We’re up to the 21st day of Lent. John 9:1-41 is our scripture today. This is another healing story, but it’s also a catalog of the many ways we religious people can be terrible to others in the name of God.
Lent Reflection – Do I find validation being part an angry group?
Today is the 20th day of Lent. John 8:1-11 is the scripture today, the captivating scene where Jesus diffuses a mob intent on humiliating him and exploiting a woman to do so. (Historically, we’ve called this story “The Woman Taken In Adultery,” but that puts the spotlight on the wrong people.)
Lent Reflection – Do I use others’ pain to justify my beliefs?
Today is the 19th day of Lent. Today I’m reading Luke 13:1-5, a strange little interaction where Jesus talks about tragedy and repentance.
Lent Reflection – Do I treat some people as irredeemable?
Today is the 18th day of Lent. Today we’re reading Luke 19:1-10, the famous children’s story about Zacchaeus, the wee little man. But is it a children’s story?
Lent Reflection – Do I judge others’ righteousness & purity?
It’s the 17th day of Lent. Luke 18:9-14 is today’s scripture, a parable that warns against using prayer and spiritual practice in a very destructive way.
Lent Reflection – Am I waiting for personal guidance when I already know the good I should do?
Today is the 16th day of Lent. Luke 16:19-31 is the scripture today, the odd parable we call the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Lent Reflection – Is my need to stay busy keeping me from being present?
This is the 15th day of Lent. Luke 10:38-42 is today’s scripture, the contrast between Mary and Martha..
Lent Reflection – Do I limit who I will be a neighbor to?
We’re up to the 14th day of Lent. Luke 10:25-37 is the scripture today. In yesterday’s reading, Jesus was denied hospitality by a Samaritan village because he was Jewish. In the next chapter of Luke, Jesus tells a story that makes a Samaritan the hero and provides the model for Christian ethics.
Lent Reflection – Am I using Jesus to justify hateful behavior?
Today is the 13th day of Lent. The scripture for today is Luke 9:51-56, that time when the disciples asked Jesus to incinerate a village.
Lent Reflection – Are my expectations keeping me from hearing Jesus?
This is the 12th day of Lent. The scripture for today is Matthew 17:1-9, the stunning event we call the Transfiguration.
Lent Reflection – Am I offended by generosity?
Today is the 11th day of Lent. Today’s scripture is Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the vineyard owner who hired workers throughout the day but paid them all the same. Wha’s up with that?
Lent Reflection – Am I too busy with God-talk?
Welcome to the 10th day of Lent. Matthew 19:13-15 is the passage for today, the scene of Jesus, the children, and the trap of God-talk.
Lent Reflection – Am I escalating retribution or forgiveness?
Today is the 9th day of Lent. Today’s scripture is Matthew 18:21-35, a teaching and parable about forgiveness. Sounds great, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Lent Reflection – Am I despising the Little Ones?
Today is the 8th day of Lent, and this continues my series of lent reflections. Matthew 18:10-14 is the scripture today. This is Matthew’s telling of the parable of the lost sheep.
Lent Reflection – Am I showing up to every argument I’m invited to?
Today is the 7th day of Lent. Today’s scripture is Matthew 17:24-27, a conversation about taxes that turns into a teaching moment and a bizarre miracle.