Third Sunday of Easter

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…

Reading — Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 We begin again.  Today is the First Sunday of Advent.  Today is the first Sunday of our New Year.  In a conversation recorded by St. Matthew, Jesus took the disciples back to the time of Noah and the Ark.  He encouraged them to be awake,…

Readings – Acts 2: 42-47; Psalm 23; I Peter 2: 19-25; John 10: 1-10 Before we approach the text from the Gospel according to St. John, I would like to place it in context.  Today’s passage immediately follows the healing of the man born blind. Jesus made mud with his saliva and placed it on…

Readings — Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5,13-17; John 3:1-17 In the midst of first century ancient Israel, the Jews were feuding among themselves.  The temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed in 70 by the Roman legions.  And in synagogue after synagogue that grief was compounded by this man, Jesus, crucified for sure, yet by…

Readings – Isaiah 60: 1-6; Psalm 72: 1-7,10-14; Ephesians 3: 1-12; Matthew 2: 1-12 This morning let’s learn from the magi, the kings, the wise men.  First, they looked up.  Second, they knelt down.  Third, they shared gifts.  Fourth, they were radiant. And while they did all four actions, the darkness exacted a cost. First,…