Creation in Preaching
August 8th Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy MN
Readings: 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:1-8 (8); Ephesians 4:25—5:2; John 6:35, 41-51
Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life” Jesus refers to himself as God by using “I AM” language, and suggests that he came down from heaven (like manna). It happens right after the feeding of the 5000. Some listening are upset because they know him as Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph and Mary. They struggle to understand Jesus as God the Son, sent by God the Father, who renews and sustains through God, the Holy Spirit. Jesus represents and is God, unchanging in nature and always present, yet actively concerned about every tiny thing that happens throughout all creation. Jesus was, is, and will be the healer of broken relationships, whether between us and God, among people, within (and between) communities, and among all of creation. Jesus provides enough sustenance for the well-being and joy of all that God created. But he doesn’t just provide sustenance, he is sustenance, and by repairing and restoring relationships allows the whole creation to live into the full, abundant life.
Read the whole reflection here.
August 15th Pastor John Dietz
Today we sing with Mary of her joy and excitement of bearing God’s eternal Word into the world. And in her song, Mary re-invites us to include in our own personal mission of “bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world” (ELW page 231) the care for all creation. We might even come to see this as an extension of Mary’s work as God-bearer/ Theotokos, as one who brings Christ into the realities and challenges of our world, including, and especially, the real challenge of caring for our common home.
Read the whole reflection here.
August 22nd Pastor David Carlson
Joshua’s question is akin to what is asked of us when we affirm our baptism:
“You have made public profession of your faith,” we say in that liturgy. “Do you intend
to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism: to live among God’s
faithful people, to hear his Word and share in his supper, to proclaim the good news of
God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of our
Lord Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?” The response of each
person affirming baptism is, “I do, and I ask God to help and guide me.” Justice and
peace in all the earth – cultivating right relationships not only among people but also
within the web of creation – that our baptismal calling is lived out in, with, and for this
wide scope of all the earth is crucially important to emphasize today. It’s also a tall order,
but one in which we are assured of God’s help and guidance.
Read the whole reflection here.
Preface to a three Sunday series by John Sippola
(August 29th, September 5th & 12th)
But, note how much of Jesus; most memorable ministry occurs in the great outdoor cathedral: how the out of doors serves to build a more diverse and inclusive community, affords safe space for confidential one on ones and small group gatherings, and how hillsides provide ample space for crowds to gather, listen to Jesus teach, eat together, connect, and converse!
August 29th Pastor John Sippola
We begin with Eastern Orthodox theology’s unusual description of the Eucharist as the medicine of eternal life (pharmakώn tώn aeώn). Indigenous theology starts with the assumption that Creator breathed Eternity in human hearts from the beginning. And not only human hearts, but in other elements of nature!
Read the whole reflection here.
***Thank you again to Dianne Loufman for her contribution last month for July 18th. Note there was a spelling error in her name.***
