Mark 1:29-39 I used to love to get on airplanes. No, not the packing or the rush to the airport or the hassle of getting through security. Rather, I loved actually getting on board and settling into a seat. I loved the fact that for the next few hours no one could reach me. For …
Month: January 2012
Wondering About Authority…
The 4th Sunday after Epiphany Mark 1:21-28 I find myself wondering at what they saw in Jesus in the synagogue that day… what it was that had them leaning in closer to listen. I wonder if they were puzzled at first but found that puzzlement turning to surprise and from feeling surprised to being utterly astounded. …
Following Jesus as Though Our Lives Depend On It
A Story for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany Mark 1:14-20 I was reminded of this journey as I made my way home from O’Hare Airport in snow and rush hour traffic the other night. It was a hard drive but didn’t begin to compare to one I took many years ago when I was serving …
It Seems Like It Should Be So Simple…. So Why Isn’t It?
Looking Ahead to the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany: Some thoughts on Philip, Nathanael, Jesus, my hairdresser, and invitations… “And Philip said to Nathanael, “Come and see.” (John 1:43-51) Who knew it could be that easy? I got a glimpse of what that can look like in the middle of my life yesterday…. I was sitting …
Out of Step
“Then, opening their treasure-chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11) It was a tradition in our home — one begun and perpetuated by my mother — that the celebration of Christmas wouldn’t end until the last day of Christmas had come and gone. And so it was that we could …
Pay Attention!
Mark 1:4-11 Pay Attention! When I wrote in this space on Christmas Eve I spoke of my morning walk that day. I told you then that my Monday-Friday wake-up time had me awake anyway that Saturday morning so I took my usual walk in spite of hoping I might sleep in a little. To tell you …