Luke 24

Until 1565, the local church was also the seminary.

Until 1565, the local church was also the seminary.

Jesus' death is almost impossible to accept. Then he comes back.

Jesus' death is almost impossible to accept. Then he comes back.

The church organizes its life in the wake of absence.

Our risen savior has taste buds and a digestive tract.

Our risen savior has taste buds and a digestive tract.

Whoever he is, he’s as upset as the 12-turned-11.

Whoever he is, he’s as upset as the 12-turned-11.

Luke 24:44–53

Luke 24:13–35

Luke 24:13–35

On Ascension Day, with the readings from Luke and Acts in danger of being embalmed by archaism, the reading from Ephesians is a gift.

Each year when I sit down to write my Easter sermon, I remember Doris Olson. Doris was a pillar of the church, and when I arrived as the new pastor, she came to my office and told me a story.

Luke grounds the resurrection narrative in tangible details: the rock-hewn tomb, the linen cloth, the heavy stone, the fragrant spices. The reader can imagine the place and time. Then things fall off the map.

I didn't start my day thinking about gang killings. But then a man showed up and asked about a funeral for his nephew—on Palm Sunday.

I didn't start my day thinking about gang killings. But then a man showed up and asked about a funeral for his nephew—on Palm Sunday.

The authors of Spiritual Companioning suggest a way forward for those disenchanted with polite, shallow church relationships.

The authors of Spiritual Companioning suggest a way forward for those disenchanted with polite, shallow church relationships.