Reflections for

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jul 21, 2013

Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; (Genesis 18:1-10a; Psalm 15;) Colossians 1:15-28; Luke 10:38-42

Poetry

Come forth

Feb 08, 2005 by Paul Willis

I hear you’re good at washing feet—
ever thought of washing the dishes?
You wouldn’t have to stop talking.

The one about the Pharisee and the leprous camel—
I could listen to that again. But I figure,
why sit out here in the parlor,

using up perfectly good cigars,
when we could all be
getting something done in the kitchen?

And if you set the example that way,
my sister there might actually think
to roll up her sleeves once in a while.

See what I’m saying?
Lazarus might even take the hint.
Hah! Over his dead body, he says.

Living by the Word

Living with Martha

Luke 10:38-42

Jul 13, 2004 by Stephanie Frey

A friend of mine recalls that her mother always sat sideways in her chair during meals. Whether the table was surrounded by family members or invited guests, she was poised for action. She’d jump up if she’d forgotten something in the kitchen, if someone wanted steak sauce rather than the ketchup that was on the table, or if it was time to pass the serving dishes around again. This mom seldom relaxed enough to enjoy the food and conversation.

Living by the Word

Promise keeper

Genesis 18:1-15

May 22, 2002 by Prince Raney Rivers

Words do not carry much weight if we have no confidence in the one who is speaking. The integrity of the one making the promise is the currency that makes the promise valuable.

Living by the Word

Poor Martha

Sunday, July 22. Luke 10:38-42

Jul 04, 2001 by Garret Keizer

Then she was my high school sweetheart, now she is my wife of 25 years, but we still laugh about that evening when, sitting close on the couch in my living room, we were momentarily startled by a raucous noise directly overhead. Groaning and banging like a poltergeist, something seemed about to take the roof off the house, not to mention the glow off the evening.

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Revised Common Lectionary © 1992 the Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.