"The Honking of the Holy Spirit"

Pentecost.B.21
Acts 2:1-21
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

The Day of Pentecost is rife with symbolism. There is wind, reminding us of the rush of air filling the house where the disciples were staying; and flames alighting upon the heads of Jesus’ followers. Among the varied symbols we associate with the arrival of the Holy Spirit, there is also the dove. The dove calls to mind the Spirit of God alighting upon our Savior at his baptism, and reminds us of the story of Noah and the promise of a new earth born out of the chaos of the flood.

"Love Begets Love"

6 Easter.B.21
John 15:9-17
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Imagine the scene. The place is the upper room; and the time is that of the Last Supper. Jesus speaks to his disciples, and says: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love…this is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”

"We Are All Guilty"

Good Friday.B.21
The Passion of John
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Pilate brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench. It was the day of Preparation for the Passover. He said to the people ‘Here is your King!’ They cried out, ‘Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ And the religious leaders answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ Then Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified.

"The Virtue of Going to Seed"

5 Lent.B.21
Jeremiah 31:31-34; John 12:20-33
The Rev. Melanie McCarley

Were I to hazard a guess, I would say most of us would not consider it a compliment if someone to look at our home and remark: “My goodness, it looks as if you’re really let this place go to seed.” “Going to seed” is another way of saying that something is past its prime. We a person who appears unkept, and we might say: “Look at that priest, that woman has really let herself go to seed.”

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