contributors – Page 2 – Prison Lectionary

Lent 1A

February 27, 2017February 27, 2017Prison Lectionary1 Comment

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
Psalm 32
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

Here, at the beginning of our Lenten journey, the lectionary gives us readings on sin, temptation, and the human inability to “get it right.” Later, when Paul will remind us how all have sinned and fallen short, we will look back to these readings. This is where it all begins.

What is it about the human condition that is so beautiful, and so flawed? To be able to walk and talk with God, to work the garden and take care of it, to rejoice in one another – this sounds idyllic. Life created never to end, but always to rejoice in one another.
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Transfiguration – Last Epiphany A

February 21, 2017February 21, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

by Terrance “Lil Bear” Plummer

Matthew 17:1-9

NO ONE IS EXCLUDED FROM THE CALL, SEEING THE GLORY, AND LISTENING TO JESUS

We often feel marginalized by free society, those of us in prison. Many of us don’t believe that God would want to call us for anything. We often feel alienated from God, and disqualified from any service in The Kingdom, because of where we are. Continue reading →

Poem: “Reconcile” (Colossians 1)

January 18, 2017January 6, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

by Kwame Toure Kagale

As I look at what my life has been like for me I often feel like I am a survivalist on the path of self destruction.

In 1990 “Self Destruction” was a number one song but that was more than 20 years ago and we still haven’t gotten the message.

Does every black man feel this way or am I the exception, just some twisted contradiction from my true reflection of GOD’s perfection? Continue reading →

Lectionary: Epiphany 3A

January 16, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

“Whom Should I Fear?”

Psalm 27

by AMN

Many times over the course of my life, I became overwhelmed and fear overtook me. Anxiety set in and I began to think that my life was over and that was not going to be able to overcome. Continue reading →

Poem: “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”

January 11, 2017January 3, 2017Prison Lectionary3 Comments

by AMN

Blood, Sweat and Tears,
constant heckling and nasty jeers.
Wrongfully convicted by a jury of
His peers.
When He gave up the ghost,
A soldier blatantly chose
To pierce His side with a spear.
That’s the same pain I felt when
the judge handed me sixty
years,
Blood, Sweat and Tears…

Lectionary: Epiphany 2A

January 9, 2017January 6, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

by Matthew B. Harper

Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 40:1-12
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-4

The words of the prophet Isaiah contain four “servant” songs, and today we read from the second one. Each of these songs assumes the guise of The Servant of God, and praise God for all that has been, is being, and will be done. But who is the servant? Continue reading →

Christmas in Prison 8

January 7, 2017January 9, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

“From Magic to Miracle”

by Marcos R

Silent night… Holy night… All is calm… All is bright is crooning out of my old school General Electric Superadio II (1970’s model boom box) while bright flashing images of holiday commercials, Christmas movies and Charlie Brown specials splash across the bed sheets and bland narrow cell walls through my 2008 model RCA digital bubble TV screen. I channel surf while sitting on my top bunk, lost in my thoughts, missing my sons… Continue reading →

Poem: “Prison Yuletide”

January 6, 2017January 6, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

by Taj Alexander Mahon-Haft

“Prison Yuletide”

Warden humbugged the doors up tight
Hot chocolate, hugs, and mistletoe stay out!
No cheer or candy canes breathe here.
No winter, festive, or wonderland fit between the bars.
No colors, twinkles, scents sneak beneath the fence,
even gifts exchanged violate basic rules.
Trees, angels, stars, it matters not,
season’s spirits and symbols need not apply,
But one subdued, shackled service can we see.
Yuletide trimmings, holiday tidings
must be checked at the door.
If Stalin and the Grinch procreated,
that’d be the Christmas mascot here.
Claiming “security,” they scrooge us every year. Continue reading →

Christmas in Prison 7

January 3, 2017Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

by Jessica McGee

This year I have decided to spend my Christmas with Christ. That is the beginning of what Christmas means to me. See, a little baby was born to die for my sins, so why should I walk around moping because I am not home with my family? God is with me wherever I am, so He is with me right here in prison. He wants me to share the Word with others and that’s what I have been doing. I have given so many presents to others in the Name Of Jesus and just spreading Christmas cheer, I haven’t noticed that Christmas is here already. God has given me so much joy this season, and it’s all because I focused on the Christ in “Christ-mas.” Thank you Lord for all you do and if you don’t do nothing else I’m still grateful. I hope that I have the right attitude, because your attitude directs your actions and your actions show your beliefs and your beliefs reflect your circumstances. I want everything to reflect the one I serve, and that’s Christ Jesus. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

Lectionary: Baptism of Christ A

January 3, 2017December 1, 2016Prison LectionaryLeave a comment

by Keith Wiglusz

Acts 10:34-43

Peter preached that “God shows no favoritism”. We certainly serve an inclusive God. “Come all those who are tired and heavy laden” seems to be what we all want to hear in this busy world.

I live in a very sheltered world and at times I feel insignificant. I also live in a world of loneliness and deep regret. Could God actually care or even use me still? His word assures me He does and it’s funny how the least of us can actually be used by God.

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