“Well, then,” [Jesus] said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” His reply amazed them, and they went away. (Matthew 22:21-22) I once visited an older couple and asked them what they thought was the secret to their happy, long marriage. The husband didn’t hesitate. “I learnedContinue reading “Who Gets the Last Word?”
Tag Archives: faith
Come As You Are: The Invitation of Grace
So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. (Matthew 22:10) Weddings are delightful celebrations, but preparing for one can sometimes be a challenge. There are invitations to send, decisions about who toContinue reading “Come As You Are: The Invitation of Grace”
Trouble in This World?
[Jesus said,] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV) Flashing red and blue lights in my rearview mirror can trigger panic in me. Immediately, my mind goes to: What did IContinue reading “Trouble in This World?”
It’s Just Not Fair!
“Now take your pay and go home. I want to give this man who was hired last as much as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do as I wish with my own money? Or are you jealous because I am generous?’” And Jesus concluded, “So those who are last will beContinue reading “It’s Just Not Fair!”
Enough Is Enough…Right?
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! (Matthew 18:21-22 NLT) “How many times should I forgive?” That question is front and center in the Lectionary readings this week. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, poses thatContinue reading “Enough Is Enough…Right?”
Jesus at the Vending Machine
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” — Matthew 18:20 There are some things we learn in seminary. And then there are some things we learn standing next to a vending machine. During my time at seminary, I was required to complete a unit of Clinical PastoralContinue reading “Jesus at the Vending Machine”
A Little Light for the Way
PINTEREST FAILS, PETER’S PROTEST, AND OUR OWN DISAPPOINTMENTS From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, butContinue reading “A Little Light for the Way”
A Little Light for the Way
A reflection for the journey of faith — sometimes we all need a little light for the way. 21 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter isContinue reading “A Little Light for the Way”
A Little Light for the Way
A reflection for the journey of faith — sometimes we all need a little light for the way. Matthew 14:22–33 The Grip of Grace There was a season of my life when I spent many Sunday afternoons on a sailboat. My parents had a close friend who did a lot of sailing on a lakeContinue reading “A Little Light for the Way”
A Little Light for the Way
A reflection for the journey of faith — sometimes we all need a little light for the way. When We Think There Isn’t Enough Isaiah 55:1–5 | Psalm 145:8–9, 14–21 | Romans 9:1–5 | Matthew 14:13–21 I remember being at a friend’s house as a kid. We’d be outside playing until it started getting closeContinue reading “A Little Light for the Way”
