Advent 4 (Year C)- Luke 1:38-56

The Gospel for this week from Luke 1:38-56 tells of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. It includes Mary's hymn of praise, usually known by its first word in Latin, Magnificat. As Christmas draws closer, it is appropriate to spend time reflecting upon the background of Christ's Birth.  Elizabeth and Mary are different in their ages and situations, but both are examples of humble submission to divine plans for redemption. They are also women of strong religious faith. They accept the call of God and submit to His plans. They trust in God to work in their lives. May we do the same!

Advent 2 (year C)- Luke 3:1-20

The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent is from Luke 3:1-20, the introduction to the ministry of John the Baptist. John warned the people of first-century Palestine to get ready for the coming of the Lord. He did not stress his own importance but pointed to the Messiah. As he pointed to the future redemption, John stressed two main themes: preparation and repentance.

During Advent, we do anticipate the joyful celebration of the Messiah's birth. However, we must not rush the celebration. Before we can properly appreciate the celebration, we must prepare a way for the Lord to come into our lives. And since we are all fallen and sinful creatures, an essential part of our preparation is repentance. We must turn both from our general corruption and from our particular failings. This is true during Advent and every day of our earthly lives. Only by this awareness can we appreciate the great joy that the birth of the Savior brings. In other words, human beings need to hear the rebuke of divine Law if they are to grasp the good tidings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Advent 1 (year C)- Luke 21: 25-36

The Gospel for Advent 1, the first Sunday in a new Christian year, is from Luke 21:25-36. It contains several themes associated with the season of Advent. This season is a time for reflection upon the theme of Christ coming into the world- past, present, and future. Advent is also a time of spiritual and moral preparation. Believers are called to renewed dedication to live in ways that express their faith in Christ.

As we move through Advent, one important reminder is to look to Holy Scripture. In Luke 21:33, Jesus says, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away."  Our Lord and the Apostles repeatedly warn us that this world is temporary and will pass away. Ultimately, the only things that are dependable are God, His Word, and His heavenly Kingdom. May we be open to learning from God's Word and respond in faith throughout Advent and all the days of our lives!

Pentecost 25 (year B proper 28) - Daniel 12:1-3; Mark 13:1-13

The first reading from Daniel 12:1-3 looks to a time of trouble followed by resurrection, judgment, and everlasting life for God's people. This passage is a fitting reminder as we approach the end of one church year and anticipate reflection on Christ's first and second Advents.

Psalm 16 expresses confidence in God despite the trials of earthly life. Peter and Paul applied verse 10 of this Psalm to Christ (Acts 2:25ff and Acts 13:35).

The second reading from Hebrews 10:11-25 speaks of the confidence of Christian believers based on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ our great high priest. The passage concludes by pointing to "the Day drawing near."

The gospel passage from Mark 13:1-13 looks ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem and the close of the age. These words of Jesus can be applied in some ways to the disasters following the great Jewish revolt against Rome. They can also be applied to many transitional periods in human history, but most of all, they apply to the final end of earthly life. Our Lord warns against being mislead by false Messiahs and jumping to premature conclusions. He warns of the persecution of believers by governing authorities and of social disintegration. At the same time, Christ promises strength from the Holy Spirit and salvation for those who endure to the end. For Christians, Christ's prophecies help prepare us for all times of trial in this world, for our personal difficulties and for the final judgment. Let us remain observant, wary, and faithful!

Pentecost 19 (year B proper 22) Hebrews 2: 1-13; Mark 10: 2-16

For the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, the Epistle from Hebrews 2:1-13 (14-18) and the Gospel from Mark 10:2-16 are important and meaningful in distinctive ways. The Epistle or Second Lesson from Hebrews 2 focuses on the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. It stresses the unique role of Christ and the way that He transcends previous revelation.

The Gospel from Mark 10 assumes the authority of Christ and discusses His teachings about marriage and about children. In Mark 10:2-12, Jesus rejects divorce as contrary to God's intention for marriage. Whatever real and practical human factors lead to divorce, sin is involved, and in some degree, some sinfulness is usually involved  on both sides. The specifics are numberless, but the point is that every believer needs to take the divine intention of marriage seriously from the beginning. In many cases, the initial sin may be marrying unwisely without proper understandings, expectations, attitudes and commitments. In other cases, people forget their original intentions, stray from divine grace, and develop hardened hearts toward one another. Regardless of the circumstances, every divorce should lead to appropriate repentance and a desire for renewal through divine grace.

In the latter portion of the Gospel, Mark 10: 13-16, Jesus addresses the value of children. Although affected by human sin from birth, little children are relatively innocent and trusting. Before tarnished and corrupted by the surrounding world, they can believe implicitly and belong to God. Adults need to nourish rather than hinder children in their spiritual and moral growth. Although we must grow up and become more mature in certain ways, we also need to learn to be more humble and trusting like little children.

