Faith Beyond Boundaries

Faith is often found in unexpected places. This Sunday, we’ll read from Luke about a Roman centurion—an outsider—who demonstrates remarkable trust in Jesus’ authority. Without demanding proof, he believes that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal his servant. Jesus is astonished, declaring that this man’s faith surpasses that of Israel. Then, in an act of compassion, Jesus raises a widow’s son, restoring her future along with her child. Both stories remind us that God’s grace moves beyond human boundaries, rewriting stories of exclusion into belonging.

Call and Response

As I shared yesterday, Jesus called the twelve not because they were perfect, powerful, or privileged, but because they were willing to follow. In Luke 6, we see how Jesus redefines belonging—not by status, but by purpose. As followers of Jesus today, we are also chosen, not for our own sake, but to participate in God’s mission of love and justice. Here are five ways we can respond to God’s call…

A Whole New Way

“Jesus did not call isolated individuals to follow him. He formed a community, a movement, a new way of being human together.” – Diana Butler Bass This Sunday, we’ll read Luke 6:1-16 when Jesus calls twelve disciples to follow him, an act that marks a turning point in his ministry.

Called to Deeper Waters

Yesterday, we listened to Jesus’ call to the disciples in Luke 5:1-11. So too, Jesus challenges us to leave behind the familiar and step boldly into God’s transformative work. When Peter follows Jesus, he leaves behind his livelihood to embrace a mission of justice, compassion, and inclusion. This same call reaches us today, urging us to respond in ways that reflect God’s love for the world. Here are the four ways I suggested that we can respond to Jesus’ call to deeper waters…

The Unity That Challenges Us All

In her sermon during the Jan. 21 Service of National Prayer and referencing Jesus’ own preaching, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde reminded us that unity is not achieved through avoidance of conflict or shallow consensus. Instead, it requires the hard work of seeking justice for the marginalized, reconciling with those we’d rather avoid, and being courageous enough to disrupt systems that perpetuate inequality.