Gospel of Luke, Chapter 14, verses 25-33
Just one reading today, but one is enough to challenge us on many fronts.  Jesus confronts the throngs following Him and draws a line in the sand and asks us which side do we wish to be upon?  We're either all in or we're not.  God can work with either side but it's those in the middle that are pretending something that God can't work with.  It's a decision we have to make every day.  And nothing - not even blood ties or commitments can get in the way of that decision.  
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Luke 14:1, 7-14
There is a clear thread through our readings today that speaks about humility.  And since that connection is so obvious, we explore what humility is and what it is not in this episode.  But there is a parable at the end where Jesus invites us to ask, who is around our table?  And why is that important both to them and to us?
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Isaiah 66:18-21;  Luke 13:22-30
On this 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time, the readings are filled with both incredibly good news and incredibly hard news.  And both are true.  Everyone is invited.  All are welcome.  Nations from the north, south, east and west will stream toward the Lord's holy mountain.  All peoples will be gathered in the Kingdom!  But the way is narrow and the gate is small and the work is hard.  How can both be true at the same time?
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10;  Luke 12:49-53
In these readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we look into the role of prophet, and the rewards a prophet reaps.  It's no walk in the park, Kazansky.  Oh yeah, you and I have been baptized into that role, too.
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Wisdom 18:6-9; Luke 12:32-48
Usually when we talk about thieves, our minds turn to sinister activities and nefarious individuals.  Not today.  In this episode, we are invited to take stock of those walls we put up to keep out the very Thief that desires to get in.  And why do we do so?  And perhaps most importantly, can that Thief be trusted so as to tear down the walls that we have constructed?
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23   Luke 12:13-21
What is it we seek?  What do we possess and what possesses us?  In the end, does any of this matter?  Heady questions, but Jesus (and Qoheleth) walk us down that path this week.  
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Genesis 18:20-32; Luke 11:1-13
Did I read that title correctly?  You're asking me NOT to pray?  Yes, that's correct - unless.  Unless we have the courage and breadth and trust of Abraham.  Unless we are willing to become the instrument of prayer that we desire.  Unless we are willing to place God and God's will at the center and not our own ego and needs.  If those things aren't in place, we are wasting our time.  God's too.  We're treating God way to small.  
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Genesis 18:1-10a; Luke 10:38-42
This Sunday, we hear the story of God as guest at our table and the varied reactions that brings.  At different times in our lives, we are Sarah or Abraham, we are Martha or we are Mary.  But if we are to mature into the fullness of discipleship, we must stop living in one camp or the other.  We must breathe not with one lung, but with both.  
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Luke 10:25-37
Moses reminds the Hebrew people - and through them, us - that one doesn't have to have a title or degree in Theology to understand God.  God is not a puzzle to be figured out or a mystery to be solved.  God is not elsewhere and must be sought.  God is within, nearer to us than we are ourselves.  And what does this Presence of God, this Law of God, look like?  Mercy.  Compassion.  Kindness.  Jesus uses a wonderful and famous story to drive the point home.  If one wants to be like God, cloak yourselves in mercy.
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk

Isaiah 66:10-14c, Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
On this weekend in which we celebrate our nation's independence, we look at how Israel looked at themselves.  How do we balance blessings and being chosen alongside the seedy underbelly of the reality?  How do we do that on a national scale and how do we do that on an individual level?  No easy answers - that is a hard struggle.  We explore that space this week.
Original Score written and performed by Bridget Zenk