Reflect John’s resurrection narrative (John 19:16-18, 28-30, 20:11-18) is an appropriate text for Easter Sunday. Our annual celebration of this central Christian event is characterized by unfettered rejoicing, full of triumphant hymns, banners, and blooming lilies. This gospel writer’s record of Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene, however, is shrouded in mystery and the […]
Reflect The resurrection story is usually saved for Easter, when we can see new life and growth all around us. The story of the birth of Jesus last week led to a life of ministry, a tragic death and new life. The good news is that even in great loss, there is always a new […]
Focus Prepare yourself to discern what is and what is not of God today. Still yourself so you can hear how God is calling you. Read Mark 16:1-8 (NRSV) When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And […]
Focus Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time. Read Matthew 28:1-10 (NRSV) After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great […]
Focus Slow your breathing and become aware of the taking in and letting out of your breath. Focus on putting things aside so you will be open to what God is saying to you today. Read Matthew 22:23-33 (NRSV) The same day some Sadducees came to him, saying there is no resurrection; and they asked […]
Focus Relax and listen. Consciously prepare to hear God’s Word. Clear your mind of the worries and tasks that lie before you. Open your heart and allow it to refresh. Read Romans 6:1-11(NRSV) What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can […]
Focus Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word. Read Luke 24:36-40 (NRSV) While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were […]
As the lunar cycle would have it this year, the last stale piece of denominational birthday cake will scarcely be gone before we plunge into the season of Lent. From cake crumbs to ashes in less than a week—just like that. While such an abrupt transition could leave some folks feeling as if they’ve boarded […]
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