In the passage for today from Acts, Peter tells the first converts to Christianity that "the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls." Jesus faced death to break its power for all people.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Acts) for Easter 2a – 16-Apr-23”
It's not just us at the Table right now. In God's time, all people in all times and in all places are gathered here to remember. So, as the writer of Hebrews puts it, "We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses," from those first disciples who like Thomas actually saw the risen Lord and touched his hands and side, to the martyrs who gave their life in witness to their faith, to the strong leaders who called the people to a witness of unity and simple faith, to us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 2a – 16-Apr-23”
The scripture from Jeremiah for today foretells the time when the exiles would return to Israel from Babylon. It tells of joyful dancing and music-making celebrating their freedom and return to a place where they can thrive.
The elements at the table don't look like a feast, but they are a simple celebration of our freedom from sin and a glimpse our place in the realm of God.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Easter Sunday – 9-Apr-23”
At the Table, we usually think about the sacrificial death of Jesus for our sins. That's good, because it really should be a focus of our remembering. But we also need to keep in mind that our Host, the Risen Christ, is the one who calls us to this Table. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter Sunday – 9-Apr-23”
Did you ever notice that all of the twelve were there at the Last Supper? What I mean to point out is that even Judas, the betrayer, was there. Clearly Jesus knew what Judas had planned and yet, here he is, welcome at the Table with all the rest. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Palm/Passion Sunday 2-Apr-23”
In the Old Testament reading for today we hear the words, probably of the prophet himself, of one who endures all kinds of harm without returning harm in turn, waiting for the Lord to vindicate him. One can't read this without thinking of Jesus, quietly enduring "such contradiction of sinful people" as he made his way ultimately to the cross. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Palm/Passion Sunday 2-Apr-23”
So, Lazarus is raised from the dead. Raised to do what? Sure, every time one of the people who were present at that resurrection sees Lazarus walking around, they'll think about the power of God who raised him, but neither Jesus nor God seem to be really concerned with bringing faith through signs and wonders in John's Gospels. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 5a – 26-Mar-23”
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Ezekiel came upon the valley of dry bones and God asked, "Mortal, can these bones live?" Ezekiel gave the only answer one could give: "O Lord God, you know." And God showed him the miracle of dry bones coming to life.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Lent 5a – 26-Mar-23”
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When Samuel looked at young David, he didn't see the man who would defeat the Philistines time after time. He didn't even see the boy that would take down Goliath.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Old Testament) for Lent 4a – 19-Mar-23”
Who was blind in the Gospel story? True, the man who was born blind had been unable to see. Yet, by God's grace, he was given both the ability to see the physical world and a new insight into the spiritual world. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 4a – 19-March-23”