Rev'd Up for Sunday

If John the Baptist was calling for a baptism of repentance, why did Jesus insist on being baptized? This week, Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy focus on the purpose of Jesus' baptism, the importance of it being in the Jordan River, and how this is a story about doing things outside of the establishment.

Questions for Further Discussion:

Themes and Application

1. The clergy describe Jesus’ bap...

How could one small baby threaten a king? This week, Peter Walsh and John Kennedy read about the wise men, Herod, and the baby who changed their lives. What can we learn from Jesus' humble beginnings, how do scholars try to explain the Christmas star, and how does the beginning of Jesus' life foreshadow the end of it?

Questions for Further Discussion:

Themes and Application

1. Peter and John describe the...

Let's begin at the beginning! Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy journey through the prologue of John's Gospel. They discuss the importance of space and place for John's community after the temple fell, how this text helps us look higher to God while also seeing the ways God is here with us, and what it means to be children of God.

Questions for Further Discussion:

Themes & Applica...

Another dive into the Christmas story from Luke's Gospel highlights some important details we sometimes miss. Peter Walsh and Elizabeth Garnsey reflect on the historical accuracy of the enrollment, the importance of Bethlehem as the city of David, the symbolism of the swaddling cloths, and the powerful statement made by including the shepherds. Plus, does this story prove we need more Mary in the Advent lectionary?

Themes ...

A potential public disgrace, a private dream, and one heck of a birth announcement! As we come to the close of Advent, Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy explore Joseph's angelic visitation. What would the cost have been for Joseph to break to break off his engagement, what do we miss by not reading Jesus' genealogy, and how will Jesus as "Emmanuel" be the fulfillment of God's desire for us?

As John the Baptist sat in prison, he began to wonder if Jesus really was the Messiah he'd been preparing the way for. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy address the doubts John had, how we react when life doesn't go as planned, and how scripture may sound different from person to person. Also, just as Jesus wasn't the expected Messiah, the clergy highlight how John wasn't the expected prophet.

Another season of Advent, another look at John the Baptist. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy once again discuss this memorable figure who prepared the way for Jesus. How do John and other prophets set the tone for Advent, what are we to take away from John's fiery language, and how can this fire be both destructive and refining?

Questions for Further Discussion:

Themes and Application
1. W...

This week, our clergy encounter the Bible passage that has everyone so worried about the rapture! Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy discuss the shocking scenarios Jesus illustrates, explain how to keep awake and keep hope alive during trying times, and teach how to live as people of God's kingdom.

Questions for Further Discussion:

Themes and Application
1. What does it mean to “live with t...

The Gospel lesson for Christ the King Sunday shows us Jesus being mocked on the cross and his famous words to the repentant thief: "Today you will be with me in paradise." Peter Walsh and John Kennedy explain why this is the perfect piece of scripture for Christ the King, how this is a lesson in divine humility, and why we should be cautious about exclusively believing the kingdom is on Earth or elsewhere.

Questi...

In this week's reading, Jesus delivers some shocking revelations about the temple and prophetic visions of what's to come. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy explain how the disciples would have their faith tested, if these prophecies came to pass, and why many people today are still focused on the events Jesus described. Plus, how do we respond when power pushes back against our desire to follow Jesus'...

This week, the Sadducees challenge Jesus with a hypothetical question about the resurrection. If a woman was married to seven brothers in life, which is she married to in the resurrection? Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy examine what N.T. Wright calls "the most important passage about resurrection" and discuss biblical understandings of death, what happens to the loved ones we lose, and the anxiety many o...

We've heard the Beatitudes many times, so why is it still so hard to follow them? Peter Walsh and Elizabeth Garnsey explain Jesus' reversal of concepts like rich and poor, how we can make space inside ourselves for more love, and what part of this passage is the most important teaching for our time.

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Another episode, another parable. This week, Jesus addresses people who are self-righteous and regard others with contempt. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy warn against comparing ourselves to one another, attitudes of contempt among religious people, and the problem of labeling people good/bad or insider/outsider.

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What can the Parable of the Persistent Widow and the Unjust Judge teach us about prayer? Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy highlight why the widow's actions are so shocking, how times of opposition call for bold prayers, and why the message of this story isn't just "pray harder".

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In this week's reading, Jesus heals 10 lepers, but only one returns to thank him. Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy draw several parallels between this story and our modern world, including the treatment of foreigners, societal blame and scapegoating, and Jesus' challenge for us to be thankful.

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This week, we welcome The Rev. Dr. Chuck Robertson, Canon & Senior Advisor to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Along with Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy, the group explores who we put our faith in, how we practice it each day, what our faith is for, and where it resides in our being. Plus, what does it mean to be a beloved child of God?

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Our three clergy are reunited this week, and they're tackling another parable from Jesus: "The Rich Man and Lazarus". Peter Walsh, Elizabeth Garnsey, and John Kennedy discuss beliefs around who goes to Heaven or Hell, and examine the spiritual hazards of wealth and how money can blind us to God and neighbor.

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Is "The Parable of the Dishonest Manager" pretty straightforward or downright confusing? Peter Walsh and John Kennedy examine 5 different paradigms for understanding it. Which one is correct and why can't scholars seem to agree?

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This week, we cover two of Jesus' parables about lost things that teach us what it's like to be sought after by God. Peter Walsh and John Kennedy delve into these stories that show us examples of earthly and heavenly joy, demonstrate how God seeks us in love, and challenge the belief that God is a taskmaster waiting for us to earn acceptance.

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