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Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
It's never easy to hit the "send" button on a lectionary reading reflection. There is always more to say, or less to say. There are always different ways to approach a reading. I usually try not to overthink it. I read, write, and send. But yesterday I wish I would have said more. So, let me go back to Luke 18:15-17, the passage about Jesus blessing the little children. I have been thinking about the story of how Joe Biden grew up struggling with stuttering. He was bullied and teased mercilessly. His teacher made fun of him, causing his mother to come to school to defend her son. Biden was determined, and practiced reciting poetry in the mirror to overcome his stutter. And now he is the 46th President of the United States. But along the way he met Brayden Harrington, a 13 year old who came to see candidate Biden on the campaign trail. Brayden also stuttered. When Biden was told about Brayden he stopped what he was doing and spent time encouraging the young man. He said they belonged to a special club. He gave Brayden some tips of what had helped Joe out through the years when the words were difficult to speak. He connected, and they encouraged one another. Here is a video of their story. This is what Jesus modeled in Luke 18. Let the little children come to me, do not stop them. There is no one who is less than or not important enough for our time and attention. All of us are made in the image of God. And, the moments we spend growing in grace together without teasing or bullying or slandering one another, the closer we find ourselves to the heart of God. Brayden participated in the Celebration of America event last night. He spoke the words of John F. Kennedy without stumble or stutter, but knowing he was loved and accepted no matter what. Take a look at the attached video and just imagine what is possible when we lift one another up. Let us encourage and bless the children. -- Peace, Dean
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Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
Luke 18:15-17 is one of my favorites. Jesus blesses the children. People were bringing children, even infants, to Jesus that he might bless them. The disciples thought that was a waste of his time and tried to shoo them away. But Jesus stopped his disciples and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” It would be hard to imagine Jesus without this insight into his heart. He shows yet again that everyone is important. This passage helps us to see that Jesus is compassionate, loving, and kind. When life gets complicated, remember Jesus blessing the children. Pay attention to the ones some feel are not worth your time. Sit down on the ground to see the world from their perspective. Imagine what a difference it would be if every child were blessed, loved, and welcomed. And ponder the trust it would take for each of us to approach our faith as a little child, full of wonder. I am thankful that Rev. Jane Ellen Johnson is continuing to minister with the children of the church. Jane Ellen not only prepares a special message for worship, but also sends home a packet of activities and materials to each child each week. That's one of the reasons I am so thankful for your faithful financial support of the church. "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them." -- Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
This past Sunday we focused on the Baptism of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark. Today, we receive the testimony of John the Baptist from the Gospel of John. “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” It looks like there might be difficult days ahead. There may be violence in word and/or deed. We may feel like our foundations are shifting beneath our feet. As people who follow the Prince of Peace, I invite you into a daily time of prayer. Let us commit to praying together each day through at least January 20, 2021.
Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
Worship is multi-sensory. When we were able to gather together in the sanctuary for worship, all of our senses were engaged. There is a way the sound echoes and the light shines in worship. The space warms as people gather. The handshakes and hugs make an imprint on the heart. And there is a familiar smell, of candles and communion, kids and youth, choir and acolyte robes, folks who just rolled out of bed or are dressed in their finest that are reserved for Sunday. And there are the sneezes. I do miss the sneezes. In Exodus 30, God commands Moses to create a powerful incense filling the Holy of Holies with an aroma that was reserved for that sacred space. Myrrh, cinnamon, aromatic cane, cassia, and olive oil mixed in precise amounts would be reserved for the place of worship. Everything in that space would be covered in that scent. Do you have a candle that you could light where you are that can fill your place of worship with a glow and a fragrance that brings you nearer to God? Pay attention to all of your senses as you worship from home. Today might be a good day to give someone a call and talk about the tiny sanctuaries we are creating at home. How does that space engage the senses, even as we wait with anticipation for the time it will be safe for us to gather together as a congregation again? -- Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
God calls. Samuel and Ananias responded, "Here I am." "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground." "So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength." God calls still today. In the midst of all the chaos and violence, the upheaval and destruction, God calls us to continue to work on behalf of Jesus. God calls us to love with as much focus and energy as those who hate. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. ― Frederick Buechner Give someone a call today. Talk together about how God is calling us to remember our shared baptism in Christ and to be his disciples in the world. -- Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
