Fifth Sunday in Lent (Year A, RCL)

Honestly, it seems like our flesh has a massive design flaw.

Romans 8:6–11; John 11:1–45

My state has the same number of churches as prisoners. This fact haunts me.

After the anointing at Bethany, Judas asks why the fragrance wasn't sold and the money given to charity. A more apt question might be why Mary didn't use it on her brother Lazarus, dead just a few days before.

I was a little girl, sitting near the front row of the church. My legs could not touch the floor, and I had to hold my hands laced in my lap so that I could remain still. I stared at the coffin before me.

When I read John 11 and heard Jesus thundering, “Unbind him and let him go!" I realized I had not forgiven my father.

Theology and advertising share the same root.

When I was baptized at 12, I refused what Baptists call “the right hand of fellowship.” I wanted the water but not the fellowship.

I know what Jesus is doing in this story; I have three small children. He's dawdling.