I have baptized “new borns” – only “hours old” in the hospital and I have baptized people in their 80’s and 90’s. And I guess it is safe to say and a whole lot of folks – in between. I waver from time to time – how I view and see Baptism. I have done […]
This morning we find ourselves on the “other side of Christmas” and in a brand new chronological year. Liturgically, we are still in the same year, but chronologically, the year is 2018. Tis’ the year of Mark, the second year of our three year cycle – termed “series B.” Mark tells his story of Jesus […]
A more mysterious group of travelers would be difficult to find. Reportedly they come from the East. That’s a little vague don’t you think? I mean, the East is a pretty big place. That’s kind of a like saying “up north.” They have been called “Magi” a root word which we recognize as a part […]
God can use anyone he chooses to accomplish his will. Some of them are very surprising…others maybe not so surprising…. Consider Mary – a young teenage girl. Consider Joseph – an older well established man in the trades… Or what about the case in today’s gospel of old Simeon and probably even older Anna – […]
I want to draw your attention to “three sets of adults” at the beginning of the Jesus story. The first couple we are introduced to is the elderly couple, “senior citizens, actually”: Zachariah and Elizabeth. Then, there is “the main couple” who follows them – and takes the center stage, but only for a brief […]
Generally listed as “the youngest of all the apostles”…John was the son of Zebedee and Salome. Zebedee (his father) you might remember, got left sitting in a boat, while his two boys, took off and followed after that “Jesus-character.” John is often times painted in Christian art as being young and smooth faced, non-shaving and […]
There is nothing quite like it, nothing really to compare it – with or to… Christmas morning, that is. It is peaceful, it is respectful, it is courteous, it is a morning like no other. There is a calm. There is something serene about it and picturesque, as well. It is laid back and more […]
If you listen carefully you can almost hear the trumpets’ blaring as a herald announces an imperial order coming from Caesar Augustus when Quirinius was governor of Syria… All attention is momentarily diverted. There was silence, stone, cold dead silence. You could hear a pin drop. What would this announcement be? Eager ears and not […]
The first chapter of Luke’s big story – “makes it clear”…that “this story” is all about the “power of the family.” Never underestimate “the power of the family.” It is huge! It is immense. We can lay down our differences. We can actually hold back our comments. We can avoid talking politics or religion or […]
I would like you to think about the word “grace” for a moment. Grace is defined as being: “the free and unmerited favor of God,” as manifested in “the salvation of sinners” and the “bestowal of blessings.” Big words, I know… Words that do need our consideration… What it means to say is – that […]