The Right Words
Second Sunday in Advent: Gospel, Mark 1:1-8 Mark 1:1-8 Mark’s gospel, the primary gospel considered through this church year does not begin with the birth narrative of Jesus. Rather, Mark begins...
The Final Day
Second Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 2 Peter 3:8-14 2 Peter 3:8-14 Looking into the life of the church from the outside, if such a thing is done, would reveal that for many American congregations life goes as it does at any time...
God Think
Second Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 40:1-11 Isaiah 40:1-11 Isaiah the prophet has always played prominently in the reading of Christians during Advent. Tagged as “The Fifth Gospel” by many, the faithful servant of the Lord...
Looking Back to Look Forward
First Sunday in Advent: Gospel, Mark 11:1-10 Mark 11:1-10 Yes the Advent focus on the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is upon us once more. And just a quick reminder that the church year begins often with this...
From the Start
First Sunday in Advent: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Sometimes when I sit down to write these short meditations I look at the text for the week. I read it several times, sometimes in different translations. I...
Strange Combination
First Sunday in Advent: Old Testament, Isaiah 64:1-9 Isaiah 64:1-9 The presence of God is reported and received in two ways in the Bible. And though understandable, it is also strange. God’s people desire His presence. God’s enemies...
Seated
Christ the King Sunday: Gospel, Matthew 25:31-46 Matthew 25:31-46 Once again. We are on the threshold of the final Sunday of the Church year. God is faithful. Faithful to meet us where He has promised: in the gathering of saints to receive His good...
A Different Thanksgiving Meal
Christ the King Sunday: Epistle, 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Thanksgiving Day, (U.S.) Our epistle reading this week points to one issue. THE ISSUE. “But now Christ is risen from...
Coming For Us
Christ the King Sunday: Old Testament, Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Here we are. The final Sunday in the church year. My favorite tag for this Sunday is “Christ the King Sunday.” It always points forward for me into...
Not Everyone Gets It
Proper 28: Gospel, Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 25:14-30 Coming as we are to the close of the church year the focus has been on the last things. The ultimate things. And it’s clear that the...
