"Mary's soul magnified the Lord and we understand God differently through the promise of Magnificat itself - with its radical promise of transformation, of elevation, of humbling, of a new heaven here on earth. It is the sermon on the Mount, but thirty years earlier. Magnificent." When was the last time you reflected on the revolutionary words of the Magnificat? // Luke 1:46-55 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on th...
Dec 24, 2021•6 min
"It is not the hope of a sudden end to problems, but rather the good news that Jesus is with us on the edge, guiding us along the rocky path, redeeming the edge with us as we go." Where have you found Jesus on the edge this season? // Luke 2: 8-12 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be...
Dec 23, 2021•9 min
"It's been over 2,000 years and it seems like we still don't understand the assignment." In your opinion, what have we continued to misunderstand about the work that God is calling us to? // Luke 3:7-18 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up child...
Dec 22, 2021•8 min
"Jesus didn't simply associate with the folks at the edge. He brought them in and elevated their voices and assured them that the reign of God belongs to them as much as it belongs to anyone else." What can you do to subvert the systems that oppress the people at the edge? // Micah 5:2-5 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give...
Dec 21, 2021•10 min
Walk in the light, beautiful light, come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright. Where do you see light in the world around you? // Psalm 80:1-7 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? ...
Dec 20, 2021•9 min
"We can be still and listen for God, for Holy Spirit, for love, to awaken in us, to move in us, like new life in the womb." What has God awakened in you during this Advent season? // This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Don't Forget Love by Neil Young, and Veil by Acreage. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more ...
Dec 19, 2021•6 min
"The genealogies in Matthew and Luke underscore a fundamental struggle in early Christianity, a conflict that runs through the texts of the New Testament: Was Jesus the Jewish Messiah, or the Savior of the whole world?" When you think of the Christmas story, what Jesus do you see? // This episode was written and recorded by Dr. Diana Butler Bass, an author, speaker, and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include ...
Dec 18, 2021•10 min
"The world needs more 'Josephs' who exude presence and commitment, and God only knows what this could mean for our children, ourselves and the world." Who is someone whose presence and commitment has made an impact on your life? // This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Darrell Hamilton the Executive Minister for Operations and Resource Development at Middle Collegiate Church in New York, NY., It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, Mary D...
Dec 17, 2021•7 min
“God’s Spirit hovers over the dark water preparing to create worlds. The child we wait for grows in the deep darkness of the womb.” What is giving you hope right now? // Psalm 146:5-10 Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. Th...
Dec 16, 2021•9 min
"God sings songs that carry the heaviness of this world and songs that hold the hope that this world will give birth to something new." What songs do you hear God singing? // Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; ...
Dec 15, 2021•9 min
“The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” In your own words, how would you describe “the hopes and fears of all the years”? // This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relenquish by Podington Bear, Surly Bonds by Blue Dot Sessions, We Call This Home by Alex Fitch, and O Little Town Bethlehem by Phillip Brooks and Lewis Redner, performed by Rich Mountain Revival. This episode was originally published on December 2, 2019. • ...
Dec 14, 2021•13 min
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them." What will you do to advocate for children in our world? // Matthew 19:14-15 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. // This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amanda Meisenheimer, the Minister of Children & Families at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Backgr...
Dec 13, 2021•7 min
"Say 'yes' to joy." Where can you find joy in your life? How can you bring joy to the world around you? // This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and Joy to the World by Renderings. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/Donate to support th...
Dec 12, 2021•5 min
"Let us prepare a path for the righteous one to shake up this world and make it heaven on earth." What does it mean to you to make heaven on earth? // Luke 3:1-6 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wi...
Dec 11, 2021•6 min
"May we, like the magi, open our eyes to see God at work, not simply in our culture or religion, but anywhere and everywhere in the world and all of creation." Where have you seen God at work outside of your culture or reigion? // Matthew 2:1-2, 11 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” ...
