Kelsey Brown, Arverne,NY

Warm-up Question

Have you ever gone on a journey? (A walk, a school trip, a vacation?)  How did it feel to leave home? 

On a Journey

The world is constant in flux, moving and grooving all around us, while we stay relatively still. When it’s a chilly winter morning in my beloved New York City, the summer night is steamy hot in Australia. Most days we live in two different realities, but what happens when an event affects our global community? Our realities become shared. When one is harmed, all are harmed. When one rejoices, we also rejoice.

Right now, far away from some of us but near to others, Russian has invaded Ukraine. Confronting power hungry leadership and complex socio-political tensions, the global community watches and waits. Ground invasion and the startling aftermath of dropped bombs consume our collective conscious. War brings heightened anxieties and unanswered questions; it leaves people displaced and refugees fleeing. 

The journeys of our refugee siblings are filled with uncertainty.  They  scramble to get out of harm’s way and wonder if they’ll ever return home. There is no easy way to leave your life behind, but the continued conflict and destruction make their risky choices the only choices. 

There are so many causalities in war, not just the dead, but those whose old selves die with forced new beginnings. Sometimes the journeys make way for better opportunities and fresh starts. Some still long and hope for what was. As you journey through your life – where there are ebbs and flows – remember our siblings whose futures are forced.  Pray that war and involuntary displacement may cease. 

Discussion Questions

• What does home mean to you? 
• Do you know anyone who is a refugee? Ask them to tell you their story– then listen. 

Second Sunday in Lent

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Philippians 3:17-4:1

Luke 13:31-35

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

When we encounter Jesus in our reading for today, some Jewish religious officials approach him. In their haste they warn Jesus that Herod is after him, with plans to kill him. Jesus responds calmly; he is in the middle of something. Jesus’ focus cannot be on Herod’s death dealing ways because he has things to do. He is casting out demons and curing sickness.  He doesn’t have time to think about what might befall him; that’s for the third day. 

In scripture the third day often denotes the day of completion, most notably the day on which Jesus arose. Herod must wait, plotting and planning, but the time will come when Jesus makes his way to his ending. The Lord issues a bold reply, “I’ll be there – you and I both know a prophet must not be killed outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city that stones those promised to it and kills those who prophecy from its towers. Sweet Jerusalem, how I long to hold the city’s heart in sweet embrace.’

 Jesus continues, giving one of the most vivid descriptions of his love for the people – pining and promising to protect the people of Jerusalem like a mother hen protects her brood, sheltered in huge wings. The city, however, is not willing to be held in this way. Jesus cannot and will not return until the road is prepared. When all is ready the city will shout “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” 

During Lent we follow the path set out by Jesus long ago, to do the most good we can with the time that we have. There will be a time for Herod, for work, for returning, and for the hard stuff.  But in these 40 days, we are called to give of ourselves, to help those in need, to give glory to God always, and to allow ourselves to be sheltered under the wings of God. We are active participants on the journey of faith– accompanying Jesus to be present with those in need– until the very end. 

Discussion Questions

• What do you think Jesus means when he calls Herod a fox?
• What good will you do during these 40 days?
• How have you been sheltered under Jesus’ “wings”?

Activity Suggestions

• Make a list of 3 things you can do for yourself, 3 things you can do for others, and 3 things you can do for creation during this Lenten Season
• Research the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and pray for safety peace among all people
• Set boundaries for yourself to prevent burn out and exhaustion
• Find a comfy spot, take a deep breath and listen to One Love/ People get ready by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Closing Prayer

Holy God, you call us to lay down our arms and pick up peace. We continue to pray for Ukraine, The Holy Lands of Israel and Palestine, and all those who are in harm’s way or under attack. As we walk the Lenten path which Jesus walked towards the bitter end, be near us, comfort us, and guide us in the way you would have us go. When it is finished, reunite us with all your saints in the heavenly place. In your sons holy and matchless name, we pray. Amen

Sylvia Alloway, Granada Hills, CA

Warm-up Question

Is it ever permissible for citizens to disobey their country’s laws? If so, when and why?

Right to Serve

It started in Canada. They called it the Freedom Convoy. Truckers driving in a convoy (a line of trucks all traveling in the same direction) began a noisy, horn-honking, but originally peaceful protest against the government’s requirement of COVID vaccinations for workers. 

As time went on the protests became increasingly disruptive: truck blockades in Ottawa, Ontario preventing people from getting to work; obstruction of the main border crossing into the U.S. interrupting deliveries of goods; protestors placing their own children between themselves and the police. Finally, Canadian president Justin Trudeau, for the first time in Canadian history, declared the enforcement of emergency laws that give the government extended powers in a national crisis.

