Pentecost 24 (year A, proper 27)- Matthew 25:1-13

 Both the Old Testament reading and the Gospel for this Sunday speak of the day of the Lord. The selection from Amos 5:18-24 is a stark prophetic warning of judgment for those who are not prepared. Insincere religion does not make a person spiritually or morally ready. God looks for righteousness rooted in living faith.

The Gospel reading from Matthew 25:1-13 is the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. In story form, it also points to the coming day of the Lord. Like several Biblical accounts, this parable compares the coming of the kingdom and the Messiah to a wedding. In first-century Palestine, friends of the bride would accompany her and the groom to his house. In this parable, ten young women have been invited to serve, and they have been given time to prepare. Five are ready, but five have been lazy and are not ready. They have no light for the procession, and so they are excluded from the feast. Our Lord concludes with a warning in Matthew 25:13, "Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."

Human life on earth is like waiting for the groom's arrival. In grace, Christ has invited us to share in His eternal spiritual feast. God gives people the time and provides the necessary spiritual resources, but many do not appreciate His gracious offer. They just don't bother to prepare. Eventually, they run out of time and are left out of the kingdom.

In the Person of Jesus Christ, God has called us to the feast of the heavenly kingdom. He offers us divine grace and gives us time to respond faithfully, but we are not always appreciative. We are often foolish and lazy in our preparations. So we are warned to be more aware. God wants us to enjoy His presence, but He also expects us to appreciate His offer and respond to His grace with faithful and wise spiritual preparations.

All Saints Day (Pentecost 23 year A)- November 1- Matthew 5:1-12

 For over a thousand years, the Western Church has observed the festival of All Saints in November, and in spite of some medieval abuses concerning the saints, Lutherans have continued to view the saints and All Saints Day as worthy of commemoration.  In numerous New Testament passages, the term “saints” refers to any faithful member of Christ's Church (for example, Acts ch. 9, Romans chs. 1,8, 12, 15, 16, Hebrews chs. 6, 13, Jude v. 3; Revelation chs. 5, 8, 11,13, etc.). All Christians are saints or “holy ones” because they have been made holy by faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. They have Holy Baptism and the Holy Spirit. They belong to Christ’s holy universal Church. 

The saints are the kind of believers that our Lord calls "blessed" in the traditional reading from Matthew 5. They are not all saintly or holy in the sense of being perfect examples, but they are holy in the sense that they belong to God and have been set apart for His purposes. They are ordinary people who believe in Jesus as Savior and who remain loyal to Christ and His Gospel through the varied circumstances of this earthly life. These blessed people hunger and thirst for righteousness and continue faithful, even through persecution and death.

There have been many blessed saints, famous and unknown, in the past, and there are still saints in the present. We give thanks for the examples and influence of past and present saints. Even more importantly, we hope and pray that we are also saints. May God's grace strengthen us in our Christian faith and keep us saints in thought, word, and deed- graciously forgiven and made holy through living faith in the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reformation Sunday (Pentecost 22)- Romans 3:19–28; Matthew 11:12–19

Many Protestants commemorate the beginnings of the 16th-century Reformation on the last Sunday in October. The Epistle from Romans 3:19–28 is an obvious choice. While this passage shows respect for the purposes of divine Law, it emphasizes that no one can be set right with God or justified by works of the Law. All humans are sinners and can be justified only by divine grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. This teaching lies at the heart of the Reformation. It teaches the distinction between Law and Gospel and human dependence on divine grace.

One Gospel reading suggested for this Sunday is Matthew 11:12–19. At first glance, this passage may not seem like an obvious choice. It notes the different approaches of John the Baptist and Jesus of Nazareth. John had a very simple way of life. He proclaimed judgment, repentance, and preparation for the Kingdom on the edge of society. In contrast, Jesus is more involved with people. He is present at various occasions, eating and drinking with all kinds. Those who wished to find fault criticized both teachers and their approaches.

However, both criticisms missed the mark. For the messages of John and Jesus were basically the same. Despite differing approaches, both proclaimed repentance and faith, judgment and promise, Law and Gospel. Both taught divine wisdom, and as Jesus concludes in Matthew 11:19 (KJV), "...wisdom is justified of her children." In other word, for those with open ears and hearts, the message of Scripture is the same regardless of the external accompaniments: Repent and believe the good news!

