Celebration of Independence

Readings: II Kings 2: 1-12; Psalm 50: 1-6; II Corinthians 4: 3-6; Mark 9: 2-9 On the last Sunday after the Epiphany, we always read the text of the Transfiguration found in the Gospels according to Mark, Luke and Matthew.  The Transfiguration is also celebrated annually on the sixth of August.  It is celebrated twice…

Readings – Joshua 5: 9-12; Psalm 32; II Corinthians 5: 16-21; Luke 15: 1-3,11b-32 As you may know, I am the eldest of five children, Bruce, Jay, Ann and Sui.  I have an affinity for the eldest son in our Gospel reading of today.  The usual tactic is to focus on the embracing, outstretched arms…

Readings – Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:7-18; I Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21 Ever since Monday when I began to think about our readings for today, this was the verse that kept popping up — I will not leave you orphaned [alone];                                                                                      I am coming to you.                                                                      John 14: 18 This passage continues our reading…

Reading – Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17 From the Gospel, from the Good News, according to St. John, this reading is from the last hours of Jesus with his disciples in the upper room, immediately before his arrest, his flogging, his trial, his crucifixion, his death, and his burial.  The other three…

Readings – Deuteronomy 10: 17-21; Psalm 145; Hebrews 11: 8-16; Matthew 5: 43-48 You know I don’t pick lessons for Sundays.  I take what is given by the lectionary, and then I begin, usually on Mondays, to let the Holy Spirit work on me, to let the Holy Spirit speak through the lessons so that…

Readings – Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 84; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40 In a couple of weeks, we will be hearing these words from the Gospel according to St. Mark (12:29-31)  Jesus said, “The first commandment is this:  Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is the only Lord.  Love the Lord your God with all your…