Other countries joined in. Paris police broke up protests on the city’s famous central thoroughfare the Champs-Élysées with tear gas. Officials in Wellington, New Zealand, tried to discourage protestors by playing the music of Barry Manilow.  Demonstrators countered with Twisted Sister song “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”

The protestors claim  the right not to obey government rules they consider oppressive. But do people have the right to endanger others who want to be protected from disease or disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens to publicize what is probably a lost cause? According to an article on the political website Vox (meaning “voice”), the majority of Canadians say “no.” The protestors, says the article, are a raucous minority, upset because they have lost the anti-vax battle.

Have these protests been put down completely? Will these difficult examples discourage others from staging legitimate protests? Only time will tell.

Discussion Questions

• Can you think of a time when peaceful protests were successful, that is, brought about positive changes? What happened? Why were the protests successful?
• Would you ever join a protest? If so, what cause would you be supporting?

First Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Romans 10:8b-13

Luke 4:1-13

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The writer of Hebrews tells us that Jesus “has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Well, of course, we might think. He was God. How hard can it be for God to resist temptation? But look carefully at the Gospel passage.

First, Jesus has been fasting for 40 days. His body is weak and desperately hungry. Second, he has been led by the Holy Spirit, who so gloriously filled him at his baptism, into the desolate wilderness. During all this time, he has no human company, no outside comfort or help. And then Satan shows up.

So, what does Jesus do? Does he suddenly surround himself with blinding light and literally tell the Devil to go to hell? No, he uses only the resources we have: the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Cool,” thinks Satan, “This is going to be a piece of cake. Let’s start with hunger, the greatest human need. Turn the stones to bread. You have the right to a little comfort. Go ahead! Do it!”

Jesus responds, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

“Okay, how about this. See all those kingdoms down there? Why settle for tiny little Israel? Worship me, and the right to rule it all will be yours!

“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

Satan is nearly at the end of his rope. “Hmmm. ‘It is written…’ Aha! If he can quote scripture, so can I! Hey, Jesus, do you really think this whole humility thing is going to get anybody’s attention? You need to show off who you really are. Jump off the temple roof! After all it is written…”

“Do not put the Lord your God to the test!”

And that’s it. Satan could not get Jesus to claim his rights as God or use his heavenly power for himself. Jesus wins, not by claiming his rights, but by humbling himself, limiting himself, completely identifying with human beings.

Americans consider our rights sacred and so they are. But following the example of our Lord Jesus is more sacred yet. The day may come when you will have to give up some of your rights, as Jesus did, to serve others. Ask him to help you practice humility now, and you will have the same strength he had when the time comes.

Discussion Questions

• Have you ever felt that someone was taking away your rights? How did you feel? What do you think Jesus would have done in that situation?
• List of some of the rights young people think are important. Imagine a situation where you might have to give up some of those rights. Which right or rights might that be? Why would you need to lay them aside?
• With rights come responsibilities.  What responsibilities do Christians have to others around them?  Are they different from those of other citizens?

Activity Suggestions

• Make a list of  humble acts of service for the group, then help each other to carry them out. For example, collect food to donate to a food bank, help to clean the church, share the skills of your group’s members with others. 
• Collect positive stories, preferably by listening to real people tell their experiences of standing up for others’ rights or helping people work together. Post the stories on social media.

Closing Prayer

Almighty God, how can we thank and praise you enough for sending your Son to be one of us?  Setting aside his power and privilege, he lived as a humble servant, and died a criminal’s death,  to save unworthy sinners. We give thanks that though he is risen and exalted in heaven, he is yet with us through the Holy Spirit, who gives us power to resist sin. Keep us ever humble, ever willing to serve, and ever devoted to our Lord and Savior. In his blessed name we pray.  Amen.

Maggie Falenschrek, St. Peter, MN

Warm-up Question

Think back on the last week. What were some of the high points? What were some of the low points?

Highs and Lows

The 2022 Beijing Olympics wrap up this week. The last few weeks have been full of amazing moments: great displays of jaw-dropping talent, individuals and teams who are at the absolute top of their game, even heart-warming displays of camaraderie and sportsmanship. When we watch the competition as viewers we tend to only see the highlights— those mountaintop moments of triumph. We don’t often get a full view of the heartbreak, moments of failure, and gut wrenching disappointment. But, just like our own lives, the stories of olympic athletes are full of both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. 