Pentecost 21 (year A proper 24)- Matthew 22:15-22

The Gospel from St. Matthew 22:15-22 is a famous passage concerning paying taxes. Here two groups of Jesus' opponents join together and try to trap Jesus. They ask whether it is lawful (according to the Jewish Torah) to pay the tribute demanded by the Romans. Jesus knows their true designs. He knows that these hypocrites simply want to cause problems. Almost any answer He gives will upset someone. Outwitting His opponents, He requests to see a coin and asks about the image- Caesar's. Since it has Caesar's image, it must be his, and any person willing to use the coin must acknowledge Caesar's claims to tax. 

Christ avoids their trap, and His answer suits the immediate context. Yet, Christ's answer is more than just clever debate. He enunciates an important general principle: Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's (St. Matthew 22:21b). Government, even that of an oppressive conqueror, serves certain purposes such as preventing anarchy and insuring a rough justice and stable economic exchange. Believers like other people benefit from whatever degree of stability a government provides, and so believers are not anarchists. As seen throughout Scripture, especially as developed in the New Testament epistles, Christians pray for rulers and acknowledge that worldly power has certain legitimate purposes. 

However, the claims of Caesar are limited. Money may bear Caesar's image, but every human being bears the divine image. Therefore, the highest human loyalty is to God, not to any political and economic leader or system. It turns out that true faith is both collaborative and subversive at the same time. To the extent that a government restrains human evil and promotes the common good under God's Law, it deserves Christian support.

Nevertheless. Christians must always put God's requirements first. When any government (even a democratically elected one) claims too much for itself, it must either be ignored or opposed in some way. Caesar, for example, can claim taxes, but he has no right to claim to be worshipped as a god. In modern democracies, a government can justly ask many things of us, but it has no rights when it asks Christians to agree with practices that are against Scripture (for example, idolatry, abortion, euthanasia, or sexual immorality).

Pentecost 20 (year A proper 23)- Matthew 22:1-14

  The Gospel from Matthew 22:1-14, like several parables, compares the kingdom of heaven to a feast. In this example, a king prepares a wedding feast for his son and invites guests, but those invited despise the invitation. Some simply ignore it, while others attack and even kill the messengers sent to them. The king responds to such ingratitude and evil with strong justice. He destroys the evildoers and seeks new guests for his feast. According to the customs of those days, the royal host even has appropriate garments provided for them. Yet, one guest refuses to be grateful and to cooperate. He does not bother to put on the garment, and so he is cast out.

This parable stresses two points about the heavenly kingdom.  First,  the kingdom has its origin in the graciousness of the divine King. God always has the initiative. He invites people to share in fellowship with Him. He provides all that is needed. Secondly, however, the invited guests are expected to respond in gratitude. People must accept the divine invitation and prepare in appropriate ways. The divine host provides all that is needed to join the celebration, but He will judge those who despise or reject His grace.

As Christians, we must notice both points about the heavenly kingdom. We are dependent upon the graciousness of God. He invites us; He calls us. And He provides all that we need to enjoy His company. Nevertheless, He also expects us to respond appropriately. If we reject His call and ignore His gifts, we bring judgment and exclusion from His presence. So let us be open to God's call and accept  the invitation with gratitude!

Pentecost 19 (year A, proper 22)- Matthew 21:33--46)

 The Gospel for this Sunday. Matthew 21:33-46 is known variously as the parable of the wicked husbandmen, or tenants, or vine dressers. In Jesus' story, a landowner plants a vineyard, rents it out, and goes to a distant place. At harvest time, the owner sends representatives to collect his portion of the produce, but the tenants resist, mistreat, and even kill the owner's employees. Finally, the owner gives the tenants a last chance and sends his son. However, the wicked tenants even kill the owner's son. The natural result of such actions will be the just destruction of such evil people.

Of course, the parable about the vineyard and the tenants concerns religion. It is about God's people and the kingdom of God. In the first century, it applies to religious leaders at Jerusalem. They have repeatedly rejected and mistreated messengers sent by the Lord God. Rather than submit to divine authority, these tenants eventually kill God's Son, Jesus Christ. And in doing so, they assure their own destruction.

