By Parson Brown, on 9:39 am%
Readings
Judges 4:4-23
Acts 1:15-26
Matthew 27:55-66
Meditation
The acts reading is the account of the filling of Judas’ slot as an apostle. There are two fascinating parts to this passage. The first is the disciples use of the old testament. Both ‘it is written’ phrases are from the book of psalms. The second one is . . . → Read More: Thursday – Pentecost 11
By Parson Brown, on 9:08 am%
Readings
Judges 3:12-20
Acts 1:1-14
Matthew 27:45-54
Meditation
It doesn’t seem pious to let the death of our Lord pass without a pointer to the Gospel text. It should be read in conjunction with Psalm 22. That is what Jesus is quoting from the cross. Those who should have known think he is calling for Elijah – . . . → Read More: Wednesday – Pentecost 11
By Parson Brown, on 9:34 am%
Readings
Judges 2:1-23
Romans 16:17-27
Matthew 27:32-44
Meditation
There are three readings for the day above. The gospel reading is the crucifixion scene. And this writer wants to avert his eyes. Think about something else. Right there is the gulf that separates man and God. In Matthew’s Gospel, there isn’t the repentant thief from Luke, . . . → Read More: Tuesday – Pentecost 11
By Parson Brown, on 5:01 pm%
This post is slightly different. 1) It is not narrowly local (i.e. the pastoral letter) and 2) It is not narrowly biblical (i.e. sermons and meditations). Seeing that this post is under the St. Mark heading the need for discretion is high. At the same time, that discretion should not inhibit commenting . . . → Read More: Theology in American Culture
By Parson Brown, on 10:16 am%
Readings
Joshua 24:16-33
Romans 16:1-16
Matthew 27:24-31
Meditation
The scene in Matthew contains two phrases of man’s hubris in regards to his sin. Pilate washes his hands and says, “I’m innocent.” The Jewish crowd responds, “His blood is on us and our children.” Pilate does not have that authority. He is the appropriate civil authority. . . . → Read More: Monday – Pentecost 11
By Parson Brown, on 9:59 am%
Text: Matt 13: 44-52
Exegetical Statement: The hidden Reign of God is a joyful surprise worth decisive, resourceful and risky action.
Focus Statement: God extends his reign in a variety of surprising ways
Function Statement: That my hearers would be open to the joy of God’s reign
I tried something a little different this week. . . . → Read More: Sermon – Pentecost 11 (Parable of the Treasure/Pearl)
By Parson Brown, on 1:17 pm%
The following letter was sent to the congregational e-mail list today and will be available in this Sunday’s bulletin. It might be a little long, but please take the time to read and consider. The dual messages I believe are important for this congregation to have at the front of its mind…
May the . . . → Read More: Pastoral Letter Re: Sunday School
By Parson Brown, on 10:24 am%
Note: Sorry about missing yesterday. Events intervene. I am taking the readings From For All the Saints which is the 2 year lectionary from the Book of Common Prayer. They are also available on an ongoing basis for days that I would miss and even an RSS feed from this ESV . . . → Read More: Friday – Pentecost 10
By Parson Brown, on 11:46 am%
Readings
Joshua 8:30-35
Romans 14:13-23
Matthew 26:57-68
Meditation
But Peter followed him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. That is from the RSV translation of Matthew and it seems to be a perfect description of much of Western culture in relation . . . → Read More: Wednesday – Pentecost 10
By Parson Brown, on 10:39 am%
Readings
Joshua 8:1-22
Romans 14:1-12
Matthew 26:47-56 NKJV
Meditation
Over the weekend the story turned to holy week. We find ourselves in the Garden of Gethsemene. The Matthew reading has us looking at the betrayal. This is a poor reflection on me but other images of Judas have crowded out the biblical witness. Dante’s picture if . . . → Read More: Tuesday – Pentecost 10
Comments are closed 