The King Among Us

Christ the King Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 This story from Jesus is partly about how we, as followers of Jesus, ought to treat others who are the “least of these.” In this story, the sheep are praised by the king for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, …

But Wait… There’s More!

Thanksgiving Eve A 2023 Deuteronomy 8:7-18 II Corinthians 9:6-15 Luke 17-11-19 There’s a certain magic to infomercials. The best ones are found only in the secluded hours of the late night. A secret hidden in the darkness. There you are sure to find some magical home contraption that will fix your life right up. The …

Our Greedy God Wants it All

25th Sunday after Pentecost Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 I Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30 If the master in this parable is God or Jesus, that raises some pretty interesting and maybe even troubling questions about the nature of the God we serve.  The third slave who buries his talent defends his behavior by explaining that he knew …

Wait and Shine

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 The lectionary or assigned readings for worship run in a three year cycle. That means that the last time we heard this parable about keeping alert and waiting to finally get on with our lives was in November of 2020… about 9 …

Halloween Aisles and Christmas Aisles

All Saints Sunday A Revelation 7:9-17 I John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 This All Saints Sunday, I am thinking about the holiday aisle at Target. Bear with me. You’ve probably had the experience or if you haven’t yet, you soon will. I was at the Target a few weeks ago picking up shampoo, toothpaste, and a …