Unfortunately, this pattern has been repeated and is still being repeated among professing Christians. Many who belong to the Church often start viewing it as their property rather than God's vineyard. They want to use it for their personal benefit, and they reject and abuse those who call on them to be responsible and loyal to God. Again and again, religious people have been disloyal to God and rejected His Son. Often they face worldly consequences in the decline of their organizations, but even more seriously, apart from repentance and acceptance of divine rule, they will face spiritual consequences as well. 

As Christians, we should recognize that we are all God's tenants in this world. We owe God all that we are and all that we have. We should gratefully offer Him loyalty and service in all areas of life. We should respect the messengers He sends to us, most especially His Son Jesus Christ.

Pentecost 18 (year A proper 21)- Matthew 21:23-27, 28-32

This week my focus is on a section of the Gospel, Matthew 21:28-32. This passage is unique to Matthew and often overlooked. In a way, this parable is generally similar to the longer parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke. It is the parable of the Two Sons. In the parable, one son promises to do his father's bidding, and the other refuses. Ironically, the son who promises to obey does not follow through, and the son who refuses later repents and obeys. Jesus asks which of the two sons did his father's will. Then our Lord warns His hearers about their own responses to the biblical message.

This parable conveys two points. First, there is a general point about sincerity. We should fulfill our duties and do what we say. Secondly, there is a more specific point about responses to the proclamation of the kingdom of heaven. God calls people to serve Him, and He wants them to say yes. However, human beings must be careful about their promises. Those who promise a lot and do nothing are less faithful than those who promise nothing, repent, and obey. Through divine grace, may we all be obedient to our heavenly Father, and when we fail, may we repent!

Pentecost 17 (year A proper 20)- Matthew 20:1-16

 This Sunday's Gospel selection from Matthew 20:1-16 is Christ's Parable of the Laborers. This story questions ordinary human standards about work, merit, and reward. We human beings like to focus on what we do, our effort, our struggles, and what we think we earn. These concerns have a place in ordinary earthly matters, but they should not be exaggerated.

However, in spiritual matters, the situation is different. The parable in Matthew 20 uses labor and compensation as a comparison for the kingdom of heaven, and it reflects the divine perspective. God is the rightful owner of all, and any work done for Him is a privilege, not a right. In His gracious and generous nature, He can reward all as He chooses. All faithful human responses are important in His sight, whether a lifelong effort or a sincere response at the close of the day. If God calls us to His service, we are not in any position to question His arrangements with others. Rather, we should accept His grace in faith with humble gratitude.

Pentecost 16 (year A proper )- Matthew 18:21-35

 The Gospel for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 18:21-35. It contains two sections on forgiveness. In the first brief section (18:21-22), Peter asks how many times he is expected to forgive a fellow believer. According to one Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was sufficient. So when Peter suggests that forgiving seven times might be enough, he is being generous. Jesus, however, tells Peter that it should be "seventy times seven." Of course, keeping a mental count of 490 incidents would be impractical and unlikely. So, by this figure of speech, our Lord tells Peter and us not to keep count of how often we forgive. Our graciousness and mercy should be as abundant as God's.

The second section of today's Gospel (Matthew 18:23-35) has been called the Parable of the Unjust or Unmerciful Servant. This parable illustrates Jesus' preceding message to Peter, and it warns us against being unmerciful. In the parable, a servant owes his king an enormous debt, a billionaire's debt. He and his family are about to be sold into slavery. The man begs for an extended payment plan, and the king graciously writes off the whole debt. 

As a recipient of such mercy, the servant should be humble, grateful, and kind; instead, he goes out and ruthlessly tries to get every penny from a fellow servant who owes him a minuscule debt. When the king hears of this lack of mercy, he revokes his previous decision and punishes the unjust servant to the full extent of the law. Then our Lord adds the key conclusion in Matthew 18:35 (KJV), "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every man his brother their trespasses."

