Triumph over turmoil
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd[b] spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who ... Read more
Read More Weeping may linger for the night
When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11: 32-35) You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and ... Read more
Read More Flipping the Script: Bricks, Budgets, and the Bread of Life
“They all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces – twelve baskets full.” (Matthew 14:20) One of the unexpected privileges of being off on sick leave is the chance to “church‑surf” from the comfort of my couch. In the past few weeks, I’ve tuned into streamed worship from New York City, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Smiths Falls, Brockville, and of course, our very own Facebook livestream with all of you. I love this! I love that our virtual congregation each week sits somewhere between 120 and 140 people—more than double what we ... Read more
Read More Thirsty
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” (John 4: 13-15) It’s feeling a little like Spring these days. The weather is warmer. We morphed from a snow storm to freezing rain and ... Read more
Read More Transfiguration Sunday: The Mountain, the Cloud, and the Bodies We’re Afraid to Mention
“While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.” (Matthew 17:5–8) “Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain…” (Exodus 24:17) ... Read more
Read More Salt, Light, and a Walk of Peace
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give ... Read more
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