There is an ancient Greek – word, “Patrida.” We are more familiar with a derivation of it, Patri, meaning “father,” as in patriarchal. It is used here in Mark’s Gospel. It is perhaps “best defined” as being “one’s fatherland.” Or, “the place of one’s birth…” Or, “perhaps, one’s country of origin…” Or better yet, “your […]
My heart is all over the place on this one! So now, (this week)- we have another kind of “two-for” only this time, “two consecutive stories in a row”…this is Mark at his … LITERARY FINEST! They are stories in contrast! The first is a story of “FAILURE.” After “initial enthusiasm,” the people of Jesus’ […]
This is all about being touched by God! Today being the Fourth of July, let us pray that God reaches out and touches “our nation and ALL of its people.” We are, after all, “One Nation Under God…” Let’s look at the text. Jesus was a rockstar. Wherever Jesus went he always had this “huge […]
What I would like you to understand is the “radical nature” of “Jesus” and “his ministry.” This stuff is phenomenal. It is ground breaking. It is bigger than life. This is the stuff of “equality.” This is the stuff of God. It is the stuff of inclusion. We have before us this evening two healings, […]
I have admittedly a Marcan bias. I appreciate this gospel – like no other. Historically, it was the first to be written. It is closest in time to the actual events. It is probably by far, “the most historical account.” Mark is pure genius. It is the first-of-a-kind writing style… He writes a gospel – […]
WE have talked about this before. The Gospels are full of questions. And the questions “speak loudly to US,” if, WE will but listen. WE have to listen to the word. WE have to pay it attention. WE have to hear what it is saying…and…what it is not saying. WE have to listen to the […]
Luke ain’t shy about airing “dirty laundry!” Practically everyone knows about “family tensions.” Sometimes it is like walking on “egg shells.” No one says a word. The “air is so thick” you could slice it with a butter knife. No one wants to be “the one” to “start” the “explosive event” that is – sure […]
First off, allow me to say, I think there is a little “control freak” in all of us. We want to control our children, control others around them and control the situations that we face in life. Many people with depression, anxiety, and stress-related issues have one thing in common: They spend a lot of […]
We have another parable before us today! Literally, the word – “parable” means “riddle.” We know that Jesus often taught using parables. As a matter of fact the scriptures say, that he didn’t teach them without using parables. Parables leave the listener with the task or responsibility of “figuring out” – just what the parable […]
You know I like to “play” with words… This week I came across the word – “besmirch” and I thought I was in heaven. Besmirch is such a fun word to say. It kind of … rolls off the tongue. Bees-smirch. To use it in a sentence…people were besmirching Jesus’ reputation and his entire ministry. […]