In a similar way, all the debts that we human beings owe each other are minuscule compared to what we owe our heavenly King. We can never repay God for what He has given us and forgiven us. He has given us life, and through Christ, He has forgiven our sins. Our trespasses are enormous offences against divine goodness and holiness. We can not make amends, and we are completely dependent upon divine mercy. Although we should not encourage manipulative people, we are also called to show mercy by forgiving others. As we pray repeatedly, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Pentecost 15 (year A proper 18)- Matthew 18:1–20

 The Gospel for this Sunday, Matthew 18:1–20, contains a collection of Jesus' sayings on several subjects. In particular, let us focus on the words about little children. Who are these children, and what are their characteristics? They are "little children", and they are in the crowd listening to Jesus. They do not have great knowledge, but they are humble and do have a simple faith or trust in the Lord. They may have bad moods or do the wrong things, but they are still humble, open, and loving. They know that they are dependent on God and other people. They have appropriate attitudes. Christ holds such little ones up as examples of those who inherit the kingdom. May we all seek such an humble and trusting attitude before God!

Pentecost 14 (year A, proper 17)- Matthew 16:21-28

 The Gospel for this Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 16:21-28. This selection comes immediately after Peter's great confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Here, our Lord points out that He must go to Jerusalem to face rejection, suffering, and death.  In other words, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of  His Cross. In his enthusiasm, Peter protests against these ideas, but our Lord rebukes him as the voice of Satan. The entire earthly ministry of Jesus finds its completion and significance in His suffering, death, and resurrection. No true believer can deny the theology of the Cross. Like Peter, we need to acknowledge the necessity of the Cross and keep it central in our faith.

Pentecost 13 (year A proper 16)- Matthew 16:13-20

The Gospel for this Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost tells of Peter's confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). This passage includes several themes: Christ's identity, Peter's role, Christian faith, and the Church. The central themes are who Jesus is and faith in Him. Although Jesus has many titles and fulfilled many roles, His basic identity can be summed up in the words of Matthew16:16. He is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." This is a foundational affirmation of faith, a necessary belief for all Christians. In Scripture, faith that Jesus is both the Messiah/Christ and the Son of God is basic.

Another theme in the passage is the enduring character of the Church. The Church built on faith in Jesus Christ experiences many problems in this world. Problems within the Church and attacks on the Christian community from outside have been common and continue. Yet the true Church founded on the Gospel survives and will survive. As Jesus promises in Matthew 16:18, "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Corruption, opposition, and persecution are perennial issues, but a faithful Christian remnant persists and will continue. Jesus Christ has overcome evil in many ways, especially through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. He promises that those who have faith in Him will share in His victory. So let us remain steadfast in confessing the biblical Christian faith!

Pentecost 12 (year A proper 15)- Matthew 15:21-28

The Gospel for the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost this year is from Matthew 15:21-28. It tells us about the Canaanite woman who had a sick child. For the ancient Hebrews, the Canaanites were the most despised pagans, and it is not easy for this woman to approach Christ and His disciples. The disciples are not very hospitable, and our Lord begins sternly to make a point about divine mercy and humble faith to the disciples and to the woman. This woman is humble enough and wise enough to know that she must depend upon grace. She has faith that Jesus can heal her daughter despite her lowly status. She will be grateful for the smallest crumb of divine mercy, and her humble faith opens the path for Christ's healing power.

Like this woman, all of us need faithful humility. We should always look to divine grace rather than to our own human strengths or qualifications. We must focus on what God's grace and power do for our healing and salvation, and we need to be persistent. As Christians, we have been baptized and professed our faith, but we are easily distracted and fail repeatedly. So we humble ourselves to seek to be healed and saved from sin, weakness, and pride each day. And the path to healing of body, mind, and soul is found in humble and persistent faith in Jesus Christ.

Pentecost 11 (year A proper 14)- Matthew 14:22–33

The Gospel for this Sunday from Matthew 14:22-33 is the well-known account of Jesus walking on water. Most people who have heard of Jesus are aware that He performed many miracles, but in the popular mind, walking on water has often been viewed as one of the most impressive. Certainly, in our account from Matthew, Peter and the other disciples react with great amazement and awe.

Nevertheless, Christ's walking on water is not so unusual. It presents a truth that is found throughout His life, teachings, and actions. This miracle reflects Jesus' whole character and ministry. This impressive manifestation of divine power proclaims the truth about His identity, a truth proclaimed in varying ways throughout the New Testament. The miracle shows that Jesus is God incarnate. Even in human form, Jesus has divine power over all natural and spiritual forces. When He walks on water, He shows the same divine power that makes Him our Savior. With this power, He can and does conquer sin, death, and the devil, And thus, He alone can offer fallen human beings new life in this world and in the world to come. As Christians, we do not stop with our amazement at His particular deeds; we also have faith in His saving work! He is more than a miracle worker; He is our divine Savior!

