Tag Archives: forgiveness

Spot and a Still Small Voice

Posted on August 28, 2023 by John

In my early days with sheep herding dogs, I thought the only way of getting through to them was through my voice….and the louder the better. You see you train dogs in a big open field; and the sheep start … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 16 C: The Group Mind of the Church

Posted on September 21, 2022 by John

Instead of my normal practice of reflecting on one or more readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, this week, and since we will be welcoming new members to St. Luke Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, I have chosen to … Continue reading →

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Easter 2 C: Peace in Action: Forgiving and Not Forgiving

Posted on April 24, 2022 by John

The readings for the Second Sunday of Easter are: First Reading         Acts 5:27–32 Psalm                    Psalm 118:14–29 or Psalm 150 New Testament     Revelation 1:4–8 Gospel                   John 20:19–31 The pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus was right when he … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 17B: Fighting Hard in the Culture Wars

Posted on September 15, 2021 by John

The readings for this 17th Sunday after Pentecost are: Old Testament      Jeremiah 11:18–20 Psalm                    Psalm 54 New Testament     James 3:13–4:3, 4:7–8a Gospel                   Mark 9:30–37 We are at an inflection point. We are in a culture war. … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 16a: The Limits of Rage and Zeal

Posted on September 15, 2020 by John

The alternative first reading for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost is Jonah 3:10–4:11. This, and not the Big Fish, is the heart of the book. Jonah is forced to preach a warning to his arch-enemies in Nineveh. They repent. God … Continue reading →

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Ash Wednesday Petitions

Posted on March 2, 2017 by John

Creator God,  we who stand before you are dust,    and to dust we shall return. But you have breathed into our lips your Holy Breath, so we are also … yours. Help us this Lent to come alive to your … Continue reading →

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Antidote for Complacency: Reflections of Sunday’s Readings

Posted on March 1, 2013 by John

The very first thing that caught my eye as I drove into Ann Arbor the spring of 1966 was that strange graffiti on a huge concrete retaining wall. Being in Greek I could not decipher it and perhaps for that very … Continue reading →

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Do Our Pets Go To Heaven?

Posted on October 15, 2011 by John

At our first annual Blessing of the Animals service we shared stories. After Sharon told of the way her dog had (perhaps) saved her life when she was worn down with caring for her dying father and she began to … Continue reading →

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Thoughts of Columba in Deep-Green August

Posted on August 4, 2010 by John

Devotional thoughts of Columba, Iona Scotland and Ireland help us see the blessings in the deep green of an exceptionally wet summer. Continue reading →

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Fortify Me Lord–A Holy Saturday Prayer

Posted on April 3, 2010 by John

Fortify me Lord. Keep me from sloppy living that cheapens your grace. Continue reading →

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