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)

At first glance, this is a simple question about marriage and eternity. But that is overlooking the fact that we shouldn’t trust the questioners.

The time-bending love of the resurrection
Proper 27C  |  Luke 20:27-38

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/11/09/alive-again-the-time-bending-love-of-the-resurrection/

Alive Again (Proper27C)

Seeing the cross at the end of the liturgical year is an apocalyptic vision — it reveals empire’s commitment to power and God’s to love.

The Crucifixion and redeeming love
Proper Last C  |  Luke 23:33-43

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/11/23/modern-apocalypse-the-crucifixion-and-redeeming-love/


Modern Apocalypse (Proper Last C)

The prophetic voices of Isaiah and John the Baptist reveal the limits of our obsession with power against the boundless purifying love of Jesus.

We Must Give Up on Violence
Advent 2A  |  Isaiah 11: 1-10, Matthew 3:1-12

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/12/07/to-be-free-we-must-give-up-on-violence/

To Be Free (Advent 2A)

It was the promise that brought the crowds into the wilderness. It isn’t an obsessive attachment to certainty that unites us with true joy.

How to Rejoice in the Prophetic Promise of Jesus
Advent 3A  |  Matthew 11:2-11

text and more: https://drewdowns.net/2025/12/14/persevere-how-to-rejoice-in-the-prophetic-promise-of-jesus/


Persevere (Advent 3A)

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.