Irreverently Reverend

  Third Sunday of Easter Then I looked, and I heard the sound of many angels surrounding the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. They numbered in the millions—thousands upon thousands.  12  They said in a loud voice, “Worthy is the slaughtered Lamb         to receive power, wealth, wisdom, and might,         and honor, glory, and blessing.” 13  And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea —I heard everything everywhere say, “Blessing, honor, glory, and power belong to the one seated on the throne     and to the Lamb         forever and always.” 14  Then the four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshipped.   (CEB)             Christ is risen!   Christ is risen indeed! ...

  Fifth Sunday of Lent When  Adonai  restored Tziyon’s fortunes, we thought we were dreaming. 2  Our mouths were full of laughter, and our tongues shouted for joy. Among the nations it was said, “ Adonai  has done great things for them!” 3  Adonai  did do great things with us; and we are overjoyed. 4  Return our people from exile,  Adonai , as streams fill  vadis in the Negev. [NRSV: Restore our fortunes, O Lord,     like the watercourses in the Negeb.] 5  Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. 6  He who goes out weeping as he carries his sack of seed will come home with cries of joy as he carries his sheaves of grain. (CJB)             House Bill 1557, colloquially called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, passed in Florida this past week, prohibiting discussion about sexual or gender identity in primary school classrooms. ...

  Second Sunday of Lent The Lord is my light and my salvation;     whom shall I fear? / The Lord is the stronghold of my life;     of whom shall I be afraid? 2  When evildoers assail me     to devour my flesh— / my adversaries and foes—     they shall stumble and fall. 3  Though an army encamp against me,     my heart shall not fear; / though war rise up against me,     yet I will be confident. 4  One thing I asked of the Lord,     that will I seek after: / to live in the house of the Lord     all the days of my life, / to behold the beauty of the Lord,     and to inquire in his temple. 5  For he will hide me in his shelter     in the day of trouble; / he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;  ...

  First Sunday in Lent Living in the Most High’s shelter,     camping in the Almighty’s shade, 2  I say to the Lord, “You are my refuge, my stronghold!     You are my God—the one I trust!” 3  God will save you from the hunter’s trap     and from deadly sickness. 4  God will protect you with his pinions;     you’ll find refuge under his wings.     His faithfulness is a protective shield. 5  Don’t be afraid of terrors at night,     arrows that fly in daylight, 6      or sickness that prowls in the dark,     destruction that ravages at noontime. 7  Even if one thousand people fall dead next to you,     ten thousand right beside you—     it won’t happen to you. 8  Just look with your eyes,     and you will s...