As we begin the listening sessions for our new rector search, the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan challenges us to ponder the lessons of Jeremiah and learn to dream again in the midst of great change.

Proper 22C

At its core, today’s Gospel is about — faith and discipleship — and how they relate to one another…Faith and Discipleship.

It might be helpful to know that this passage from Luke’s Gospel starts in the middle of a conversation. The disciples weren’t randomly crying out, “Increase our faith!” They were responding to some challenging teachings from Jesus in the preceding verses.

He had just told the disciples three things:
that there was great peril for anyone who caused others to
stumble;
that believers had a responsibility:
to confront those who sin
and to offer wholehearted forgiveness to those
who ask for it.

Proper 16C
Jeremiah 1:4-15, Psalm 71:1-6, Hebrews 12:18-29, Luke 13:10-17

Did it happen all at once?
I am wondering about that bent-over woman in the synagogue.

Was she suddenly stricken?
Or was it more gradual?
Little by little,
shoulders slumping more and more
until hers became a life of looking down.

No taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains,
no gazing at the stars…
no looking at a beloved eye to eye.

Just day after day, staring at the dusty street and sandaled feet.