Advent 4 (year C)- Luke 1:38-45 (46-56)

The Gospel for this week has two sections. The first section from Luke 1:38-45 refers to what was traditionally called the Visitation of the Virgin Mary. It tells of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth. This biblical event has been observed on several dates on church calendars (July 2, May 31, and March 30), and it is certainly appropriate to highlight it on the Sunday before Christmas. The two holy women share their hope and faith in God's great acts to redeem His people.

The second section of this Sunday's Gospel, Luke 1:46-56 contains Mary's hymn of praise, usually known by its first word in Latin, Magnificat, "My Soul Magnifies". This biblical hymn has become a church canticle said or sung at vespers or evening prayer in the Western Church tradition. Mary praises God for His grace in choosing her to participate in His plan for redemption.

As Christmas draws closer, it is appropriate to spend some time reflecting upon the background provided in this Gospel selection from Luke 1. Elizabeth and Mary are special examples of people who receive divine grace and humbly submit to divine plans for redemption. Elizabeth is older and already tested by life experiences. Mary is younger and more innocent. Both of them are examples of humility joined with strong religious faith. They accept the call of God and submit to His plan for human salvation. May we also humbly and faithfully accept the call to be part of God's plan to save us and others!

Advent 3 (year C) - Luke 7:18-28

 A traditional theme for the third Sunday in Advent is ministry, and the Gospel from Luke 7 points to this theme- to the preparatory ministry of John the Baptist and to Christ’s earthly ministry among God’s people. The petty tyrant Herod Antipas has had John imprisoned - an imprisonment which will end in martyrdom. Luke 7:19 (KJV) reports, "And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?"

Perhaps John has become uncertain in prison. Or perhaps John sends his two followers so that they can meet Jesus. In either case, John the Baptist and his followers have heard intriguing reports about Jesus. Yet, Jesus doesn’t seem exactly to fit some of their expectations of the Messiah. He doesn’t seem very powerful in obvious ways. He is a teacher and a healer, not a powerful political or military Messiah. So, they ask, is Jesus the expected one, or should they look for some other deliverer?

 Let us notice how our Lord answers them. He does not claim great worldly power, and He does not launch into a theological discussion of the role of the Messiah. Jesus simply gives them a description of His own ministry. This description is based on Messianic prophecies from several chapters of Isaiah (chs. 26, 29, 35, 40).  According to these prophecies, God would bring strength and healing. He would even overcome death. The lowliest of God’s people would hear the good news of His grace and salvation. By alluding to these prophecies, Jesus is asking John’s disciples and others to draw their own conclusions. If they are spiritually sensitive, they will understand that He, Jesus, is God’s prophesied Messiah, the redeemer, the savior.

 In our time, Christ still asks us to look at the prophecies and at His work from the first century to our own day. He asks us to open our spiritual eyes and have faith in Him. We should that the One who is to come, the Messiah or Christ, has already come- has already been at work bringing God's redemption into human lives. Blessed are those who are not offended by Jesus, the divine Redeemer!

Advent I (year C)- Luke 21:34, 36

After contemplating a pause on blogging here, the arrival of Advent changed my mind. 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 is a time for reflection upon the theme of Christ coming into the world in various ways. Advent is also a time to emphasize spiritual and moral preparation for His arrival. It is a reminder of our constant need for renewed dedication to our faith in Christ.

A key theme of Advent is watching. Luke 21: 34 begins, "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life..." (ESV). The same important idea is repeated in different words in Luke 21:36, "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (KJV). In other words, followers of Jesus Christ always need to be watching and praying about the end of worldly things and the arrival of heavenly things. This prayerful watchfulness applies to every day of our lives, and Advent is a special time for us to keep emphasizing readiness for God's present and coming kingdom!

Last Sunday after Pentecost/ Christ the King (year B proper 29)- Mark 13:24-37

 This Sunday has had various names on different church calendars over the years. Since the 1970s, many churches have called it Christ the King Sunday. Although the name is fairly new, the theme is an ancient one. This week, we end a church year, and next Sunday, we begin a new year with Advent 1. An important theme of the Scripture readings in these weeks is that Jesus Christ will come again as the heavenly King and Judge.