Today is the Day of Epiphany! God's light came to shine on earth, to help those who were lost to find their way, to save all creation. An Epiphany is the moment when Jesus is recognized as the One sent by God into the world. The Magi story shows us what an Epiphany means. Wise kings from the east used their own traditional beliefs, represented a world beyond Jerusalem, and recognized Jesus as the Christ-child. In the Gospel of Matthew, these travelers from afar who followed the star to the place where Jesus was meant that God was able to draw the whole world in. The divine light was for all peoples. Among the very first to witness the light shining in the darkness were those who traveled a great distance to pay him homage. What are your Epiphany moments? When did the "light turn on" for you and you knew Jesus as the Savior of the world? I will be taking down the Christmas tree today, but that radiant light will still shine in love for the whole world. Today might be a good day to call someone and talk together about the Epiphany. -- Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
In these first few days of the new year I find myself in a process of recalibrating. I have cleaned the house thoroughly. I changed the font and color of my emails and archived all of my messages received during the past year. I have put together things I have been meaning to put together, and have taken apart things I have been meaning to take apart. It feels good. Like when your computer has been on for weeks and you finally shut it down completely, let it get a break, and turn it back on again. It's a fresh new beginning. Jesus reminds us in Luke 6:27-31 that we are not done recalibrating until we love our enemies. Can't I just clean the toilets again? But of course, Jesus is right. Until we address our unresolved conflict we will never find peace. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you... Who has made you mad? Whose voice makes you cringe? Who has caused you to stay awake during the night because they have done this or said that? It's a new year. It's a new opportunity to address those conflicts in our lives. A reboot: Do to others as you would have them do to you. Give someone a call today. Talk with them about that person you consider an enemy. Ask them to help you pray for them, and love them. Allow yourself to breathe in peace, and breathe out anger. It may or may not change them, but it will change you. Deal with the conflict in your life, and live into the Peace of Christ. -- Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B Proverbs 3:1-12 is wise counsel for any time of the year, but especially at the start of a new year. The proverb advises us to keep God's commandments, writing them on our hearts. It advises us to trust in God and to not rely on ourselves, but to rely completely on God. This proverb reminds me of the Covenant Service written by John Wesley. It helps to mindfully and seriously commit to following God with our whole selves. I read some of it in worship yesterday, when I was regular size. I will attach the covenant service so you can spend time with it, pray over it, and commit to it. May God bless you this new year. -- Peace, Dean 
Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
Nothing could stop the new year from arriving. Welcome, 2021! I've done my annual "changing of the fonts" and I am ready for a new day. The lectionary texts are just what is needed to begin the year. I won't add much commentary, but will encourage you to read them and reflect. God loves you and is with you always. The lectionary includes a slideshow if you would like to view it here. Do you have a goal to spend more time with scripture this year? One of my favorite resources is The Bible Project. Sign up for their reading plan to read the Bible in a year. https://bibleproject.com/reading-plans/ I wonder what the new year will bring? Let us resolve to love God and our neighbor and trust that no matter what, the light of Christ will shine. -- Peace, Dean Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B
Well, we have come to the end of 2020. This has been a year like no other. We have experienced compounded suffering. But as we look back, we can also see the grace. God has been present. I have witnessed that grace through the love that you have shared with one another, the beauty of birds singing in the garden, the creativity of teachers and patience of parents, the resiliency of children and youth, the bravery of health professionals and front line workers, the determination to learn about anti-racism and to change the world for the better, the new ways to do old things, the sunrises, the sunsets... What better way to end the year than with Scripture? The Psalm calls out a song of praise. Praise God from the heavens! Praise God from the heights! Praise God, all the angels! Praise God, sun and moon and stars and sky. Praise God, earth and sea, fire and hail, snow and frost, mountains, hills, cattle, and all creatures. Praise God, all the people. Princes and rulers, men and women, young and old alike. Praise God! As you think about 2021 and the resolutions you have for your life, consider Solomon's dream. In his dream, God said, "Ask what I should give you." Solomon pondered - a new suit? a pile of money? power? His response, "an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil." Seek wisdom and understanding this year. And remember, when you are discouraged, when you wonder if it matters to love your neighbor even when that is hard, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Keep following the light. It is quite a journey full of mystery and wonder. I look forward to following that light with you into a new year. Eternal Light, shine into our hearts. Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil. Eternal Power, be our support. Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of our ignorance. Eternal Pity, have mercy upon us. That with all our heart and mind and soul and strength we may seek your face and be brought by your infinite mercy to your holy presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ALCUIN OF YORK, ENGLAND, 8TH CENT.) Peace, Dean |
REv. Dean N. PrentissI am blessed to be the Pastor at Wesley Park UMC. Find Daily Lectionary Readings Here. Archives
January 2021
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