First off, just a comment on all those strange names to pronounce… They represent one emperor, one governor, three tetrarchs and two religious high priests – they are a listing of who is important and who is prestigious in the eyes of the world. We think (we think) Luke included them just to show “how […]
Luke was one of those history “whiz kids.” Who knows his stuff and it just rolls off his tongue. He likes spouting stuff off…especially about these guys. They are the direct opposition. They are the “high muckety – mucks.” For the most part they are considered to be evil, hated and despised. They all lived […]
These words of Jesus for the first Sunday In Advent are strange and scary both at the same time. Cosmic signs in the heavens above – danger…fear…foreboding … look out…run…quickly…skedaddle! Not exactly what we would expect when we come to worship in the brand New Year…but here they are, sitting right in front of us. […]
“Apocalyptic” literature that big fifty cent word (again)… refers to the end of times… The literature, itself sounds like a lot of “bad news.” It is not. Nor was it ever meant to be. The intention behind it – is always – “good news.” “God is in charge.” “God is in control.” Relax. Easier said […]
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 […]
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 – […]
It is a good night to talk about “gratitude,” the quality of being “thankful.” Tomorrow there will be much talk around “some tables” about being “thankful.” Gratefulness, thankfulness, appreciation, recognition, acknowledgement, giving credit where credit is due… But not everyone will obviously “acknowledge” or even “talk about” thankfulness. For some, it is difficult. The word […]
This is the day that celebrates John the Baptizer in the life of the church…June 24th is forever his day. John’s favorite way of addressing his congregation was as being “a snake pit.” You do not call your congregation a “brood of vipers!” Feisty perhaps, but not a pit of snakes…It’s not nice. And you […]
The most remarkable thing about the Christmas story is that it is basically very unremarkable. What is so impressive about it is – that it is so very unimpressive. It is simplicity squared. It is the story of ordinary people caught up in an ordinary event in some very ordinary places. Everything is so earthy. […]
What “if” someone doesn’t live up to your expectations? John expected power. John expected a show of power. John expected a force of power. John expected a lot of power. A lot of people did. John was not alone. John the Baptizer spent his life proclaiming himself hoarse about looking forward to “one” that is […]