Spirituality and Greed - Reflections on Acts:15-17, 21-26

In the seemingly simple need to select another disciple to replace the fallen Judas, Luke spends a significant textual time, not to mention a superb literary artistry, on the task. 

A Tiny Text with Immense Significance - Reflections on Acts 10:44-48

Acts 10-15 presents to the reader the full implication of what the Gospel of Jesus Messiah actually means for the emerging Christian communities, as well as for Christian communities now. In these crucial chapters of Acts Peter comes to see that membership in the church of Jesus has nothing to do with being a citizen of a particular nation or being one who observes special customs that make one acceptable to God. 

A Running Commentary—Literally - Reflections on Acts 8:26-40

The wonderful tale of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch is among the most well-known stories in the book of Acts. It is at the same time an introduction to the inclusive power of the gospel and an insightful narrative of the early Christian use of the Hebrew Bible, as it was mediated through the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek version of the First Testament that almost always served as the springboard for reflection on the meaning of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Messiah.

Living the Resurrection - Reflections on Acts 4:32-35

The author of Acts, Luke, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, has amplified the call of the older testament to order the new resurrection community in the way that the Israelites were similarly called to shape their community under YHWH.

Tell the Story! - Reflections on Mark 16:1-8

I chose this amazing text from Mark, because I know of no better account of the astonishing event that Easter commemorates. You may, I imagine, disagree! After all, Matthew has fainting soldiers and rising corpses. Luke offers the story of two disciples trudging toward Emmaus, disconsolate until they meet the risen Jesus and recognize him when they break bread. John tells us the touching tale of Mary and her confusion about Jesus as a gardener. And Mark? Here we get the empty tomb, a man in white, and at the end silent and terrified women. Just what sort of narrative is that for an Easter Sunday? I am glad you asked!

God Comes in Surprise - Reflections on Acts 16:16-34

Among many other characteristics of the God we worship, the chief one is divine actions when we least expect them, actions that often amaze and astound, appearing as they do in common forms.

The Manifest Dangers of Money - Reflections on Acts 16:9-15

It is a well-known fact that Luke’s Gospel and his 2nd volume Book of the Acts are, rather more than the other Gospels, quite concerned with the perils of wealth and its possible misuse. 

Fully Open to the Spirit - Reflections on Acts 11:1-18

Today’s text thrusts us directly into the enormously consequential narrative of Peter’s confrontation with the Holy Spirit that forces him to rethink everything he has learned and practiced as a first-century Jew.

Whose Voice Are You Listening To? - Reflections on John 18:33-37

In all four gospels, Jesus is portrayed as persistently resisting the efforts of others to define him, to tell him who he has to be, to force him into existing categories. 

The Pony Under the Pile - Reflections on Mark 13:1-8

When we're going through hell, how can we keep on going?

The answer? By remembering two pieces of very good news concealed in the pile of pains, pangs, and persecutions of this text:

1. The Holy Spirit supports us in every dreaded encounter and event.
2. The one who keeps the faith and endures to the end will participate in Jesus' victory over death.

All In! - Reflections on Mark 12:38-44

I know lots of adults who make sure they buy enough candy (that they like) so they have some left when the trick or treaters have stopped ringing the doorbell Halloween night. We all have our own ways of keeping a little something back for ourselves. We can't all be like this noble widow giving away her last bit of cash with nothing left in her ATM. She's all in. 

Living by Heart – Reflections on Mark 12: 28-34

God doesn't want much. God just wants your heart, the seat of your emotions, your inner character, and your decision-making. God just wants your caring, your character, your creativity, and your carry-through. Strengthened by God's giving God's heart to us, we can give ours to our neighbor.