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (year A proper 13)- Matthew 14:13-21

 This year, the Gospel for the Tenth after Pentecost is the story of Feeding the Crowds in Matthew 14:13-21. This is a familiar account of Jesus feeding the 5000. The Gospels tell about Jesus feeding the hungry multitudes on more than one occasion. These miracles have several levels of meaning and application. Like all miracles, multiplying the bread and the fish is an assertion of Christ's divine Lordship over nature. It is also a manifestation of His compassion for human beings in need, especially those whose needs arise because they have come to hear Him. He cares for the immediate physical needs of the people around Him, and He is teaching His disciples to respond to such circumstances in mercy and in faith.

In addition, this feeding of the hungry also points toward higher needs. In addition to physical hunger, human beings also have a spiritual hunger. They may not always acknowledge this hunger, but their spiritual longing is the reason they are drawn to Jesus. And just as Christ can satisfy their momentary physical hunger, He can also satisfy their eternal spiritual hunger through His living Presence in Word and Sacrament. Divine Providence supplies our physical needs, but even more importantly, God in Christ provides sustenance for our souls.

Pentecost 9 (year A proper 12)- Matthew 13:44-52

The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 13:44-52, which contains three short parables or comparisons about the value of the kingdom of heaven. Living under divine rule is compared to a treasure in a field, to a pearl of great price, and to a net catching all kinds of fish. In the first two comparisons, Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is so valuable that a person should give all he/she has in order to obtain it. In the third parable, our Lord warns us that the great catch will include both good and bad fish. The good and bad will be sorted, and the bad will be discarded. This sorting is a reminder of the final judgment. Christ concludes by implying that His disciples will become teachers who will share the treasures from the old and new covenants.

As followers of Christ, we should recognize the supreme value of the divine kingdom, that is, the importance of seeking to live under God's rule and in His presence. We should also realize that there will be a time of judgment when some people will be excluded. In repentance and faith, we should be witnesses who share the warnings and promises revealed in Scripture.

Pentecost 8 (year A proper 11)- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. These verses contain Jesus' Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (or Weeds) and His explanation of it to His close disciples. Many of us like to be positive and emphasize the growth of goodness, but this story reminds us that the development of goodness in this world is complicated. Even in relatively good times, there are problems. In a fallen world, evil is always present alongside goodness.

The wheat is the divine Word, especially the Gospel, sown in God's field, but all is not as it should be, even in Christ's church. God's spiritual enemy has scattered bad seed in the field. By this parable, our Lord reminds us that life in the world, including life in the earthly church, is a mixture. Of course, there is a need for individual and community discipline. There are situations when certain notorious sinners or heretics can be excluded from particular churches. Yet, a perfect community of faith is not attainable in this world. Until the final harvest, there will be weeds growing beside the good grain in God's field. There are bad things growing within individuals and among Christian communities, even at our best. We should recognize the reality of such worldly corruption, but at the same time, we should continue seeking divine grace so that we may grow in goodness and encourage its growth around us.

Pentecost 6 (year A proper 9)- Matthew 11:25-30

 The Gospel for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 11:25-30 and follows a section of woes or warnings to those who have heard Jesus' message and seen His works but lack faith. Sunday's selection turns to the situation of those who have faith. Our Lord praises His heavenly Father that the Gospel message, which those who consider themselves important and wise have rejected, has been accepted by the simple and humble. Being simple and humble can often be found among people of lower social standing, such as manual workers, peasants, the sick or disabled, social outcasts, and notorious sinners. Yet, the New Testament often reminds us that being simple and humble is more about attitude than status. Even some prosperous and influential people (members of the Sanhedrin, Roman officials, and associates of the Herodian family) come to humble faith.

After giving thanks for humble believers, Jesus issues an invitation for others. In Matthew 11:28-29, we have the famous words: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Earthly life, even at its best, has difficulties. There are toils and burdens, challenges and weariness for all. All humans need rest, refreshment, and new strength. The irony is that we do not earn what we most need through human effort. We receive what we really need through divine grace, and we accept renewal through humble submission to Jesus Christ. The challenges of human life do not disappear, but Christ offers spiritual rest and strength that enable us to follow in His way and truly live with Him.

