Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23Luke 12:8-12 Reflection: There is no better gift than to receive a card or letter letting us know that we made a difference in someone’s life and blessed them in ways we likely would never have known. That…
Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-10Luke 11:47-54 Reflection: Have you ever heard news so wonderful, so completely stupendous, that you couldn’t hold it in? A message so breathtaking that it just had to be shared? That may be the best way to understand…
Scripture: Galatians 5:18-25Luke 11:42-46 Reflection: One of my favorite movie lines comes from the golf classic, “Caddyshack.” Judge Smails and Ty are arguing about participation in a golf tournament. The Judge says, “My partner was club champion, and I am…
Scripture: Galatians 5:1-6Luke 11:37-41 Reflection: Can you imagine being invited to someone’s home for an evening meal and then find yourself being criticized for the way you eat your food by the very host who welcomed you? It might very…
Scripture: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: Today’s reading revisits the ancient world’s horrific distinctions between slaves and free people, and the children of slaves and free people. Imagine gathering around a round table today with people from all walks of life. We arrive by jet and car; they come on foot from a river, bearing a gourd of…
Scripture: Wisdom 7:7-11Hebrews 4:12-13Mark 10:17-30 Reflection: Something I have never noticed before is what is missing in Jesus’ listing some of the commandments. He omits the first one, “I, the Lord, am your God . . .you shall not have…
Scripture: Galatians 3:22-29Luke 11:27-28 Reflection: Today’s readings succinctly reveal to us the impact of the messianic message that opens our hearts and minds to faith in Jesus Christ. In the pre-messianic period, the people were “held in custody under the…
Scripture: Galatians 3:7-14Luke 11:15-26 Reflection: A Disciple’s Work is Never Done Dueling banjos. Paul and Jesus really go at it today! Our readings deliver their message with energy, peaceful assurance and challenge. Paul must be frustrated. The seeds he has…
Scripture: Galatians 3:1-5Luke 11:5-13 Reflection: One of the most challenging things Jesus ever said was “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” I’ve struggled with that all my life, and mightily so these past few…
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14Luke 11:1-4 Reflection: A Synod in Rome and One in Galatia The Synod continues in Rome. It is a magnum opus, and we pray that, like at the first Pentecost, people of diverse languages understood the Spirit-filled…