Jesus prays, not just for his followers or for us, but for all peoples to find unity with him — an embrace of the transformative love of God.

an incredible oneness in love
Easter 7C  |  Acts 16:16-34, John 17:20-26

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/06/01/one-serious-prayer-an-incredible-oneness-in-love/

One Serious Prayer (Easter 7C)

The Ascension of Christ is our opportunity to reflect on our relationship to Jesus, as followers and present participants.

the Ascension and modern discipleship
Ascension  |  Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:44-53

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/05/29/jesuss-leave-taking-the-ascension-and-modern-discipleship/

Jesus’s Leave-Taking (Ascension Day)

Before the Pentecost event, Jesus reminds his followers that their work and comfort come are the same: relational and active and loving.

Jesus’s teaching on (in)dependence
Pentecost  |  Acts 2:1-21, John 14:8-17 (25-27)

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/06/08/befriending-the-spirit/

Befriending the Spirit (Pentecost)

mammon, wealth, parable of the dishonest manager

On not reading it wrong (Proper 20C)

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is told to people mocking Jesus for inviting them to love God more than they love mammon.

the seductive power of wealth is a rejection of faith
Proper 21C  |  Luke 16:19-31

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/09/21/on-not-reading-it-wrong-choosing-god-over-money/

Blindspots (Proper 21C)

The story of Jesus healing the ten suffering leprosy is a story about borders and boundaries and the way Jesus defies them all for love.

Restoration at a time of division
Proper 23C  |  Luke 17:11-19

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/10/12/neighbors-for-love-restoration-at-a-time-of-division/

We are neighbors for love (proper 23C)

The parable of the widow and the unjust judge is an opportunity to explore the depth of what Jesus is describing in faith and God’s love.

Living love in hopeless times
Proper 24C  |  Luke 18:1-8

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/10/19/persistent-faith-true-love/

Persistent faith, true love (Proper 24C)

Jesus offers a juxtaposition of the arrogant Pharisee and the humble sinner to help us see that our posture toward God matters more.

Love in persistent prayer
Proper 25C  | Luke 18:9-14

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/10/26/holding-a-posture-of-grace/

Holding a Posture of Grace (Proper 25C)

The saints help us see the alternative vision that Jesus offers: that we can actually love as we are loved and give as God gives.

Revealing God’s dream
All Saints + Souls  |  Luke 6:20-31

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/11/02/our-saints-are-the-antidote-revealing-gods-dream/

Our Saints are the antidote (All Saints)

Drew is an Episcopal priest and blogger living in Western Indiana who is obsessed with building up a vibrant and authentic church and 90’s era dreampop. He is the rector of St. Stephen's in Terre Haute, Indiana. While working on an MFA at Emerson College, Drew was called to a new ministry that transcends both decaying structures and 50’s era ugliness. His blog is about seeking an authentic faith that is expressive, worshipful, artistic, and transformative.