St. Peter and St. Paul- 29 June- Matthew 16:13-19

 On many calendars, June 29 is listed as the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul. In their theologies, Lutherans and other heirs of the Reformation have often emphasized Paul and overlooked Peter. In the context of historical theology, this tendency is understandable. However, in this post, the emphasis is on St. Peter.

The Apostle Peter is a significant figure in Christian history and a fascinating personality. Much has been said and written about him over the centuries, often in the course of theological and jurisdictional disputes between the church of Rome and other parts of the Church. Although this post will not discuss all the issues, a key passage is the Gospel from St. Matthew 16: 13-19. Here, Simon Peter confesses his faith that Jesus is the Christ and Son of God. Because of this faith, our Lord calls Peter the rock of the Church, the new community of faith. Yet, despite his important confession, Peter is not infallible, even in matters of faith. Within a few verses of his confession of faith, Matthew notes that Peter resists Christ's teachings about the way of the cross and serves the cause of Satan.

So we respect St. Peter. We honor his faith, his leadership, his service, his courage (most of the time), and his eventual martyrdom. However, we do not think Peter, Paul, or any other mere human being can be personally infallible, even for a brief time. May we  receive the grace to avoid Peter's errors and may we receive and accept the grace to follow Peter's faith and its fruits!

Pentecost 4 (year A proper 7) Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

 In the Gospel from Matthew 10, Jesus warns His disciples about some of the difficulties involved in following Him. Followers of Christ should not expect life in this world to be easy. There will always be opposition to the Gospel, and sometimes there will be open persecution of the faithful. If even Jesus Christ faced opposition, His faithful disciples should expect no less. Many human beings do not want to hear the call to repentance and new life through faith in Christ. We should not be shocked by such resistance.

Yet, despite the problems, Christian disciples should not lose hope. They should trust that God cares for them and that His mission in the world continues. The Gospel continues to call sinners to repentance and faith, and the same God who cares for the least sparrow cares much more for each of His faithful followers. He provides the grace needed for us to endure as faithful witnesses to divine truth and for many others to accept His call.

Second Sunday after Pentecost (year A proper 5)- Matthew 9:9-13

The Gospel for this Second Sunday after Pentecost is Matthew 9:9-13. This reading contains Matthew's (aka Levi) brief reference to his own call by Jesus. It also points to the gap between Pharisaic attitudes and divine grace. Matthew humbly notes his disreputable background or lifestyle and Christ's gracious call to follow Him. Connected to the call of this tax collector, our passage speaks of the reaction of the Pharisees. They challenge Jesus' association with people who have not been very pious. Our Lord responds by pointing to His mission to call people to repentance and spiritual healing. Divine grace calls and transforms fallen human beings. Grace leads to repentance and, beyond that, to living faith and discipleship. This dynamic is seen in the call of Matthew and the call of every Christian through history. We all have such a call to follow Jesus.

Trinity Sunday (year A) - Matthew 28

The Gospel for Trinity Sunday this year is Matthew 28: 16-20. This familiar passage contains the risen Christ's basic commission to His apostles, and through them to all Christians. They are to make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Holy Trinity, and teach them to observe Christ's teaching. All this sounds simple, but  as church history illustrates, it can be quite complicated in practice

At the heart of Christian discipleship is Baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Trinitarian Baptism marks us as belonging to God, as members of Christ's Church. Besides being an external sign of belonging to the church, Baptism is a true means of grace that begins and continues to nourish a Christian life. Whatever our challenges or accomplishments in this life, the most important thing about us is that almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, has claimed us as His own. He has offered us redeeming grace, and He continues to offer us renewing and sanctifying grace amidst the ups and downs of earthly life. 

Although theological speculations and definitions of the Trinity are necessary and meaningful, the essential importance of the doctrine of the Trinity for believers is practical, devotional, and spiritual. The doctrine concerns redemption or salvation. It summarizes the way God works throughout the Bible. It is about one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, working on our souls to save us from sin and death and offer us eternal life in His presence.

