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Let’s not jealously undermine a stranger
When the disciples see a stranger exorcizing a demon in the name of Jesus, they react strongly. And to this, Jesus reacts strongly.
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Unsanctioned—for Proper 21B
When the disciples come across a stranger casting out demons, they want to stop him. Jesus has other plans for them, however.
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Seasoning—the saltiness of living well
When Jesus speaks of being salted with fire, he speaks of seasoning in life, in living, in hoping and experiencing God’s grace.
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Between Proper 20 + 21 (Year B)
Preparing for this week’s gospel, we need to look back at what the lectionary skipped over last week—disciples’ inability and confusion.
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Failure, control, and empowering kids in the church
The challenge of the Passion Predictions is that they force us to confront our failure to follow Jesus, to love in the way he teaches.
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Jesus leads with love—for Proper 20B
In the second passion prediction, Jesus again upends the disciples’ expectations (and ours) for a messiah, and for his followers.
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Bad News—our fear of talking about death
Most people, including Christians, have a hard time talking about death. And struggle with the idea that it can be good news.
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Between Proper 19 + 20 (Year B)
Between the predictions of the Passion, Jesus confronts a moment of failure for the disciples, helping us see our lack of focus.