Each week I write a column, actually more of a letter, to preachers. It’s usually on the Gospel reading appointed for the coming Sunday and often offers not just some perspective on the reading but a suggestion or two for how to involve the congregation more directly in the sermon. I won’t...
12. Mark 14:27-31
posted by DJL
And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to...
Who Shovels Your Kids’ Rink?
posted by DJL
Helicopter parents. We’ve been hearing about them for a few years now. These are the parents that “swoop in” – hence the name – to check in on, and take care of, their kids even after they go to college and, more recently, enter the workforce. They have become the new norm for colleges to contend with – checking up on their kids’ food, dorm conditions, performance, and more. Indeed, the term “in loco parentis” (Latin for “in the place of parents”) seems all but obsolete as part of the description of college officials, as the parents never seem to be absent for long. Except that by and large these parents aren’t there...
11. Mark 14:26
posted by DJL
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. There are moments in all great stories – whether bound in a book, set on a stage, or portrayed on the silver screen – when the pace of the narrative slows down just enough for you to catch your breath and take a look around...
Romero on Lenten Sac...
posted by DJL
It is so easy for my “Lenten discipline” – the quotations are to indicate how little “Lent” there is sometimes in the discipline – to devolve into a chance to drop a few points, quit an annoying habit, or spend a little less money. I never mean for that to...
2nd Sunday of Lent
posted by DJL
Dear Lord, As Peter made bold to confess your name and place faith in you, make us bold to witness to you in word and deed. As Peter misunderstood your nature and mission and sought to prevent you from embracing your destiny, make us aware of when we misunderstand your will and forgive us when...
Faith & Film: T...
posted by DJL
I love movies. And even though since having kids it seems like I’m way more likely to catch a film on DVD or streaming rather than actually seeing one at the theaters, I still enjoy not just movies but also that grand celebration of film we call the Academy Awards (particularly when Billy...
10. Mark 14:22-25
posted by DJL
While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which...
Ash Wednesday in India
posted by DJL
I spend a lot of time thinking about the state of the church in North America. What’s going right. More often, what’s going wrong and what we should do about it. For that reason, it’s incredibly helpful to remember that Christ’s Church is a lot bigger than I am, or my denomination is, or even all the churches in my continent are. Jesus said (and we will hear these words in a couple of weeks) that when he was lifted up he would draw all persons to him (John 12:32). When I see a picture like this one – of a young woman in Hyderabad, India, offering prayers with her community – I am reminded, humbled, and...
9. Mark 14:17-21
posted by DJL
When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Surely, not I?” He said to them,...
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