April 20, 2020

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Our lectionary gives us three days to ponder Psalm 114 this week.  This invites us into three days of contemplation of the miraculous and wondrous ways God is at work.  The Israelites were in awe at the saving power of God.  They were held captive, and God set them free.  They were displaced, and God brought them home.  They were suffering under the rule of one who seemed all-powerful.  God was more powerful.  What is God doing in this time of isolation?  Do you think that God will save us?  How will God help us find our way to leave our homes one day?

Who among us hasn't asked God for a sign?  "God, if you send a dog walking all by itself down the sidewalk on its hind legs while wearing a leash, I will do the dishes."  Just then, there is a dog walking all by itself down the sidewalk on its hind legs while wearing a leash.  This often leads to, "Ok.  If you send a cat walking all by itself down the sidewalk while wearing a hat, I will really do the dishes."  Just then, there is a cat...  These signs often bring smiles to our faces as we sense that God is with us and nudging us to do what we know we need to do.  For Gideon, the sign of the fleece was the assurance he needed to go into battle even though he was far outnumbered.  Read ahead to see how Gideon whittled the number of his troops down to just 100.  How do you like to drink your water?  Gideon had a sign that God would be with them.   That was all that he needed.

We are the people of the resurrection.  Richard Prentiss, my Dad's brother, and our Uncle Dick died yesterday from complications of Covid-19.  I give God thanks for Uncle Dick.  He was someone to behold.  With Uncle Dick, you wanted to sit back and watch him tell his stories.  His stories were fascinating, especially for a group of kids.  They were full of exaggerations, sound effects, twists, turns, bravado, and colorful language.  I also give God thanks for Jesus and the power and promise of resurrection.  Jesus conquered death.  Resurrection is real.  It makes me thankful to think of Uncle Dick with his parents Hugh and Ila, his wife Joanne, his brother Norm, his sisters Juanita and Pat, my brother Keith and so many more.  They know the Gospel is true.  Thank you, God.  And, thank you all for the prayers for my Dad and family.

Here is a picture of my Uncle Dick reaching out to pull me up from the freezing waters of the St. Clair river.

Let's do all we can to protect ourselves and others from the coronavirus.

Peace,
Dean