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Walking Alongside – then what?

A vision of two people walking a dusty road for seven miles as they leave Jerusalem, heading toward Emmaus. Their steps are heavy, but I do not see them as broken. Their story is recounted in Luke’s Gospel, chapter 24. They are Cleopas and the other one, who leave on Easter Sunday, headed home. But we had hoped, is the phrase that defines this walk. They had hoped that He (Jesus) was the one to redeem Israel. Perhaps you know the story. These two are joined by a third, who asks questions, and is told the story of the one these two were following, and of his death. They have heard from some women in thier company that he has not stayed dead, but they are not convinced.  Continue reading “Walking Alongside – then what?”

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Our hearts – connected

You can find anything on Amazon. or pretty close. I found the picture with this blog when I searched for intertwined hearts. Apparently there’s even a person who will create heart shaped horseshoes for a price. Kind of cool. But that’s not what I was thinking of. I am thinking of the narrative in Luke often called the prodigal son. The story is well known, and you may think you ‘get it’. But maybe not. Because the narrative of the Prodigal son found in Luke 15 is layered with love. It is a story of a family, like so many.  Continue reading “Our hearts – connected”

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Come to the waters

Isaiah 55:1 Hey, all who are thirsty, come to the water!
You who have no money, come!
Buy and eat!
Come! Buy wine and milk without money
and without cost!

God’s story with the people of Israel is a complex one. He saves them, he loves them, he allows pretty awful things to happen to them. But, Isaiah 55 is a chapter to remember when you personally need to be reminded that God’s love is available for you. Hey, all who are thirsty, come to the water. Continue reading “Come to the waters”

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Peace be upon you

We gather for worship today. Just like our brothers and sisters in Christchurch New Zealand did on Friday. The last words one of the faithful said that day was, “Peace, brother.” Just before the gunman ended his life.

We will pray this morning at church for all those who suffer from this recent killing, and for all who worship in fear of the hatred of another. We must put an end to the hate speech and vitriol which ignites these killings. It is up to us.  Continue reading “Peace be upon you”

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Taking a walk with Jesus

rembrandt-emmausThe narrative in the Gospel of Luke, the 24th chapter, is a post resurrection story. Yet, here we are in the church, in the season of Lent, where we consciously choose to follow the path of Jesus along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Pain, or the Way of Sorrow, as he goes to his death on the cross. I find great significance in my own life by connecting with the hard story of Jesus’ death – I don’t do it daily, my friends, but I try to do so every Lent, to remind me that the story of God’s love for me involved hard choices, painful ones. And Jesus chose me everytime, out of His great love for me. But I am a stubborn creature, and if you talk to me about pain and suffering too many times, I will begin to tune you out!  Continue reading “Taking a walk with Jesus”