Before he has PERFORMED in any way, God declares Jesus beloved. This declaration is what strengthens and equips Jesus for the struggles and realities of his life and ministry. He can love others, because he knows himself to be loved. He can offer healing to others, because he knows himself to be whole. He… Continue reading
This is who and what you are. You are the light. Being a light is not action you take to deserve or prove your rightness before God. Becoming a light is action God takes. You are the light of the world. Some days you may feel like it, most days you probably don’t. But it’s still… Continue reading
Sermon–Christ the King, Year C Luke 23:33-43Zion Lutheran Church, Beausejour, Manitoba Today’s gospel is all about challenging expectations and holding on to a bigger picture. In that sense, it’s a particularly appropriate reading for the end of the year. As we flip our calendars from October to November, and pretty soon to… Continue reading
This reflection was prepared for Trinity Lutheran Church in Pembroke Pines, FL, in October, 2020. A creative rendering of what the biblical character Sarah might have written in her journal, or as an email to a friend. Sarah reflects on how to support a vision she couldn’t see, and the… Continue reading
Sermon—Oct. 30, 2022 (Epiphany Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba)John 8:31-36; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Romans 3:19-28 Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus. Amen. When was the last time you got to answer the question “how did you get here?” If you’ve moved to a new city, house or country, you… Continue reading
Sermon—Oct. 16, 2022 (Sherwood Park Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba) Luke 18:1-18 The last time I was here we were shifting from the season of Easter to “Ordinary time,” or the season after Pentecost. Now, through our readings, we’re winding our way through the last few weeks of the season after Pentecost,… Continue reading
Sermon—March 11, 2018 Numbers 21:4-9Ephesians 2:1-10John 3:14-21 Today’s gospel reading begins with a reference to an obscure story from Numbers that is probably not in many children’s Bibles, and doesn’t have a fun chorus with cheesy hand-motions that go with it. It’s just…odd. The Israelites are in the wilderness on… Continue reading
Sermon for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Dunedin, FLMay 28, 2017John 17:1-11, Acts 1:6-14 Our readings today speak to the transition from the season of Easter to the season of Pentecost. For the last 6 weeks, we have been basking in the light of the resurrected Christ, celebrating the truth that… Continue reading
Pentecost 12cAug. 28, 2022 Luke 14:1, 7-14 Prepared for Family Camp weekend at Luther Village. It’s a common feature in coming of age movies–the school cafeteria. A new kid walks in and doesn’t know where to sit. An ‘unpopular kid is sitting at a table and a group of ‘popular’… Continue reading
We cannot say we value rest when those who are bound by disease, prejudice, oppression, inequality or our ignorance are excluded from experiencing rest. It is exactly our conviction about the sabbath—holistic, restorative rest–that motivates our work for healing, release and justice. We cannot say we value rest when some among us are excluded from experiencing that rest because of something that is limiting their wholeness. Continue reading