Figure Skater Nathan Chen recently earned gold by putting together two nearly perfect skates in the men’s long and short programs. Heavily favored to win the discipline, he skated so secure and confidently that it would be hard to imagine that he could ever have a slip-up. However, four years earlier at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games, Chen fell on the ice several times and placed well off of the podium, despite being one of the favorites for gold. 

American figure skater Jason Brown wowed the crowds in Beijing with his beautiful routines. However, four years ago, he didn’t even make the team. Speed skater Erin Jackson, who won gold in her event in Beijing, had a misstep in the olympic trials that left her off of the team. It wasn’t until teammate Brittany Bowe forfeited her spot that Jackson was able to join the olympic team. And then there are all the olympic stories that never get told in the spotlight. All together they tell us something about life; that the trajectory to success is never a straight line and, in fact, our lives are full of high points and low points. 

Discussion Questions

• Who are your favorite olympic athletes? What makes their story so compelling?
• Who is someone who inspires you? Why are they so inspiring?

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Exodus 34:29-35

2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2

Luke 9:28-36 [37-43]

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

The Transfiguration marks the end of the season of Epiphany. Throughout this season, we hear stories that help us understand the significance of who Jesus is and how Jesus is revealed in our world– that’s what Epiphany means, a revealing. The story of the Transfiguration serves the same purpose– to reveal to us something about the character of Jesus and why Jesus is special and set apart from other prophets. The Transfiguration story not only marks the ending of the church season of Epiphany but also directs us towards the beginning of Lent, where we remember Jesus’ journey to the cross. After this story filled with sparkle and historical glamour, Jesus descends the mountain into a world that will eventually kill him. 

So, how do we hold this story of glitter, fanfare, and proclamation next to Jesus’ journey to the cross? Sometimes we Christians are tempted to spend a little too much time in the grandeur of Jesus’ life, focusing on his miracles and teachings. Some suggest the Transfiguration story is meant to be a foretaste of the Easter story that is to come, but we don’t live our lives solely in Easter. Instead, our lives reflect a rhythm of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, all held together. The arrival of Easter doesn’t make sense without the season of Lent. 

The power of the resurrection is made even more amazing because of Jesus’ death. Jesus without the cross is nothing new. Consequently, if we only see Jesus in the high places of our lives, the times when everything is going good,  then we are only getting half of the story. In every situation, the highs and especially the lows, Jesus promises to accompany us, gently assuring us, “Do not be afraid, I am with you.” Jesus is not confined to the mountaintops, the good times in our lives when we feel like we have it all figured out.  He descends the mountain with us, following us into the places where real life comes to fruition. 

The season of Lent gives us the opportunity to follow Jesus and his disciples down the mountain into his final weeks on earth. Lent is a beautiful time to reflect, pray, worship, and discern.  But we also anticipate the resurrection at the end of this Lenten journey, a resurrection that makes Jesus’ promise to accompany us in the joys and in our fears that much more real. This resurrection allows us to hear Jesus’ words, “do not be afraid,” and believe them because we know the end of the story. We know that fear and death do not have the final word. 

Where there is brokenness there will soon be reconciliation. Where there is stability, there will soon be assurance. Where there is hopelessness, a small glimmer of hope will show itself among us. This is the hope we are promised through Jesus, God’s own beloved.

Discussion Questions

• What do you think Jesus means when tells his disciples, “do not be afraid.”? 
• What tools do you use to help you get through hard times? 
• What advice would you give a friend whose struggling?
• What role does Jesus, God, or the Holy Spirit play in the highs and lows of our lives?

Activity Suggestions

• Grab some paper and markers and map out a timeline of your life, taking special care to mark both the high points (good parts) and the low points (not so good, or really hard parts). If you’re comfortable, pick a high point and a low point to share with someone else. 
• Create a resource list of skills and supports that you can use to help you through difficult times. Sometimes it helps to think what has helped you in the past— did you gain any helpful skills? Did you find someone to talk to who is a particularly good listener? Keep your list in a safe place so you can reference it when things get tough. 
• Jam out to the song, “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells. 

Closing Prayer

Ever-present God, from the mountaintops to deep in the valleys, the high points and the low points, the good times and the bad, you promise to be with us. As we journey to the season of Lent, help us to witness you in new rhythms and practices, the tried and true and the unexpected. Guide us as we navigate all of the complexities of life knowing that, even know we cycle through highs and lows, your love remains steadfast. 

Amen. 

Andrew Tucker, Columbus, OH

Warm-up Question

What does it mean to have an enemy? Name some of the people, either individuals or communities, who could be considered enemies.