Pentecost 18 (year B)- Mark 9:38-41

The Gospel for the Eighteenth  Sunday after Pentecost this year is from Mark 9:38-50. This reading contains sayings on several topics, but I would highlight the first part of this passage from Mark 9:38-41. In these verses, John and other disciples are eager to safeguard the work of Jesus. The motives of John and the others are generally good. They want to see true teaching kept free from corruption. They want to avoid the disorder and confusion that can arise among religious movements. John wants to preserve unity, order, and truth among God’s people.

Yet, despite good intentions, John goes too far. He and the others jump to the conclusion that anyone who hasn’t gone through the proper outward channels is wrong. They forget to be open to the many ways in which God can work among human beings. They are too narrow, and in fact, they are probably overly concerned about their own status as “official” disciples.

Thus, our Lord warns John not to hinder the independent disciple. Such a person is “not against us.” In other words, a person who is not part of the official fellowship of the apostles may still serve Christ. A person who has not had the fullest exposure to Christ’s teaching can still share a basic loyalty to Christ and His goals.

This principle does not mean that anything or everything is acceptable. Being open does not mean tolerating every aberration, corruption or false teaching. It does not mean that everyone who claims the name Christian really is a follower of Jesus Christ.  In other passages, Jesus warns against false teachers and fake disciples. He points out that there are issues and situations which demand stark choices for Him or against Him.

Nevertheless, Christians need balance. If a person has a basic and sincere commitment to Christ, we must not be unduly negative. While we remain firmly committed to Scripture, Creeds, liturgy, and churches with apostolic faith, we recognize that God can work in many ways.

Pentecost 17 (year B proper 20)- Mark 9: 30-37

 The Gospel for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost has two sections. The first section, Mark 9:30-32, is one of several predictions of Christ's Passion and Resurrection. Jesus continues to point His disciples to the true nature of His work. He is not a conquering military or political figure. Instead, He is spiritual and humble. He is the Suffering Servant who gives Himself to redeem His people. He will die and rise again on the third day. This is the core of His ministry, but the disciples are slow to understand it or accept it.

The second section of the Gospel selection is Mark 9:33-37. It deals with the question of greatness as a disciple. Christ's disciples need to learn to follow Him. They should not be arguing about their own greatness. True greatness is a matter of humility and service. Disciples need to be concerned with simple expressions of service, such as receiving children in Christ's name. Such humble service is more important in the kingdom than what seem to be great worldly accomplishments and honors.

The meaning of the two sections of this Sunday's Gospel from Mark 9 go together. Our starting point is always who Jesus Christ is, what He has done, and what He keeps doing to save us. He has humbly suffered and died, and He has gloriously risen. Because of Him, we, His disciples, are called to lives of humble service in simple things of this life. By grace through faith, may we follow Him.

Pentecost 11 (year B proper 14)- John 6:35-51- Bread of Life

The gospel for this Sunday, John 6:35-51, continues that from last week and develops the teaching that Jesus Christ Himself is the bread of heaven or the bread of life. In particular, let us focus on verses 47-51 (KJV)-

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

These words highlight the supernatural identity of Christ, the purpose of His Incarnation, and the benefits for Christian believers. Interpreters have sometimes argued over these words. Some have held that they are a general description of Christ's work; others have seen them as a prediction and foreshadowing of communion with the risen Christ through the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Personally, I have never liked such an "either/or" alternative concerning these words. A "both/and" interpretation seems both more natural and more edifying. 

On a general level, believers are nourished by the living Christ- by His words, His teachings, His presence. He is the source of eternal life. Within this general meaning, one particular and important way that Christ comes to His people again and again is through His real presence promised in the Lord's Supper. This sacramental truth is seen in other passages. In Matthew 26:26, we read, "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body'” (ESV; see also Mark 14:22, Luke 22:19, I Corinthians 11:24). St. Paul also tells us, "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" (I Corinthians 10:16-ESV).

Our Lord never abandons His followers in this fallen world. He keeps coming to us. He forgives us, nourishes us, strengthens us, and offers us Himself to give us eternal life. He does these things through His presence in Word and Sacrament. Let us respond to His promises in faith!

Pentecost 9 (year B proper 12)- Mark 6:45-56

The Gospel for the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost this year is Mark 6:45-56. The passage has two distinct sections. There is the account of Jesus walking on water and an account of healings in Gennesaret, across the Sea of Galilee from Jewish Galilee. In differing ways, both accounts point to the divine nature and ministry of Jesus the Christ. Briefly, I would focus on the miracle of Jesus walking on the water.

The disciples are in a boat on the great lake, and in the winds, they have trouble crossing. In the wee hours of the morning, Jesus comes walking on the water. At first, they don't recognize Him and cry out in fear, Then, He enters the boat, and the winds subside. The disciples are astounded because they still do not understand who He really is. They have seen numerous miracles, including the miracle of the loaves and fish, but they still do not "get it." They have not really acknowledged even to themselves that Jesus is unique. He is more than just a great prophet, teacher, and healer. He is God present with them. He is Lord over nature and natural law. The disciples still need to grow in faith. 

