May 30, 2019 - Ascension

Lectionary Readings

In the name of the Risen Lord ☩ Amen.

One of the refrains throughout the Old Testament is that the culmination of Creation will be when the glory of God fills the earth. The prophet Habakkuk says that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” And throughout the Psalms and other writings, that theme is picked up. We heard it in the passage from Ephesians tonight, that Christ fills “all in all.”

May 19, 2019 - Easter 5C

Lectionary Readings

Grant us, O Lord, in the Eucharist to remember what we are and become what we receive. Amen.

            Have you ever walked into the kitchen only to forget why you were there? Or maybe you’ve started an email and then forgotten what you needed to say. Perhaps you’ve forgotten something more important – someone’s name, a family member’s birthday, a meeting that you were supposed to attend. We all know what it is to forget things. One of the reasons why the Church celebrates the Eucharist with such intentionality and so often is because it reminds us of some very important things.

May 12, 2019 - Easter 4C

Lectionary Readings

Grant us, Lord, always to sit at your table and dwell in your house for ever. Amen.

            Think for a moment about the best meal that you’ve ever had. Maybe it was a home-cooked specialty made by your grandmother or perhaps it was at a high-end steak house. Think back to what made that meal so special. The food was probably good, the atmosphere was likely nice, but I bet that with more certainty than telling me what food you ordered or what music was playing in the background, you can tell me who you were with. What makes a meal sacred is the people gathered around the table with you. I’ve had some really lousy food, but the meal ended up being a good experience because I was surrounded by loved ones. This truth is what makes the Holy Eucharist such a special meal, because in it we are gathered with the dearest of people.

May 5, 2019 - Easter 3C

Lectionary Readings

O Lord, give us this day our daily bread. Amen.

            Meals are central to what it means to be human. Of course, all animals eat, but only us humans make a meal out of getting the necessary nutrients into our bodies. And there’s nothing quite like a meal’s ability to serve as the foundation for so many different occasions. Need to close the deal with a client? Take them to a nice restaurant. Want to celebrate a romantic relationship? Open a bottle of wine and have a nice meal. Celebrating a wedding? Make sure you have a good caterer to provide for a celebratory meal. Have a friend who is mourning the loss of a loved one? Take them a casserole. Birthday parties, farewell receptions, job promotions – sharing a meal is at the center of how we mark these occasions.