ASLC Podcast

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil. 

Scripture Readings: John 18:1-19:42; Hebrews 10:16-25

This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight, we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days . 

Scripture Readings: John 13:1-17, 31b-35; Exodus 12:1-14

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and out poured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work. Scripture Readings: Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 118

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones. To those in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promise of resurrection. In baptism we die with Christ that we might also be raised with him to new life. At the Easter Vigil we will welcome the newly baptized as we remember God’s unfailing promise in our baptism.

 Scripture Readings: John 11:1-45: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130

Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. “I was blind, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved children. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives. 
Scripture Readings: John 9:1-41: Ephesians 5:8-14; Psalm 23

In today’s gospel the Samaritan woman asks Jesus for water, an image of our thirst for God. Jesus offers living water, a sign of God’s grace flowing from the waters of baptism. The early church used this gospel to deepen baptismal reflection during the final days of preparation before baptism at Easter.As we journey to the resurrection feast, Christ comes among us in word, bath, and meal-offering us the life-giving water of God’s mercy and forgiveness.  Scripture Readings: John 4:5-42; Psalm 95

Along with generations of the faithful, Pádraig Ó Tuama encourages us to engage in the practice of daily prayer and immersion in the scriptures.  The Revised Common Lectionary, which guides our readings in worship each Sunday, also provides a list of daily scriptures meant to help us reflect on the previous Sunday, and prepare for the next. This week, each day, find 10 minutes to open your bible and read the assigned texts. Pause and breathe. Reflect and pray for yourself and the needs of those around you. Jot down the words or phrases from the readings that stick out to you and keep them with you as a reminder throughout the day. Consider where the Spirit is pulling you today.  

Writings and podcasts from Pádraig Ó Tuama and others can be found at onbeing.org

Scripture Readings: John 7:53-8:11; Ezekiel 36:22-32, Psalm 128

This Lent we are going to be highlighting some Spiritual Practices through In today’s gospel Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born of water and Spirit. At the font we are a given a new birth as children of God. On March 10, both Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth are commemorated for their work for freedom and justice for all. As John 3:17 reminds us, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Jesus.” From worship we are sent forth to proclaim God’s love for all the world. 
Scripture Readings: John 3:1-17; Psalm 121

This Lent we are going to be highlighting some Spiritual Practices through the lens of contemporary and ancient Saints. From Ignatius to Mary Oliver, we will lean further in to opportunities to enhance our personal and communal spirituality. 
Scripture Readings: Psalm 46:10

Today's gospel tells of Jesus’ temptation in the desert. His forty-day fast becomes the basis of our Lenten pilgrimage. In the early church Lent was a time of intense preparation for those to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. This catechetical focus on the meaning of faith is at the heart of our Lenten journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. Hungry for God’s mercy, we receive the bread of life to nourish us for the days ahead. Scripture Readings: Matthew 4:1-11; Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7