The readings for this Sunday emphasize divine rule. Sunday’s OT passage from Isaiah 51 provides background for thinking of Christ’s kingship. It is a prophecy of God’s righteous judgment. God is holy, and He expects all peoples to accept His righteous judgments. Psalm 93 speaks of God’s mighty and holy rule. His reign will last forever. In the second reading, Revelation 1:5 speaks of Jesus Christ as prince or ruler over the kings of the earth. Human authorities have their place in the created order, but they are properly intended to be subordinate to Christ. Jesus Christ, God the Son, should have supreme rule in the lives of all human beings and in all creation.

In the Gospel selection from Mark 13:24-37, Jesus Christ proclaims His role as a powerful king. In ancient times, one of the roles of a king was to be the chief judge, and in today’s Gospel, there are subtle and rapid shifts in imagery. The Son of Man, Christ, is compared to a cosmic ruler,  to a trial judge, and to the owner of a large estate.

As it describes Christ's kingly rule and judgment, Mark 13 makes several points. Let us briefly note two important points. 1) Christ's rule and judgment will be perfect. It will reflect His divine nature, and so it will combine qualities that may seem contradictory in ordinary human life. That is, His judgment will perfectly reflect divine holiness, justice, and mercy. 2) Although Scripture emphasizes the future coming of Christ the King, His royal rule also applies to our present life. In some respects, we human beings always stand before our heavenly King and Judge. He wants to rule our lives every day, and in every aspect of life, we stand before our King. We can never hide from Him. He is holy and just. He judges our failings and sins. Yet, He is also merciful. He wants to save us, and He sends us His redeeming and strengthening grace through His Word and Holy Spirit. So let us accept Him in faith and let Him rule in our lives each day!

Pentecost 25 (year B proper 27)- Mark 12: 38-44

Now that Reformation Day and All Saints are past, we move quickly to the end of the church year, and the end of the year reminds us to be prepared for the coming kingdom. The themes of the Scripture lessons, especially the Gospels reflect this. Jesus teaches in Jerusalem and warns His hearers to be right with God in several ways. We see this in our short selection from Mark 12:38-44. In Mark 12:38-40, our Lord points to a negative example, the honored and prosperous scribes or religious scholars of Jerusalem. Most of them hypocritically pretend to be pious, but underneath the surface, they are morally corrupt. And because of their false piety, they will face severe judgment.

In Mark 12: 41-44, Christ points to a positive example, a poor pious widow. Both socially and economically, she is near the bottom of Jerusalem society. Yet, her piety is strong and sincere. She gives from her little to worship God in a truly sacrificial way. Her small contribution is greater than the larger gifts of the respected, powerful, and wealthy.

The prosperous but hypocritical scribes are not prepared for God's kingdom, but the poor simple widow is morally and spiritually prepared. Regardless of our social or economic status, may the grace of God touch our hearts and lead us to sincere faith. Only such faith and devotion prepare us for the kingdom of God.

Pentecost 21 (year B proper 23)- Mark 10:17-22

 The Gospel from Mark 10:17-22 is about a rich man seeking guidance from Jesus. This Gospel emphasizes the great commandments of the Law and the importance of loving and faithful actions toward God and neighbor. For many believers, the difficulty has been to be both believing and obedient. How do we start?

In reality, loving God and our neighbors is not easy. The big complication is the fact that human nature is fallen and corrupt. On our own, we are sinners who have lost the capacity to love and obey as we should. We are selfish and tied to the things of this world. We seek to avoid taking up the cross and following Jesus.

However, God in Christ calls us to repentance and faith. Because of the fallen human condition, loving obedience is not our first step. Our response to divine love must begin with repenting our lack of love and obedience. Then we must proceed to faith in God's love revealed in Jesus Christ. Without such faith, we are not really open to love. Then with faith in God's loving grace, we can take up our crosses. Through this dynamic, God can begin to transform us by creating living faith in Him. Christian Faith then opens our hearts to love and obey God in return. And as we begin to love God, we also begin to love our neighbors created by God.

