Bread for the Preacher

Planting Seeds

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The lectionary texts for June invite us to explore how God calls unlikely people to service. We read the parable of the mustard seed, for example, which tells of a tiny seed that becomes a great tree. As preachers, we have the opportunity to plant seeds from the Holy Spirit in the soil of our hearers’ minds and hearts. How is God calling you to encourage growth and empowerment in the hearts and minds of your congregation this month?

The Spirit Gives Us Voice

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Just as we are beginning to understand anew the implications of Easter, the lectionary moves on during May to Jesus’ Ascension and to Pentecost. Confident that “God so loved the world that He gave his only son,” we prepare for Pentecost, the traditional birthday of the Church and the coming of the Holy Spirit which gives power and voice to Jesus’ followers.

Following in Jesus' Steps

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Easter is coming! Holy Week and Easter bring ancient rituals and familiar lessons. Our commentaries this month urge us to re-see familiar texts with the eyes of prophetic change agents in the world.

From his entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus turned familiar structures upside down as he proclaimed God’s reign. In this presidential election year, we as voters have special opportunities to make our own values known. In your time of preparation and worship, why not meditate on a familiar text with fresh eyes and see how God’s loving voice leads you to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?

Called to a Life of Justice

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600

This month’s lectionary readings invite us to wrestle with themes such as the nature of “the law,” the nature of justice, and what it means to be in faithful covenant with God. When viewed through a Lenten lens of repentance, these topics can quickly inspire thoughts about our responsibility as people of faith to be a voice for good in the world.

From Epiphany into Lent

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600

In February, the Epiphany stories of Jesus’ call to follow him make way for lessons on the realities of the cross. In many geographic regions, the transition from the light of Epiphany to the season of Lent occurs during gray days that inspire us to curl up and turn inward. So, too, our preaching can invite people to communal and personal reflection on the realities of discipleship.

New Beginnings

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600

January invites us into conversations about new beginnings, fresh starts, and clean slates. Jesus’ presentation at the temple and his baptism are just such “January” moments—snapshots in time that launch Jesus’ ministry. Then the season of Epiphany is rich with stories of discipleship and call. We can look anew at how we and our communities speak up for and with people who have been marginalized and are living in poverty.

The Advent of God’s Realm

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600

While retailers promote a vision of affection in the form of purchases, Advent witnesses to God loving us enough to become human. As we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation, this month’s reflections invite us to bring a message of awareness and engagement with people who are living in poverty and hungering both for physical food and for God’s love.

Serving God by Serving Others

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

As we finish one liturgical year and begin another this month, our elected leaders are grappling with critical deficit-reduction decisions that could affect poor and hungry people not only next year, but for years to come.

Wrestling with Contradiction

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The weather is changing as we enter a time of harvest and preparation for winter. World Food Day is on a Sunday—October 16—during this exceptional fall, when the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (or “Super Committee”) can recommend almost anything to Congress to reduce the U.S. deficit even as people are starving in the Horn of Africa and record levels of Americans live in poverty.

Lessons on Christian Discipleship

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

As you prepare to launch another school year and church program year, the lectionary this month offers a series of lessons on Christian discipleship. Here in Washington, DC, Congress will return from its August recess soon to consider policies that will influence our country for the next decade.