Easter 2025
Easter is a time of memories, including memories of our loved ones who have died.
The first Easter, in fact, began with a trip the place of memories — the word for tomb in Greek is memory!
A reflection on memories and how the resurrection changes everything, including how we understand our memories.
The image comes from the Kid’s Corner Bible site.
Good Friday 2025
Where you there? It is a more haunting question than it sounds. (Based on the passion of John, found in chapters 18-19).
In the end, yes, yes, you and I were there.
Palm Sunday (April 13, 2025)
What does it mean to have power?
The Roman Empire displayed a type of power we know: The ability to get what you want, when you want it. Their imperial parades were the example of power, as the leaders rode in on majestic horses. You could call this horse power.
Jesus offered a different vision of power: The ability to help others. His parade, as he rode on donkey, showed what this power looks like. You could call this donkey power. Helping others through acts of love, humility and service. Definitely not as glorious in the eyes of the world. (I mean, really, look at the picture of the donkey. Not the most inviting!)
A reflection on Horse power and Donkey power.
Hint: Horse power isn’t all bad, but it finally takes the back seat.
The donkey comes from a blogpost called “Donkeys, Kings and Outcasts“
Lent V (April 6, 2025)
Who are people with whom you can share your joy and happiness?
In our world of work, school, activities and even family, this kind of friendship and community is surprisingly rare. Too many relationships have competition, jealousy and shame for this to happen readily.
As we wrap up the book of Ruth, we encounter a rejoicing Naomi. She is holding a grandson. Admittedly, it is not directly her grandson, but after the chaos, grief and loss of her life, she is rejoicing at this baby in her arms. She is also surrounded by the women of the village, who rejoice with her.
A reflection on how the community of Jesus, the community of the cross and empty tomb, can provide this community of rejoicing for a hurting and lonely world.
The artwork comes from Gospel Images, https://www.gospelimages.com/paintings/115/naomi-receives-a-grandson It was chosen because it emphasizes the whole community around Naomi and Ruth.
Lent IV (March 30, 2025)
We know well the look of the older brother in the painting. His whole body shouts: “It’s not fair!”
He is not wrong. As the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-35) plays itself out, the story is unfair. Which justifiably angers the older brother.
As humans, we all protest when we don’t think things are fair. In order to make life together work, we need their to be fairness.
Yet… It turns out in life that we encounter situations in which we need more than fairness. Sometimes the wounds and situations call for compassion, an unfair extension of mercy, an intentional bending of the rules to help someone.
A reflection on when life together needs compassion and where to go for the at compassion.
The painting is by Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal.