Pentecost 20 (year B, proper 22)- Mark 10:2-16

The Gospel from Mark 10: 2-16 presents some of Christ's teachings about marriage and about children. In Mark 10:2-12, Jesus discusses divorce and emphasizes that it is contrary to God's intention for marriage. Although there are real and practical human problems that can lead to divorce, sin is involved. Even if one party is more guilty, neither side is usually totally innocent. While people can discuss the numberless details, the central point is that believers need to take the divine intention of marriage seriously from the beginning. In some cases, the initial sin may be marrying unwisely. People often marry without proper understandings, expectations, attitudes, or commitments. In other cases, people forget their original intentions, stray from divine grace, or 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 Mark 10: 13-16, Jesus emphasizes the special value of little children. Although affected by human sin from birth, little children are relatively innocent and trusting. At a tender age, they are good soil for planting God's Word. They can believe implicitly and belong to God, and so adults need to nourish rather than hinder children in their spiritual and moral growth. Although all of us 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 proper 20)- Mark 9:30-37

 On this Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, the Gospel is from Mark 9:30-37. Jesus speaks to His followers about His upcoming suffering and death. He reminds them that His ministry is not obviously great in worldly terms. Rather, Jesus is humble and His goals are spiritual. He is like a lamb led to the slaughter (Jeremiah 11:19), and He will soon give Himself to redeem His people. He will die and rise again to offer salvation. His self-sacrifice is the core of His ministry and mission, but the disciples are slow to understand it or accept it.

The disciples need to accept the truth of Christ's cross and learn to follow Him. Unfortunately, they are concerned about their own greatness, but Jesus keeps trying to point them toward humility, faith, and service. To illustrate this point, He uses the example of a child who follows Him. Childlike humble faith and service are more important in the kingdom of God than superficial worldly accomplishments and honors.

As Christians, we are reminded repeatedly to hear this central message of the Gospel. Our Lord wants to save us from our own sins, weaknesses, and misunderstandings.  He calls us to see that worldly honors are empty. True greatness is being a child of the divine kingdom. Our continual calling is to follow Jesus Christ in humble faith and service, and He provides the grace we need to persevere in this calling.

Pentecost 15 (year B proper 17)- Mark 7:14-23

The Gospel for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost is from Mark 7:14-23 and continues last Sunday's selection about the ritual washing of hands before meals. In that discussion with the Pharisees, Jesus showed respect for the principles of divine Law but pointed out that the legalistic observance of human rules is not appropriate. 

In today's passage, our Lord goes further and makes a general pronouncement about the human condition. The basic problem that human beings have with God's Law is not external but internal. As Jesus says in Mark 7:15, "There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man" (KJV). This saying refers to the fallen condition of humanity. There are outward circumstances that provide varied challenges, but the deepest problem is the corruption of our hearts, minds, and souls. Our disobedience of the commandments comes from within each of us. This is a very serious predicament, and man-made rules do not solve the human problem.

So what are we to do? The life and ministry of Jesus kept presenting the same basic solution that we see in Mark 1:15: "Repent ye, and believe the gospel." Aware of our inner corruption, we are called to a life of repentance and faith in the redeeming message of Jesus Christ. We need to be open to God's inner renewal prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33, "I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts." As the Apostle Paul exhorts in Romans 12:2, "...be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind." For as long as we live in this world, our inner corruption remains a problem, but by grace, through faith in Christ, we can be renewed and grow in true obedience.

Anniversary of the Augsburg Confession

On 25 June 1530, German Lutheran princes, civic leaders, and theologians presented their confession of the Evangelical faith to Emperor Charles V and the Diet convened at Augsburg. This year marks the 494th anniversary of that momentous event. The Augsburg Confession is a clear and relatively concise statement of the main theological principles of the Reformation. While certainly reflecting a certain moment in Christian history, its basic Reformation views on Scripture and tradition remain relevant for contemporary Christians. Let us offer thanks to God for the principles of this basic scriptural Confession of Faith.

