The fact that parishioners have been taught to use scripture as a chess move to win a match instead of a balm to heal a wound has contributed immeasurably to the negative reactions so many have towards scripture. đ
Jesus always chose loving the neighbor over loving theology.
Jesus always chose sitting with the vulnerable over standing with the powerful.
Jesus always chose healing the broken over correcting their brokenness.
Jesus always chose empowering the poor over defending the rich.
My sermon went long today because I shared how we taught my twin grand girls that âJesus Loves Meâ ends with the shout: âGo Blue!â I hope they sang âJesus Loves Meâ at their church today.
Today I used a brilliant metaphor. Regarding the Holy Spirits filling, I said âIâve learned that before I can be filled, I must empty myselfâ. Picking up a pitcher of water I began pouring it into a bucket, when I realized that it sounded very much like I wasâŠemptying myself.
Please, for all thatâs good in this world, take off the license plate frame given you by the dealer. Itâs tacky. End of rant. I donât have much to complain about.
Imagine what would happen if we Christians looked more inward than outward, evangelized ourselves, condemned sin within ourselves, and called for collective repentance among ourselves in the same way we have so often done towards our culture.
Earthâs crammed with Heaven,
And every common bush afire with God, but only he who sees takes off his shoes; the rest sit round and pluck blueberries. (EB Browning)
Where/How have you âseenâ God lately?
This morning at church, I commented on our pink table cloths, intending to say âBreast cancer awareness monthâ, I accidentally said âBreast awareness month.â Laughter lasted longer than my sermon.