Belonging Matthew 18:21-35 and Romans 14:1-12 In our first lesson this morning, we learn about an enslaved person in a dire predicament. He is already shouldering the dreadful, dual realities of all enslaved people; namely, the humiliating loss of personal autonomy and the perpetual weight of forced labor. Yet, in […]
Something out of Nothing Matthew 4:1-11 and Exodus 16:2-15 We have just heard a reading from Exodus, chapter 16. But if we move ahead just one chapter, we discover that the Hebrews current troubles were not completely satisfied by the manna that God had provided. In chapter 17, they are […]
With You Romans 12:9-21 and Exodus 3:1-15 Pieces of our identity are formed from a very early age. Growing up, we learn that we are someone’s child and, perhaps, someone’s brother or sister, as well. As young people, we begin to view ourselves, at least in part, by the friendships […]
Compassion Mark 6:53-56 and Matthew 14:14-21 When we read scripture, we are not meant to view these passages as individual, stand-alone accounts. Instead, we are to recognize that they are part of the greater narrative of Jesus’ life. So while our second lesson today begins at verse 14, I invite […]
Come Closer Psalm 133:1-3 and Genesis 45:1-15 Earlier this week, I had a conversation with a woman who expressed that her brother had been struggling with forgiveness for decades. Some fifty years ago, he was an active-duty American soldier stationed in Vietnam. And it was there, on the field of […]
On the Other Side Psalm 105:1-6, 45b and Matthew 14: 22-33 2020 could easily be called the year of crises. In March, we suspended in-person worship and activities following news that a highly contagious coronavirus was spreading across the globe. In the ensuing months, COVID-19 has become public enemy number […]
Interdependence Colossians 3:12-17 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Yesterday, I officiated at the wedding of Sarah Laferty and Nick Gronwoski. The setting was beautiful, in the backyard of a historic home on the Marblehead Peninsula. And there, with Lake Erie waves and a variety of watercraft competing for attention, the couple […]
With Patience Psalm 1391-12, 23-24 and Romans 8:12-25 I am currently working toward the completion of my final project for the Doctor of Ministry degree. The working title is “Blessed to Be a Blessing: Self-Giving as a Christian Discipleship Practice.” From my perspective, this concept is at the heart of […]
A Fertility Challenge Psalm 119:105-112 and Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 It was winter of 2019, just a few months before everything changed. A church member stepped into my office and asked if I had a few minutes. She wanted to tell me about something that had happened in her life. Something […]
The Reverend Dr. Sandy Selby The Yoke of Freedom A reading from the gospel according to Matthew, the 11th chapter: 25At that time Jesus said [to the crowd], “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and […]