Living by the Word

Reflections on the lectionary readings by pastors, preachers and biblical scholars

Photo by Mary Harrsch

Abiding love

John 15:1-17; 1 John 5:1-6

May 17, 2000 by William Brosend

I am not an avid gardener. I like the outdoors but would rather hike or bicycle in it than work in it. So when I read, “Every branch that bears fruit [God] prunes to make it bear more fruit,” I think of my wife, whose approach to pruning is to “whack it down to the ground and see what happens.” Sometimes it works out, sometimes not.

Unless someone guides me

Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:7-21

May 10, 2000 by William Brosend

The First Church of St. John, or “the community of the beloved disciple,” as the late Raymond Brown called it, seems a lot like the church around the corner when you read between the lines. Some of the faithful sound a little too sure of themselves. Others confuse the talk with the walk. Some members get mad and leave the church.

Savior like a shepherd

Psalm 23;1 John 3:16-24; John 10:1-18

May 03, 2000 by William Brosend

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

How is a church like a sheepfold? Both are filled with funny-smelling creatures that will follow just about anyone just about anywhere . . . Why does a pastor tend a flock? To fleece ‘em . . .

Staying power

Luke 24:36-49; Acts 3:12-19

Apr 19, 2000 by William Brosend

Cleopas and his unnamed (female?) companion get all the credit.

He is risen!

Mark 16: 1-8

Apr 12, 2000 by Samuel Wells

Easter morning is the defining place and moment of Christian space and time. It is the Christian Genesis: male and female in a garden, darkness becoming light. The first day. It is the Christian nemesis: death and despair displaced by life and hope. The last day.