Easter 5 (year B)- John 15:1-8 - The Vine and the Branches

This Sunday's Gospel from John 15: 1-8 is one of numerous passages in John where Jesus speaks of His identity. These passages all contain the words "I am," words which recall God's revelation to Moses in Exodus 3. In John 15:1, our Lord says, "I am the true vine." In Scripture, the vine or the vineyard are common symbols for Israel or God's people. So Jesus is the fulfillment or true embodiment of Israel. He is the only one who truly and fully carries out God's intentions for humanity.

This identification of Christ is basic, but  the passage goes further. In addition to telling us about Jesus, it also tells us about His disciples or followers. In John 15: 5, He adds, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." The followers of Jesus must abide or remain connected with Him as living branches connected with the vine. This connection is the only way that we remain spiritually alive and produce truly good fruit. Without this faithful and living connection to His saving grace, we can do nothing. Disconnected from Christ, our souls wither and die. Attached to Him in faith, His risen life flows through us and produces good spiritual and moral fruit.

Good Friday (year B)- John 19:16-19

 "Then delivered he [Pilate] him [Jesus] therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was "Jesus Of Nazareth the King of The Jews. " (John 19:16-19 KJV)

In the words of the 1917 Common Service Book Litany, we pray-

By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension, and by the Coming of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter,

Help us, good Lord.

In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment,

Help us, good Lord.

Lent 5 (year B)- Christ's Sufferings- Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:32-45

 For the Fifth Sunday in Lent, both the second reading from Hebrews 5:1-10 and the Gospel from Mark 10:(32-34) 35-45 refer to the sufferings of Christ. They foreshadow the upcoming readings for Palm Sunday and Holy Week. Hebrews 5 speaks of Christ as both high priest and divine Son. Despite His divine majesty, Jesus humbly obeyed and suffered. In this way, He acted as the eternal high priest who is the source of salvation. 

In Mark 10: 32-34, Jesus makes a third prediction to the disciples about His suffering, death, and resurrection at Jerusalem. Of course, as on many occasions in the Gospels, the disciples do not really understand or accept Jesus' teachings. Their misunderstanding is illustrated in a stark way in Mark 10: 35-45. The brothers James and John want Jesus to grant them special places of honor and power in His kingdom. Even at this late stage of Christ's ministry, they ignore the predictions of the cross and look for worldly success. The other disciples are no better. They resent James and John for trying to get a better situation, but they do not really get the point about Jesus or the implications of following Him. So our Lord emphasizes the nature of His leadership. He has come to serve and to suffer and die for human sin. Those who wish to follow Him must also be ready to serve and to suffer for the Gospel. 

Lent 3 (year B)- John 2:13-22

 The Gospel for this week (John 2:13-22) contains John’s story of Jesus cleansing the Temple. John mentions the cleansing the Temple early in Christ's ministry in order to make a point. Cleansing the Temple emphasizes Christ’s zeal for honoring the Father, and it is a foreshadowing of His rejection, death, and resurrection. This account also brings up a general New Testament theme- the relationship between Jesus and the Jerusalem Temple. The Temple is a recurring backdrop for Christ’s whole life on earth. From His infancy through Holy Week, our Lord visits the Temple numerous times. 

In John 2, Jesus shows respect for the original purpose of the Temple. The Jerusalem Temple was a holy symbol. It represented the divine presence. It was His Father’s earthly house, the primary place of prayer, meant to draw all people to God. The outer court was intended to be a place for religious study, discussion, and prayer, not just for Jews but for all nations.

Unfortunately, the practicalities of the sacrificial cult had been used as excuses for greed and worldliness. Trade and graft had overwhelmed true attitudes of worship. And Jesus was filled with holy anger at this corruption. In John 2:16b, He says, “you shall not make my Father’s house a house of trade” (RSV). Later Christ's followers would realize that such zeal for true spiritual worship of the Father was a key factor in His rejection and death.

