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 Kirk Woodward
The preacher asks, “What do I do to respond to the demands of the Word?”
by Walter J. Burghardt
A homily is a true homily when the believer asks, “What do you want from me, Lord?”
by David Neil Mosser
Preachers who love their people are preachers who make the Word understandable.
by Judy Yates Siker
Lectionary Guide for October, November and December of 2007
by William J. Sappenfield
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for November 2007
by Ronald J. Allen
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for October
by J. Martin Bailey
Regardless of who performs the ministries of caring and sensitivity, the Word is still becoming flesh and the work of Christ continues.
by Jeffrey A. Mackey
Without the Gospels we have road maps but no destination.
by Margaret Dorgan
Transforming action is accomplished through the awesome power of human utterance.
by Martin B. Copenhaver
When preaching is not a form of good advice, but rather proclaims this good news, it has the ability to nurture a congregation in ways that cannot be fully measured.
by Margaret Dorgan
Why did God create you and me? What is being asked of me in the here and now? Of you? God had a purpose in assigning a certain number of years to our existence. “The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother God named my name,” says Isaiah. I apply the prophet’s words to myself.
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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