June 9, 2020

​Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

I just read that the time we have spent at home to protect ourselves and others saved approximately 60 million people from being infected with the coronavirus.  I imagine we will have to continue to be careful for a long time.  Thank you for doing your part to take this virus seriously.  It is an act of Christian compassion to save the lives of others.

You have probably learned a lot about yourself in this time apart.  Maybe you now know that you are amazing at doing a puzzle.  Or, that you would rather sit quietly in prayer than watch television.  1 Corinthians reminds us that we all have our gifts that together build up the Body of Christ.  "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

It seems like if there is going to be transformative change to address issues of racism and violence, it is going to take everyone's gifts.  It will take each person's expression of the Spirit for the common good.  As Eugene Peterson puts it, imagine what can happen when all of these gifts work together: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.  You be you.  And help to bring about justice and healing.

I invite you to take THIS Spiritual Gifts Inventory.  Maybe you have taken it in the past.  I wonder if your gifts have changed over time?  I hope you will find a way to use your Spiritual gifts to respond to the suffering of the oppressed and live into the love of Jesus.

Peace,
Dean