Luke 12:32-40 Dear Partner in Preaching, It’s late in the week, and I’m again pressed for time, so I will offer just a few thoughts on this Sunday’s passage. First and foremost: Jesus’ words “Do not be afraid, little flock,” seem like a tall order just now. Global warming. Racial divides. Instability in governments around the globe. Trade wars and rumors of wars. Lots to fear, it would seem, made worse by the fact that there are lots of people eager to play upon our fears and lots of channels for them to do so through. And then come the commands: Sell your possessions. Give alms. Store your treasure in heaven. Be...

Dear Partner in Preaching, Another wonderful week in the parish has left me with little time to write, so I will repost the piece I wrote 3 years ago. Given all the acrimony and accusation that colors our political discourse, increasingly free-floating anxiety fueled by very real concerns about the economy and environment (among other things), and a generally bleak news cycle, perhaps it will still be helpful, as I think that at this moment in particular it’s easy to forget that grace abounds, often in unlikely places, and that witnessing to it and sharing it with others still has the ability to transform lives. Blessings on your...