“Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice.” Her name was Edna Miller and she was about as plain as her name implied except when she was inside the walls of a classroom with chalk in hand. She stood barely five-foot tall yet could…

All throughout scripture there is attention paid, and tension within, the relationship between money and piety. Money and possessions signal God’s blessing in many stories. God’s blessing follows those who live an upright and righteous life. There almost seems to be a quid pro quo equation between having money and possessions and the assumed goodness…

He had carried the pocket cross for 20 years. It had only cost 25 cents and was made of tin. But the sharp edges were now worn smooth after 20 years of daily fondling, fidgeting, and rubbing in a prayerful fashion. It was like a security blanket and a constant reminder of God’s love and…

In the gospel text from St. Luke, Jesus is quoted, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I will give you the Kingdom. Use your stuff so that you have permanent benefit from it. You will be happy if you are ready for my return.” Or, to paraphrase it in the simplest way, don’t be afraid, enjoy your…

In our Gospel today, Jesus says to us, “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Recently, I heard the story of a older woman who, over the course of her life, had accumulated a large number of quilts. She had about 25 quilts, most of which had been handed down to her…

This is a remarkable story. Jesus turns everything upside down. The man who asked him the critical question was not satisfied with Jesus’ very simple, very clear, and very traditional answer. “Love God and love your neighbor” is very simple. It is ancient. The man, though, was not going to settle for that. He wanted…

The intent of the gospel appointed for this Sunday is very, very clear. Jesus is God. We know this because a young man is brought back to life. This is the first time in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus is given the name “Lord.” We know from the book of the first kings in the Hebrew…

Do you remember the Black Panther Party? That’s right – Eldridge Cleaver and company. Well, they’re back. In response to the White Militia Groups, now, black militia groups are springing up and some of them are calling themselves the Black Panthers. I heard a member of one of these groups interviewed this week and he…

The cost of discipleship is the central theme of the Gospel text from Luke, chapter 9. In the text Jesus has “set his face towards Jerusalem.” He was journeying toward Jerusalem in order to fulfill God’s plan for his life, a plan that involves a cross and crucifixion on Calvary. As Jesus travels towards Jerusalem,…

Sweet ever-loving Jesus, bless our minds and hearts to hear your voice. Make us one with your Holy Spirit in love. Fill us with compassion and peace to promote your love and kingdom to all. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto you. In Christ’s Name we…