Pentecost, the birthday of the church. The day when the Holy Spirit visited the followers of Jesus with the touch of flame. As United Methodists, that flame, the flame of…
The lectionary scripture reading for this week really feels like two different stories, but it’s not. It’s one story that deals with the same subject in two different ways: how…
This is the Sunday we reserve for the one we call “doubting Thomas.” Forgetting for the moment that all of the Disciples doubted when Jesus first appeared, what if Thomas…
Mary Magdalene, Joana, Mary the mother of James, and the other women go to the tomb with spices to tend to Jesus’ body. When they find the tomb empty and…
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the multitude of disciples begins to joyfully shout with praise. The Pharisees try to silence them, but Jesus responds: “I tell you, even if these were…
God is brazen in turning tears into joy. Not so long after their brother Lazarus dies and is raised from the dead, Mary and Martha joyfully welcome Jesus into their…
The word “prodigal” is commonly used to describe the son who squanders his inheritance. Yet, this parable invites us to consider how God’s grace is also prodigal - extravagant, lavish,…
Sometimes it seems like nothing we do goes according to plan. That might be one meeting, one hour, a whole day, a week, a year, or a season of life.…
God is our refuge. There is nothing that can separate you from God, or could keep God from gathering you in, protecting you fiercely. Jesus’ lament for Jerusalem is seemingly…
Even in the desert, Jesus expands our definitions of a full life. It’s not the life the Tempter presents: a life defined by excess power, control, or reign. Jesus sees…
