Mark 1:40-45 A story for the 6th Sunday After Epiphany There are things going on in the words of the story before us today that aren’t readily apparent if we only read it in its English translation. In fact, as I understand it, the main controversy seems to center on Jesus’ mood and response to the …
Managing What Matters
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 …
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 …
Thoughts on Simeon
“Master, you are dismissing your servant in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation…” (Simeon, Luke 2: 29-30) A friend posted on Facebook a photograph of five generations in her family, ranging from her grandmother down to her grandchild and I wondered at the scope of human history and experience represented in the generations …
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Luke 2:1-20 “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see the lie…” (Philip Brooks, 1868) I took my usual walk this morning. I hadn’t intended to, hoping to sleep in a while before getting started on a busy day, but my Monday-Friday internal clock got the better of me and so I got up …
A Story for Christmas Eve
The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me: he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of …