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Fear
Leaning in, not overcoming “Do not be afraid.” Jesus says this constantly. Often when the proverbial horse has left the barn. Telling us to not be afraid when we already are seems a bit…harsh. And ridiculous. “Oh, OK! I’ll just switch this off… [ click ] There. Not afraid. Phew!” But Jesus isn’t asking us…
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After the Interruption
This past week, we celebrated Holypalooza for the eighth time in nine years. It was a celebration full of emotion as we long for “normal” and celebrate this joyous opportunity. It also represented a shift in direction; the natural evolution of time and circumstance. The vision of its three founding pastors (now long gone from…
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Repentance
We are already turning The word repent means to turn and go another way. In Mark, we see that repentance is the driver of Jesus’s ministry and the very mantle he takes up from John the Baptizer. It is also what Jesus demonstrates in Mark 8, when he rebukes Peter for getting between him and…
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Without Fear and Longing
For SundaySixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Collect O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.Amen. Reading…
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courage
Gracefully living in the now. Peter shows courage in naming Jesus Messiah. He also shows courage in standing up to Jesus in the moment. Jesus shows courage in confronting that temptation to avoid the challenge ahead of them. Following Jesus takes courage. It often seems like we encourage one another to display courage to benefit…
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Command
A life less optional In last week’s gospel, Jesus refers to God’s command. It is a word that strikes my ear with great difficulty. I am thoroughly an American after all, and the idea of freedom is always central. It is also a word we associate with the military – in the form of commands…
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When everyone leaves
For SundayThirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Collect Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever…
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Literal Bread?
For SundayTwelfth Sunday after Pentecost Collect Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through…