Pentecost (year A)- Acts 2

What is the observance of Christian Pentecost about? A quick answer is that Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit among the first disciples. While that answer is true, it does not include the main result of the descent of the Spirit. In Acts 2:11, we read the reaction of the crowd, "we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." The core message that the Apostles proclaim is not about the Holy Spirit; the heart of their proclamation is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A few verses later, Peter makes this clear. In Acts 2:22-24, he preaches about Jesus of Nazareth, a man who performed miracles, wonders, and signs before being crucified and raised from the dead. 

So, although the Holy Spirit is very important, the uniqueness of the Christian message does not center on the Spirit. Christian preaching is motivated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, but the heart of the Gospel is Christ-centered. The benefits of the Spirit are enormous for faithful individuals and the church, but the whole point of Pentecost is not about the mechanics of inspiration. The work of the Holy Spirit must not be separated from the work of Jesus Christ. The point is that the Holy Spirit testifies about and for the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. The Spirit of Truth enables Christ's followers to be faithful witnesses to and proclaimers of the Gospel of salvation. The presence of the Holy Spirit brings faith in and witness to the saving work of Jesus Christ, the divine Word, God the Son

Ascension Day- Acts 1; Luke 24

 Today is the fortieth day after Easter, the day of commemoration of Christ's Ascension. The Ascension is a teaching from Scripture (Luke 24; Acts 1; Matthew 28; Mark 16; John 20; Ephesians 1 & 4), and it is included as a basic belief in the ancient creeds. Unfortunately, in our time, this core New Testament event and doctrine is often overlooked. Even if there is no service available to us, we should remember and give thanks for Christ's Ascension.

The Ascension of Christ has deep significance for believers, and it is related to other Christian beliefs. In particular, Christ's Ascension means that His followers have a heavenly mediator and intercessor at the right hand of the Father. From heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ watches over us in all places and at all times. He intercedes for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and for our eternal salvation. Thanks be to our gracious Lord!

Easter 6 (year A)- John 14:15-21

 On this Sixth Sunday of Easter, the Sunday before Ascension Day, the Gospel from John 14:15-21 brings up a number of important theological topics. It looks forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit among the disciples in a great new way after Jesus' departure. This new outpouring of the Spirit will continue Christ's work among His followers. It will empower them to continue living as His disciples.

This passage from John 14 also points to the enduring dynamic of salvation. Human beings do not begin the process by their own efforts; God's love and grace are the beginning. God reaches out in love and grace while we are still sinners estranged from Him. The loving and merciful God calls us to have faith, and He offers us the grace that we need to respond to Him. By grace and the working of the Word and the Holy Spirit, He creates faith in our hearts and minds. And when we stop resisting His justifying grace, He offers us further grace, sanctifying grace. Through His gracious assistance, He allows us to bear fruit the fruits befitting love and obedience.

Easter 5 (year A)- John 14:1-14

The Gospel selection for this Sunday is from the part of John's Gospel often called the "Farewell Discourses" (John, chapters 14-17). In these chapters, Christ summarizes key teachings and prepares His followers for coming events: His death, resurrection, ascension, and a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Today's selection from John 14: 1-14 may be familiar to many people, especially from readings at Christian funerals. These hope-filled words of our Lord apply to the whole Christian understanding of life and death, and it is very fitting to see our selection in the Easter context of Christ's resurrection.

In John 14, Jesus uses the ordinary imagery of a hospitable home to describe the kingdom of heaven. There will be an appropriate place prepared for all the faithful. The disciples are troubled and anxious about many matters. They realize that their relationship with Jesus is changing. Their little group physically gathered around Jesus will no longer be the same. The dramatic events of Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension will separate them from His worldly presence.

In these uncertain circumstances, Christ offers His followers strengthening words. He points to God the Father's care for them and to His continuing unity with the heavenly Father. Regardless of changing earthly circumstances, disciples must trust in the Father and in Christ. He is the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6). 

Through faith in Jesus, we receive grace and strength to look beyond all the uncertainties, trials, and dangers of earthly life. We look toward true life in our heavenly Father's house. In light of Christ's resurrection, our faith and hope should grow ever stronger. And motivated by faith, we should do the kinds of good things He did as well as live lives of constant prayer.

