lent

John used Chapter 32 in Brian McLaren's "We Make the Road by Walking" (Hodder and Stoughton, London, 2014) - Peace March Palm Sunday, to invite people into the story of Palm Sunday. There are a couple of monor changes in his text.
John finishes with some of the questions Brian asks at the end of his chapter

1.   Engage. What one thought or idea from today’s lesson especially
intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged,
warmed, warned, helped or surprised you?

2.    Activate: This week, look for moments when you, like Jesus,
 can see with grief that people are choosing a way of conflict
 or violence instead of peace. Allow yourself to feel the
 sadness without vilifying anyone.

3.     Meditate: Hold the phrase ‘a house of prayer for all people’
 together with the phrase ‘my Father’s house'. See what
 thoughts and emotions arise within you, and express them in
 prayer.

John explores some of the threads and echoes in this important story

-          in every gospel in some form so tells something of “way”

-          relationship with Luke 15 – scandalous love

-          fragrance of death vs fragrance of life?

-          echoes of Cana – giving Jesus courage to do what needs to be done

-          poor are with us always – Deuteronomy 15

The notes for this sermon can be found here

John has a conversation  about how the names we apply to stories like “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” both help us understand it and blind us to what is happening in the story using a number of titles given this story.
He finishes by asking "No matter what title/s we apply to this story, how do we finish it in our lives?"

Notes on this sermon can be found at <https://colourfuldreamer.blogspot.com/2019/03/the-lost-family-by-any-other-name.html>