Love Your Enemies

The notion of enemies is all over the news. There’s military buildup at the Ukrainian border with Russia, making enemies of global neighbors. The annual battle with winter weather makes frozen precipitation and cold temperatures the enemies of our day-to-day lives. Many countries are enacting diplomatic boycotts of the Olympics, making enemies of athletes who often train together, regardless of their national origins. 

What I’ve found fascinating are the stories of people whom we might consider enemies behaving rather friendly. Polls and interviews of young Ukrainians and Russians show hope for peace and shared prosperity. Despite the interruptions to our normal routines, people find ways to coexist with winter storms, including work-from-home strategies (less fun) and snow day activities (more fun). What struck me most of all was how the U.S.A.’s first medalist celebrated her loss.

Yes, you read that right. Julie Marino, a snowboarder from Connecticut, earned silver in the downhill snowboard event. She lost the gold medal to Zoi Sadowski-Synnott of New Zealand. But rather than lament or sulk, Marino joined Australian bronze medalist Tess Coady in joyously hug-tackling Sadowski-Synott just after she took over 1^st place. You can see that video and read more about the event here. Rather than see a loss to an enemy, something that global politics seems to make inevitable, Marino saw the achievement of a fellow competitor and the excellence of a fellow human. 

Now, it’s obvious that enemies in war are different than the impersonal enemy of weather or the enemies we encounter via various games. What I find holy in the examples above is that it is possible to see those we consider enemies as something different, as more than a nemesis whom we must be overcome, but instead as siblings who deserves to thrive alongside us.

Discussion Questions

• Think back to the examples of your first  “enemies.”  Could you find ways to seek peace with them, to work and play alongside them, even to celebrate with them? 
• What made those people enemies in the first place? Can that thing change? 

Seventh Sunday After Epiphany

Genesis 45:3-11, 15

1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50

Luke 6:27-38

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

We rarely talk about love and enemies in the same sentence. Fortunately, Jesus makes  us consider why love must be separate from those we consider enemies. In Luke 6, Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (verses 27b-28 of the NIV). 

That’s not easy, in part because we’ve been taught to define enemies as entirely other and outside of our communities, as wholly separate from ourselves. That’s why certain military trainings use names to dehumanize the enemies. It’s easier to kill something you see as inhuman, and therefore, unlike you. 

Of course, to view people we consider enemies as less than human is a lie. It’s a lie that makes our life easier, but not  better. 

When Jesus tells us to love our enemies, it is not an invitation to ignore the harm that they’ve caused. Jesus does not expect us to abide unchecked evil. After all, Jesus doesn’t say, “don’t have enemies.” Instead, Jesus tells us to change our behaviors and attitudes toward our enemies. Consider, for instance, what connects us to those we consider enemies. There are genetic connections in the simple fact that we share DNA and common ancestors. Even if we don’t like the differences, there is a tie which binds us. There are social connections; all require a safe place to live and a community with whom we can share life. And of course there are spiritual connections.  All people are created in God’s image, and all creation—even snowstorms—is part of God’s handiwork. 

In her book How to Have an Enemy, Rev. Melissa Florer-Bixler reminds readers that, to have an enemy, we must first admit that our enemies exist and that there are reasons that we have become enemies. Christians must take seriously Jesus’ call to love enemies by first recognizing them as people and as enemies. So, to love our enemies means we must come to understand our enemies.  We must appreciate that they deserve to exist just as much as we deserve to exist and that their status as enemy does not make them less a part of God’s creation or less a sharer of God’s image. 

Loving our enemies does not ignore the change we desire, nor does it ignore the real wrong they have done. Instead, loving our enemies seeks a change that can benefit  us and  them. Loving our enemies is like the Olympic snowboarders: it doesn’t view differences in achievement as loss, but instead as a part of a shared experience  we can all celebrate. A necessary part of this is humility.  We must recognize that what we once defined as victory may be a selfish mistreatment of our enemy. Mutual thriving, which allows for enemy love, demands change, not only of our enemies, but change of ourselves as well. 

Discussion Questions

• How do you feel when Jesus tells us to love our enemies? Why do you feel that way?
• How might you have made yourself an enemy to others? 
• Name some of the common ground that you share with your enemies. Describe what it feels like to admit that such similarities exist between you and your enemies.

Activity Suggestions

• Often, people who are imprisoned are considered enemies of their victims and of society more broadly. Some ministries, like Cincinnati’s Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, as well as the American Friends Service Committee, have projects to write holiday cards to people in prison. These anonymous cards speak a word of love to people that many view as enemies. Connect with these or one of your local social service agencies to explore how your group might bless prisoners in your area. 
• Escape rooms can be a fun way to show that games don’t have to create enemies or losers. If there’s not one near you, or the cost is prohibitive, check out this list of free DIY escape room resources. After the game, talk about how it’s a different kind of fun to play and win together rather than try to defeat one another. Use that as an introduction to a discussion about how we can create enemies in life by choosing to “play the game” of the status quo that creates insiders and outsiders, winners and losers, friends and enemies. 

