by Janice MacLean | Feb 8, 2023 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
Ash Wednesday brings us back to Earth. What are these ashes? Perhaps they are last Easter’s palm hosanna’s waved in joy, now presented to the fire. Once full of life, now grey-shadowed dust transformed, and lying in a waiting bowl. Ash Wednesday brings us back to...
by Janice MacLean | Nov 12, 2022 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
Advent happens and it is beyond our control. Advent happens whether we have all the time in the world or a little bit. That’s the truth Jesus is teaching in this tiny parable. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its...
by Janice MacLean | Nov 12, 2022 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
I trust in the long arc of Goodness. Right now, we are somewhere “betwixt and between.” Some familiar things must end so new things can begin. Some things break down so something better things can emerge. This is a hard truth to live through. It not just now. George...
by Janice MacLean | Nov 11, 2022 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
The shepherds went “with haste” to Bethlehem. “They left, running” says The Message translation. I like this image. Men, boys, running toward Bethlehem through the field, running, in the deep dark of night. They wanted to see for themselves the wonder announced in the...
by Janice MacLean | Jan 3, 2022 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
Curiosity Read Matthew 2:1-12 “… they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising until it stopped over the place where the child was.” (v.9) Meditation This year let’s commit to living from a place of Epiphany. We’ll willingly...
by Janice MacLean | Jan 3, 2022 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
Seeing Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 “…the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah.” v.15 Meditation The in-between way is murky. What once was well defined is now blurred. What brought...
by Janice MacLean | Jan 3, 2022 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
Emptying Read John 2:1-11 “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” (v.7,8) Meditation This in-between space of living with covid is teaching us about the common good. We have glimpses of...
by Janice MacLean | Nov 18, 2021 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
SO, ARE YOU A KING? Year B – Reign of Christ Sunday: John 18:33-37. By Hugh Farquhar Next Sunday is traditionally called “Christ the King Sunday,” now referred to in my tradition as “Reign of Christ Sunday.” It’s the last Sunday of the Christian Year, a transitional...
by Janice MacLean | Nov 13, 2021 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
“LET US” Year B: Twenty-fifth after Pentecost: Hebrews 10: 11-18; 19-25 By Hugh Farquhar When our oldest offspring was going through the telling corny jokes phase of childhood, he asked me what one religious skunk said to the other. I don’t know,” I replied. “Let us...
by Janice MacLean | Nov 4, 2021 | Lectionary & Scripture, Reflections
A KNACK FOR NOTICING By Hugh Farquhar Year B – Twenty-fourth after Pentecost: Mark12;38-44. Jesus and his disciples were in the Temple courtyard in Jerusalem, near where people came to drop their offerings. He saw rich people coming to put their donations into the...
