I want to begin my introductory editorial comments with the expression of much gratitude to all my predecessors, especially the most immediate, Rev. Dr. Jin Hee Han whose calm yet compelling call to me to …
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By Walter J. Burghardt
Today, in our Jubilee year, we Christians have our own needs that call for various kinds ofliberation. I shall focus on one such need: justice. Specifically, justice for prisoners, for the men and women incarcerated for crimes. Three stages to my reflection: (1) the justice that is retributive, punitive, vengeful; (2) the justice that is restorative; (3) the justice that is capital punishment.
By Robert LaRochelle
Current economic realities and trends in church demographics have led an increasing number of churches to consider downsizing the job description of their pastors from full-time to part-time.
By Keith Russell
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for December 2010
by J. Gerald Janzen
Reflections on the Lectionary Reading for November 2010
by David Bartlett
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for October 2010
By Rafael Reyes III
LIVE: Youth Bible Catholic Edition is the first ever bible created by teens for teens. Based on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), LIVE offers an interactive space not only to read, but to respond to the scripture in a new and dynamic way. LIVE contains content created by teens, as well as a space to reflect, draw, and interact with scripture. It includes thought provoking questions and activities that can help teens discover how God is involved in their lives, as well as how they can live out their faith at home, school, parish and community.
by Keith A. Russell
This issue of The Living Pulpit concerns itself with the ancient practice of jubilee. Various perspectives on the subject are presented, examined and applied. I hope that you find the content and complexity of the topic stimulating to your own thinking and that you will be excited about the prospects that this theme has for preaching in the 21st century.
Rev. Dr. George D. McClain
This sermon provides a good example of the art of preaching and is shared with our readers for instruction and encouragement.
By Rev. Dr. Keith Russell
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for July
By Rev. Dr. William J. Sappenfield
Reflections on the Lectionary Reading for September 2010.
Tania Oldenhage
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for August
Title: Fish on Fire
Artist: Piety Choi
Size: 40"x40"
Mixed Media on Wooden Panel
This painting is based on the story at the end of the gospel of John in which the risen Christ came to his disciples on the morning of his resurrection and broiled the fish for them. To the wooden panel I attached the actual pieces of burnt burlap fabric and used acryl paint to reproduce a scene of broiling. While the Johannine passage is commonly understood as the risen Christ telling the world that he has risen and has returned to provide hope as well as hope-filled nourishment, I remember that fire also has the cleansing power of the fire of the Holy Spirit. According to other gospel traditions, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Jesus’ feeding of his disciples with the fish by the sea of Tiberias, however, has no trace of condemnation. In this scene, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus then asked Peter to tend his sheep. Divine justice might call to mind fire as punishment, but I cherish the power of the Lord’s fire that cleanses our soul from the stains of sin. There I see the path to renewal and new life.
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