June 3, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

I enjoy these daily lectionary readings and sharing a short reflection. My hope in all the ways I pastor is not to be the last word but to initiate avenues for dialogue. After reading what I offer, I pray that each of you will continue the conversation with God, with others, and in your own heart.  I am blessed to have such a way to share.  I am humbled that many of you have woven this spiritual discipline into our time in the wilderness. 

Sometimes I will read the lectionary texts the night before and allow them to visit me in my dreams. Always I read them in the morning. And then I write whatever comes to mind, a free-form flow of consciousness and prayer. Finally, I send it to you and Facebook and Twitter, post it on our website, and trust that God will infuse it with love and grace.

Yesterday was a difficult day. It disturbed me as I perceived the president using things that are sacred as political messages when there are so many people crying out through pain for justice. I try hard to be considerate and mindful of the variety of beliefs and life experiences in our faith community. I try to be careful with what I say and how I say it. But yesterday I was upset. And one of you wrote to let me know that made you upset. And it dawned on me that the last thing I need to do is to divide God's people. We are being pitted against one another relentlessly these days. Partisanship runs deep right now, and we are encouraged to distrust the other. I don't want to play that game. I don't want to contribute toward pulling us apart from our shared baptism in Christ. We are one body, and we need each other now more than ever.

I apologize for the things that I say which might be hurtful or offensive. I will focus even harder on speaking love to you, the people I love. As a descendant of Eldad and Medad, I will still prophesy and trust in God's Spirit. And as a follower of Christ, I will endeavor that from my heart will flow rivers of living water. These are stressful and turbulent times. I trust that God will help us find our way.

Let us pray for Peace.  Let us work for Justice.
Dean