21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B, RCL)

This last reading from the bread of life discourse places Jesus’ disciples at a crossroads.

Gird yourself with the T-shirt of righteousness, the backpack of faith, the hoodie of salvation.

We gave our readers a one-word writing prompt: “Wind.”

If so, what did he mean?

While struggling with this question as a church songwriter, I came up with six guidelines.

The armor of God and the violence of the Bible

In Psalm 84, an expectant swallow makes her nest in the temple.

Is our story of struggle also one of faith, hope, and love?

To speak words of grace, we must first name the powers and principalities that hold us captive.

The disciples remember every miracle that Jesus did, every truth that he proclaimed.

Before judging individuals for their sin, we should try to understand the forces of evil influencing them.

Stories of Christians working in the world offer hope that heals.

In God's life, all creatures get attention.

Matthew 4:12–23

Because my yearning comes from somewhere, and that somewhere must be you.