Along with His respect for the old Temple, Christ also presents Himself as the new and true Temple. He is God the Word incarnate, and the Holy Spirit is with Him. Our Gospel today alludes to this. Jesus is becomes the new focus for the divine presence. His body is a greater temple, the chief dwelling place of God among men. Christians are freed to worship God through Christ in all places and times!

Lent 1 (year B)- Mark 1: 9-15

 What is Lent? Lent is the Anglo-Saxon name for a period of special preparation leading up to the commemoration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The length and the specific practices have varied according to place, time, and ecclesial jurisdiction. Among churches influenced by Western or Roman usage, the season lasts 46 days or 40 days not counting Sundays. Sunday or the Lord's Day has not been considered an ordinary day of Lent because even in somber seasons, Sunday is a commemoration of Christ's Resurrection

There are various references in the Bible to forty, including the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness, the forty days Elijah fasted as he journeyed to Sinai (I Kings 19:8), and especially the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness (St. Mark 1:12-15). Christians have found Lent useful because there is a human tendency to forget about the biblical disciplines of prayer and fasting if there is not a time of emphasis such as Lent. 

On the First Sunday in Lent, it is appropriate for us to recall the biblical basis for this season of fasting, repentance, prayer, and special devotion. Lent is rooted in what Jesus did at the beginning of His public ministry. As the Gospel for the day from St. Mark 1: 9-15 shows, Jesus set aside a special time for prayer and fasting to consider His Father's will. This period included temptation, but by rejecting the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, the true nature of Christ's vocation became clear. Through His obedience, He was the perfect mediator between His heavenly Father and fallen humanity. In our limited human ways, we can all use the days of Lent to accept Christ's grace and to follow Christ's example. We can be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and draw closer to our heavenly Father and His calling in our lives.

Presentation of Our Lord- February 2- Luke 2: 22-32

February 2 has several names in church history. Traditionally, in the Western Church, one unofficial name was Candlemas because liturgical candles were blessed on this day. This day has also been called the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Most importantly, this commemoration is called the Presentation of Our Lord.

On the fortieth day after Christ's birth, His mother came to the Temple to undergo the purification rites prescribed by Jewish Law (St. Luke 2:22). At the same time, the child Jesus was also presented to the priests and redeemed as His mother's firstborn son. St. Luke reminds us that the Holy Family chose to fulfill all righteousness, that is, to follow the Law perfectly. In doing so, they pointed to the general human need for purification and redemption through Christ's Incarnation.

One striking part of the account is the reaction of the old holy man Simeon.  Upon seeing the Christ Child, he utters the Song of Simeon or Nunc Dimittis  (St. Luke 2:29-32).

LORD, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, * according to thy word.

For mine eyes have seen * thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared * before the face of all people;

To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, * and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

This beautiful Gospel canticle reflects the ancient holy man's peace, joy, and sense of fulfillment upon seeing the Christ Child. It also points to the sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment that every believer can find in Christ.

Epiphany- Matthew 2: 1-12

 Tomorrow, Saturday, January 6 is one of the most ancient and meaningful Christian feasts- Epiphany. In the early Greek Church, the day was about all of Christ's manifestations, from His birth onwards. Over time, the Eastern churches focused more on Christ's Baptism, and the Western churches focused more on the coming of the Wise Men from Matthew 2. The Sundays afterward emphasized other manifestations of Christ's identity in His life and ministry.

In modern times, Epiphany is often forgotten. Among secularized Christians, many are tired of celebrating after Christmas and New Year's Day. And this year, the fact that Epiphany falls on Saturday may make the neglect even more noticeable. In some congregations, Epiphany may be reduced to background for the commemoration of our Lord's Baptism on Sunday. However, the story of the Magi and the light of Christ drawing the Gentiles is a message that we need to remember. May we be drawn to the light of the Christ Child, and may His light shine in our lives!