Dec 10, 2021•9 min
How have you experienced God as shepherd? As Mother? // The Lord is my Shepard, I have all I need She makes me lie down in green meadows Beside the still waters, She will lead She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs She leads me in a path of good things And fills my heart with songs Even though I walk, through a dark and dreary land There is nothing that can shake me She has said She won’t forsake me I’m in her hand She sets a table before me, in the presence of my foes She anoints my head wi...
Dec 09, 2021•6 min
"Advent peace meets us at the edge and sits down as we remember. Advent peace holds our hand as we walk back through the grief and once again find ourselves in the joyful place of memory." What do you need to remember and grief during this Advent season? // Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. // This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler, the pastor at South Acton Congregational Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinqu...
Dec 08, 2021•9 min
"In the dark nights of our human story I trust God to be bringing resurrection from the crucifying experiences of life." How have you experienced "resurrection" in the past years? // Malachi 3:1-4 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he i...
Dec 07, 2021•10 min
"In this land, people are desperately in need of good news." What is the good news that you are waiting for? What is the good news that you can help bring to the world around you? // Luke 1:76-79 “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in da...
Dec 06, 2021•6 min
"Come on Advent, seduce us with solitude, envelope us within a deep silence of prayerful listening." What do you need during this season of Advent? // This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Michael Livingston, the Interim Senior Minister at The Riverside Church. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear, The Changing Tides by Brent Wood. • Visit www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all eight seasons of Be Still and Go. ...
Dec 05, 2021•5 min
"It’s amazing that Christianity has still largely been able to confuse capitalism, Western imperialism, the world of white privilege, with the gospel." What else have people confused with the gospel? // Luke 1:50-52 “God has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.” // This episode was written and recorded by Fr. Richard Rohr. It was...
Dec 04, 2021•7 min
"God is found, not in the center of power and privilege, but on the margin, at the edge." Where have you found God in a place you least expected? // Luke 2:8-20 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is...
Dec 03, 2021•8 min
"Advent implies the arrival of something new. Advent is a time of universal change." What change are you hoping for in your life and our world? // Luke 21:25-28 “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and...
Dec 02, 2021•7 min
"God will guide us to do what is right and just to work for racial, gender, and economic justice, to fight for Mother Earth, and for justice and equity for all those living on the edge of society." How is God guiding you to work for justice and equity? // Psalm 25:1-10 In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without ca...
Dec 01, 2021•6 min
"We must remember that there is a great cloud of witnesses around us, that there is great love to be had if we only know where to look." Who are the people in your life who you are giving thanks for? // 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jes...
Nov 30, 2021•8 min
"Our world tell us that salvation happens at the center. There is a hero and there is a person in distress. But salvation happens at the edge." How have you experienced salvation in your life? // Jeremiah 33:14-16 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those d...
Nov 29, 2021•7 min
"As close as we may seem to be to the edge, we are never far from the center of our hope, the Advent of our salvation." How would you describe the center of your hope? // Luke 21:34-36 Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these ...
Nov 28, 2021•6 min
"Rather than give in to this pit of perpetual despair we want to invite you to center yourself, even if just for a moment, every day during the season of Advent." What do you do to find stillness during this busy season? // This episode was written, recorded, and produced by Rev. Jim Keat, the Digital Minister at The Riverside Church. Background tracks include Relinquish by Podington Bear and I'll Miss You by Will Bangs. • Visit http://www.trcnyc.org/BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from ...
Nov 24, 2021•5 min
"A social justice church is like a vegetarian who doesn't eat meat. You're saying the same thing twice." If it doesn't have social justice at the core, can you even call it a church? // If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. // This episode was written, re...
Aug 30, 2021•11 min
This episode was written and recorded by Charlene Wingate. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Barefoot by Podington Bear and Soft and Sweet by Reveille. Visit www.trcnyc.org /BeStillAndGo to listen to more episodes from all seven seasons of Be Still and Go. Visit www.trcnyc.org /Donate to support this podcast and other digital resources from The Riverside Church that integrate spirituality and social justice....
Aug 18, 2021•9 min
