the world, to give us dreams worth dream, and plans worth following.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Acts) for Easter 3a – 23-Apr-23”