Down through the ages, many Christians have been and still are like those hesitant and fearful disciples. We still need to grow in our understanding of Jesus. It is good to appreciate His prophetic words and teachings. It is right to acknowledge His healing power and His compassionate feeding of the hungry. However, such affirmations are only a beginning. True disciples must trust in His higher and deeper identity. Jesus Christ is God present with us. He is ruler over all nature, and He is Lord of our lives! And He can do things that our worldly minds consider impossible!

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (year B)- Mark 6:1-13

The Gospel for this Sunday is from Mark 6:1-13. The selection contains two sections: a) Mark 6:1-6, Jesus being rejected at Nazareth, and b) Mark 6:7-13, Jesus sending out the twelve Apostles. 

In the first section, we see Jesus teaching in His hometown synagogue. His old acquaintances are not favorably impressed. In fact, they take offense. "And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them." (Mark 6: 4-5 ESV). In this case, familiarity breeds contempt, and the unbelief of the people at Nazareth hinders any great manifestation of His ministry. After showing compassion by healing a few individuals, Jesus moves on to minister elsewhere. Even as presented by Jesus Himself, the Gospel is not always accepted.

In the second section, Jesus sends out the Twelve in pairs with instructions for their work on His behalf. Again we see that Christ's Gospel will not be universally accepted. He warns the Apostles, "And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them” (Mark 6:11 ESV). Yet, the overall result was positive. The Apostles proclaimed the message of repentance, cast out demons and healed many of the sick.

Thus, in this Sunday's Gospel from Mark 6, we see the two-sided  results of the proclamation of Christ's message. Neither in the New Testament nor in our times does the Christian proclamation meet with universal acceptance. In many places, people do not believe. Some are doubtful or skeptical;  some are plainly hostile. Nevertheless, some people have their hearts opened by grace, and when that happens, there is repentance, faith and many cases of spiritual and physical healing.

Third Sunday after Pentecost (year B proper 6)- Mark 4: 26-34

The relatively short Gospel for this Sunday (Mark 4:26-34) is packed with content. There are two brief parables by Jesus about the kingdom of God and a concluding observation by the evangelist on Jesus' use of parables. First, in Mark 4:26-29, we read one of our Lord's several comparisons of the kingdom with seeds. Here the emphasis is on the mysterious growth of divine rule. Man may scatter the seed, but God takes care of the growth. Nature and human beings have a part to play, but the overall development is up to God.

Secondly, in Mark 4:30-32, there is the parable of the mustard seed. Like the preceding parable, there is a point about the growth of God's kingdom. More specifically,  this comparison stresses the magnitude of growth. God takes the smallest seed and produces a large bush. In other words, God can use small ordinary contributions or efforts in order to bring great growth for His purposes. There is a mystery in the whole process, but it depends on God.

Thirdly, in Mark 4:33-34, Mark comments on the place of parables in Jesus' teaching ministry. For His public ministry to the Palestinian crowds, Jesus uses memorable parables to make general points about the kingdom of God. However, our Lord does not stop with these general points. He is more specific in His teachings to His closest followers. In the words of Mark 4: 34 (ESV), "He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything." Parables are valuable and meaningful general pointers, but they need to be applied, especially to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ for the kingdom and for human salvation.

Epiphany 2 (year B)- I Samuel 3: 1-10; John 1:43-51

The Old Testament reading from 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) is the story of the boy Samuel hearing God's call to service. Samuel has to learn to be open to perceiving the divine vocation and understanding God's warnings and promises.

Psalm 139:1-10 speaks of the divine knowledge of each human soul. From infancy onward, God knows each individual, and His divine presence is close at hand in all circumstances.

The second or Epistle reading is from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. Here the Apostle Paul combines the theme of Christian freedom from legalism with the desirability for prudent obedience to higher principles. He uses the examples of diet and sexual restraint to remind the Corinthians that their physical bodies also belong to God and should be used as temples to glorify Him.

The Gospel for this Sunday is from John 1:43-51. Set near the beginning of Jesus' Galilean ministry, these verses recount the call of two lesser-known apostles, Philip and Nathaniel (who is traditionally identified with Bartholomew who occurs in the other Gospels). Here as in some other accounts, Philip is portrayed as a helpful follower who brings others to Jesus. We would do well to follow his example.

Nathaniel is portrayed as a bit cynical and wonders if anything good can come from Nazareth. Yet, when Jesus shows Nathaniel some unusual insight, he quickly affirms Jesus as the Son of God and Messiah. Jesus then assures him that he will see much greater revelations. Nathaniel's example could serve as both a warning and a promise about how we approach Jesus. First, we must not discount His humility, and secondly, while open to little signs of His power, we must focus more on His divine identity and His great spiritual works for redemption.