"God of Grace and God of Glory," ELW 705 -- "...Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, lest we miss your kingdom's goal..." I do not know who first coined the term "affluenza" to describe the disease of having too much and still wanting more. I just know that it is every bit as real a sickness as cancer or diabetes. It is probably even more prevalent in our society. read more... more >>

Luke 12:13-21 -- If you had all the money you ever dreamed of, what would you do with it? Roam the aisles of your favorite big box store and add to your collection of treasures? Purchase the latest and greatest version of the iThis or the iThat? Open a savings account and watch it grow? Saving it seems like a reasonable answer, especially in these challenging economic times. That is what the rich man in the parable does. He is a saver. read more... more >>

Luke 12:13-21 -- Take care! This is the usual way I end a phone conversation. It is the typical way I sign a letter. It is what Jesus tells the crowd as he introduces the parable of the rich man who gets richer. read more... more >>

Colossians 3:1-11 -- "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Paul, of course, is talking about "earthly things" in a negative sense. These are things that draw our attention away from our relationship with Christ, not so much the "earthly things" that are required for our day-to-day existence. Food, shelter and companionship are all worthy and important in their own right. read more... more >>

Psalm 49:1-12 -- What do the rich and poor have in common? In a world which loves to separate everybody into two camps ("There are two kinds of people in the world...") the Psalmist reminds us that when it comes to death, there is one kind of people in the world: the kind that dies. You might get a street, a building, or a town (even, less happily, a fatal disease) named after you. However, in the end, it is a tombstone that will bear your name. read more... more >>

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 -- The Teacher needs cheering up! Is vanity - emptiness -- really all there is? Is it an "unhappy business" that God has given us? This seems a little harsh. Surely God has given us a lot that is joyful. Even our work can be filled with purpose. read more... more >>

"Faith of Our Fathers" alternate stanzas 2-4, ELW 813 -- In recent decades, we are more fully rejoicing in the rich diversity among all of God's children. We recognize God created all humankind--male and female--in God's image (Genesis 1:27). With this insight, Joseph R. read more... more >>

"O God of Mercy, God of Light," ELW 714 -- "How big is your family?" When asked this question, I quickly respond, "There are four people in my family." What would folks think if I answered, "There are 6,828,380,901 people in my family"? That is the world's population (U.S. Census Bureau's estimate on 6/20/10). According to Godfrey Thring, O God of Mercy, God of Light lyricist, my extended family--our extended family--includes everyone. read more... more >>

John 20:1--2, 11--18 -- As a woman, Mary Magdalene was a "second class" citizen during her time. Her previous severe affliction by seven demons (Luke 8:2) may have led to further estrangement. However, Jesus healed her and welcomed her as one of his beloved friends and followers. read more... more >>

John 20:1--2, 11--18 -- Today, we observe the festival for Mary Magdalene, Apostle*. Mary Magdalene lingered at Jesus' tomb; her perseverance bore great fruit. Mary's healer (Luke 2:8), teacher, friend, and, now, Savior called her by name. read more... more >>

Acts 13:26--33 -- The context and historical recounting of Paul's sermon to the Israelites in Antioch reads like the "in," "out," "in," "shake it all about," and "turn around" of the Hokey Pokey song. The Israelites, God's "in" people, were outside recognizing Christ as Messiah. Christ's ministry proceeded among society's outsiders--people who were women, children, sick, "unclean," despised, and disregarded. read more... more >>

Psalm 73:3-14 23-28 -- "It's NOT fair!" What parent hasn't heard these words? They are often sputtered with quivering lip, hot tears, crossed arms, and, maybe, a stomped foot. Reading Psalm 73 (particularly vv. 3--14), I almost hear the psalmist, Asaph, lamenting, "It's not fair!" as he looks from a society outside, across the fence into the green grass of affluence, privilege and power. As today's socioeconomic disparity increases, it is understandable that our neighbors and, perhaps, we ourselves, may increasingly cry, "It's NOT fair!" It isn't fair. read more... more >>

Exodus 1:15-21 2: 1-10 -- "It's not easy being green," sings Kermit the Frog. Kermit shares his pain at being unseen and unvalued despite his wonderful qualities. In this week's texts, we see God working amidst people whose cultures disregarded them. Throughout history, women frequently are discounted. read more... more >>

"Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling," verse 3, LBW 381 -- As a preacher, I always loved the line in verse two, "If you cannot preach like Paul," because my name is Paul. But verse three reminds all of us there is something we can do to bring in the Kingdom of God and help grow our local congregation. It may not seem like much when it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but everyone is needed. read more... more >>