Scriptural Reflections Archives - Page 25 of 34

PENTECOST: The Animated, Extravagant and Flamboyant Spirit of God

June 9, 2019/1 Comment/in Scriptural Reflections /by Dwayne Fernandes

Pentecost is the day when the animated, extravagant and flamboyant Spirit of God explodes out into the streets with violent winds and a blazing fire that descends and rests on each and every person regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender, expression, gender-identity or sexual orientation. Read More

JOSEPH: Sent Ahead by God to Preserve Life

May 24, 2019/0 Comments/in Scriptural Reflections /by Dwayne Fernandes

The story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, can resonate with some members of the LGBTQ community who have been rejected by family and faith community, as Joseph was. Read More

Palm Sunday: “Surely This One Was Innocent”

April 14, 2019/1 Comment/in Scriptural Reflections /by Francis DeBernardo, Editor

One subtle “expectation” in many churches today is that every child who is baptized will grow up to lead a heteronormative life. When these expectations miscarry and a child later ackowledges an LGBTQ identity, the mood often shifts. Read More

Coming Home to Where Mercy Becomes Flesh

March 31, 2019/2 Comments/in Scriptural Reflections /by Francis DeBernardo, Editor

"Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and butcher it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." Read More

The Book of Esther: A Coming Out Story for Lent

March 24, 2019/1 Comment/in Scriptural Reflections /by Dwayne Fernandes

While the entire Book of Esther makes for fascinating reading, the essence of the story of Esther, especially for the LGBT community, is how fear and unease can easily force a person into a “closet.” Read More

Transfiguration: A Complete Change Into a More Beautiful State

March 17, 2019/2 Comments/in Scriptural Reflections /by Dwayne Fernandes

Each time we disclose a truth about ourselves, we part a veil. By doing so, we invite others to come into our lives and make contact with us. Parting any veil forces a degree of vulnerability and demands unimaginable trust and faith. Read More

“Lead Us Not Into TEMPTATION”

March 10, 2019/1 Comment/in Scriptural Reflections /by Francis DeBernardo, Editor

As we enter the season of Lent, take a moment to reflect on what part temptations and tests play in your spiritual life. Read More

Ash Wednesday: “Come Back to Me”

March 6, 2019/1 Comment/in Scriptural Reflections /by Francis DeBernardo, Editor

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, our annual season of repentance and renewal to prepare for the great feast of Easter. "Bondings 2.0" introduces a new scriptural reflection series for LGBTQ people and allies, entitled "From Ashes to the Oil of Gladness." Read More