April 2, 2006 - Year B - Lent 5

Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33

Two ways to refreshment and reorientation: Reapplication of the past and a shift of orientation toward the future. Both can bear much good fruit and when combined offer a quantum leap of presence in an iffy world.

This week count how many changes you ring on the past. This will give you a clue about your ability to not be bound by its tendrils.

This week count how well you are able to live with an ambiguous, guarantee-less future. This will give you a clue about your ability to wait for the prompting of Spirit.

March 26, 2006 - Year B - Lent 4

Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21

What do you see as the cause of the ill-health of your various systems - personal, familial, congregational, communal, national, environmental?

By your analysis will come your own sign and action for healing?

How does looking upon Jesus Christ heal?

How do you become a sign of healing?

March 19, 2006 - Year B - Lent 3

Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22

This week we might look at what clarifies the blockages of life. How do various limits help and restrict spiritual growth? Where does freedom help or restrict spiritual growth?

What linkages do you find between religious, personal, economic, political arenas of your life?

March 12, 2006 - Year B - Lent 2

March 12, 2006

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38 or Mark 9:2-9

Jim Taylor's Sharp Edges column today is entitled "Contradictory Values." This gives us a lens through which to look at the scriptures for this week. What contradictory values show up in your life.

Read Jim's column and browse his archives for further helpful perspectives.