Closing Prayer

Compassionate Creator, you do not create us for violence, but for peace. You create us, not for defeat or loss, but for mutual thriving. Remind us of your purposes when we look at our enemies. Empower us to confront the evils done in word and in deed, by others and by ourselves. Remind us that to love an enemy is to admit that enemy also reflects your holy image, even when it is desperately difficult to recognize. We pray this all in the name of the image of the invisible God, Jesus Chris. Amen. 

Colleen Montgomery, Salem, VA

Warm-up Question

How would you define the feeling of burnout? Have you or someone you know experienced burnout? 

Burned Out

Americans across the country are resigning from their jobs in mass numbers. Though you may not be in the working world yet, chances are that you know an adult who has resigned from their job sometime since March of 2020. Maybe your teacher or your medical provider has resigned. 

One of the major reasons cited for resigning is burnout. The feeling of extreme exhaustion due to prolonged stress makes it difficult to take care of oneself and work. While burnout isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it does affect your physical and mental health. Preparing food is harder. Moving throughout the day feels like a challenge. You experience additional stress knowing that your school work or job performance isn’t at the level you would like. All of these put additional stress on your body and mind. 

Even if you haven’t experienced burnout, my guess is that you have felt increased stress because of the pandemic and all the changes that have happened in your life and in the world because of it. None of us are the best versions of ourselves. 

Figuring out how to take care of ourselves and others when we are facing high stress or burnout is tricky. Each person’s experience is different. Black, Indigneous, and people of color face additional stressors from racist structures in our country that affect their school, work, family, and health. Likewise, members of the LGBTIA+ face discrimination that affects their lives as well. For those of us who are white, like me, it is important for us to learn about, strive to understand, and then work to improve the discriminatory practices of our society. The same goes for the allies of the LGBTIA+ community. Again, managing our own needs and caring for the community around us is challenging. 

Discussion Questions

• How do you take care of yourself when you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed? 
• Who in your life is experiencing burnout? What is a simple way that you can show them you care for them?
• How can you show care and compassion for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); LGBTQIA+,  and other marginalized individuals communities in your school, workplace, family, and community? 

Sixth Sunday after Epiphany

Jeremiah 17:5-10

1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Luke 6:17-26

(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection

When I think about where I find myself in today’s gospel lesson, I know right where I would be. I am one of the people in the crowd who has come to Jesus for healing. It’s easy to pass over these first verses, but they help to set the scene for us. People from all over the region, from all walks of life have come to Jesus to be healed or to seek healing for someone they care about. 

I see myself as one of the many who have come to Jesus. Maybe you can imagine yourself there too. The tired, burned out, stressed out are all there. And we bring with us those who are sick and ailing from any number of illnesses, diseases, or mental health concerns. We gather to be healed and then we stay and listen to the words that Jesus has to share. 

Jesus begins with a word of blessing. He offers grace, compassion, and comfort to those who experience poverty, hunger, grief and sadness, and discrimination. If you have experienced any of those hardships, Jesus’ words are for you. 

Then Jesus goes on to share warnings. He warns those who experience wealth, food security, lack of grief, and privilege that life will not always be so good. All of us who are living through this pandemic, know that our circumstances can change overnight. Jesus shares this warning to remind those gathered there (and those listening today) to care for those who experience hardship.  Someday it could be us. We are all together in this thing called life. 

This gospel both comforts us in our burnout, exhaustion, and illness, and also challenges us in our security and privilege to care for those around us as well. 

Discussion Questions

• What is going on in your life or in the lives of those you care for which urges you to sit at the feet of Jesus?
• How has God or God’s people been there for you when you have experienced hardship?
• Does your church or community support those who experience poverty, hunger, grief, and discrimination? How can you join in those efforts? 

Activity Suggestions

• Look at a biblical map to locate Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. How far apart are these places? How long would it take to walk between them? 
• Write, paint, draw, or create in another way blessings to those in your life who are in need of encouragement. You can send them via snail mail, text, or another type of messenger. 
• Take individually wrapped food treats to local schools or hospitals to support teachers and healthcare workers. 

Closing Prayer

God of all compassion, we come to you with weary hearts, minds, and bodies. We are worried as we watch burnout effect so many in our lives and community. Help us to know ourselves, so that we know when we need to rest, to seek help, and to support others. Remind us that you are always with us. Amen.