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From Epiphany into Lent
February 1, 2012
In February, the Epiphany stories of Jesus’ call to follow him make way for lessons on the realities of the cross. In many geographic regions, the transition from the light of Epiphany to the season of Lent occurs during gray days that inspire us to curl up and turn inward. So, too, our preaching can invite people to communal and personal reflection on the realities of discipleship.
New Beginnings
January 1, 2012
January invites us into conversations about new beginnings, fresh starts, and clean slates. Jesus’ presentation at the temple and his baptism are just such “January” moments—snapshots in time that launch Jesus’ ministry. Then the season of Epiphany is rich with stories of discipleship and call. We can look anew at how we and our communities speak up for and with people who have been marginalized and are living in poverty.
The Advent of God’s Realm
December 1, 2011
While retailers promote a vision of affection in the form of purchases, Advent witnesses to God loving us enough to become human. As we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, this month’s reflections invite us to bring a message of awareness and engagement with people who are living in poverty and hungering both for physical food and for God’s love.
Serving God by Serving Others
November 1, 2011
As we finish one liturgical year and begin another this month, our elected leaders are grappling with critical deficit-reduction decisions that could affect poor and hungry people not only next year, but for years to come.
Wrestling with Contradiction
October 1, 2011
The weather is changing as we enter a time of harvest and preparation for winter. World Food Day is on a Sunday—October 16—during this exceptional fall, when the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (or “Super Committee”) can recommend almost anything to Congress to reduce the U.S. deficit even as people are starving in the Horn of Africa and record levels of Americans live in poverty.
Lessons on Christian Discipleship
September 1, 2011
As you prepare to launch another school year and church program year, the lectionary this month offers a series of lessons on Christian discipleship. Here in Washington, DC, Congress will return from its August recess soon to consider policies that will influence our country for the next decade.
Hunger Doesn't Take a Vacation
August 1, 2011
As you read this, I imagine you settling in to that summer lull, when programming and attendance reflects the season of vacations and summer schedules. Of course, summers bring their own share of pastoral demands. That "slow" time is filled with much prayer and planning. Here in Washington, this summer has been far different from the normal summer routine.
Grappling with Scarcity and Abundance
July 1, 2011
In most of our Gospel lessons for July, Jesus uses agricultural images (mainly seeds, tiny vessels of possibility) to teach his followers. The last Sunday of the month we'll hear Matthew's version of the feeding of the 5,000, which ends with abundance.
Would a father give a stone to a child who asks for bread?
June 1, 2011
The Hallmark calendar and the liturgical calendar provide us with an interesting juxtoposition this June. One Sunday, it's Father's Day. On the next, Abraham is taking Isaac to the mountain to be sacrificed.
A Time for Prayer, Fasting, and Gathering
April 1, 2011
This year's journey through the Lenten wilderness has been made more bleak by developments here in Washington, DC. As Congress struggles with the real need to reduce deficit spending, the budget-cutting proposals being considered would be devastating for hungry and poor people in our country and around the world.
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