Easter 4 (year A)- John 10:1-10

 An ancient Christian theme, especially during the Easter season, is Christ the Good Shepherd. The Gospel from John 10:1-10 is a key passage for this theme. Our Lord uses common biblical images of shepherd and sheep to talk about spiritual realities, and His words offer His disciples both warning and comfort. . The warning is about thieves or rustlers who will attack the flock. These evil people use disguise and surprise to mislead and destroy Christ's sheep. Such thieves and robbers are sharply different from the true shepherd of the sheep. The good shepherd knows his sheep. He cares for them, guides them, and protects them; the sheep also know him and follow him willingly. 

Despite the simple and clear figurative language in this parable, the disciples are slow to understand. So, beginning in John 10:7, Christ tries to get the point across again with more direct interpretation. In His role as a spiritual leader, Jesus is the shepherd and door for God's flock. Other spiritual leaders (such as corrupt Jerusalem priests, Pharisees, and false Messiahs) are thieves and robbers. They are out for themselves. They do not care for the sheep and do not deserve the flock's trust. However, Jesus is drastically different. Because He cares for them and protects their souls, God's sheep, His people, follow Christ. They trust that He leads them into true and abundant spiritual life.

The theme of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd reminds believers about the spiritual dangers of earthly life, but it also points us to the comfort and encouragement of Christ. Our Lord's death and resurrection are the highest expressions of His shepherding. He has died to save us from evil and destruction, and He has risen that we "may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). During the Easter season and throughout our earthly lives, Christians should focus on this message. Jesus Christ is the shepherd who never stops caring for His sheep. We rejoice and continue to give thanks because Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, is "the Shepherd and Guardian of [our] souls" (1 Peter 2:25).

Easter 3 (year A)- Luke 24:13-35

The Gospel for this Sunday is from Luke 24:13-35, the lovely account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus encountering the risen Christ. This account presents several interesting topics, such as the identity of these disciples, the slowness of the disciples to believe, and the change in Jesus' appearance after His resurrection. All these topics are fascinating.

However, this time, let us focus on two other topics of great theological meaning for us. First, this encounter stresses the Christ-centered message of all Scripture. Directly and indirectly, God's self-revelation and redeeming work are about Jesus. God's work through His only Son, Jesus Christ is at the heart of the biblical message.

Secondly, the disciples recognize the presence of the risen Christ through the breaking of bread. The Lord's Supper, also known as Holy Communion, remains a powerful way in which the living Lord reveals Himself to His followers. In other words, the risen Christ's manifestation on the Emmaus Road demonstrates the enduring significance of both Word and Sacrament for the Christian faith.

Easter 2 (year A)- John 20:12-31

The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter is John 20:19-31. In this passage, the risen Christ appears to ten apostles, and then a week later, He appears to Thomas as well. When He comes, Jesus blesses the disciples with divine peace. The disciples remain fearful and timid as the risen Lord comes to where they were locked in. He brings greetings in the common Jewish manner, saying “Peace be with you,” in Hebrew shalom alechem. 

This Biblical greeting is more than a hello. It is an implied prayer for God’s peace. Such a prayer for peace has a special meaning in light of Christ’s resurrection. It is a blessing from the risen Lord, who is the embodiment of God’s peace. After all that has happened, the disciples have a special need for peace and assurance.

Christ does not stop with reassuring words. Jesus adds a commission or a call to action. As the heavenly Father has sent Him, likewise Christ sends the apostles (and through them, His whole Church). Jesus brings peace through His resurrection victory over sin and spiritual death, and He asks His disciples to share that peace with others. His followers are to share the message with others. Jesus the Christ is risen and alive, and His peace is to be spread. His followers are to continue His work in the world and share the peace that comes through faith in the crucified and risen Lord.

The resurrection of Jesus is the high point of scriptural teachings on peace. While faith in the risen Lord may contribute to other types of peace, it chiefly offers peace with God. Christ's peace removes fallen human enmity with God; it offers us new eternal life in God’s holy and merciful presence.

Christ’s words to the disciples also point us to our Christian mission in the world. The peace of His resurrection is not some private possession. It is not a secret that we are to keep to ourselves. The risen Christ comes to us in peace and asks us to share the joy of His spiritual peace with others. Of course, ordained ministers have a special role in sharing this divine peace in Word and Sacrament. Nevertheless, the whole Body of Christ, the entire membership of Christ’s Church is involved. All of us are called to witness to God’s peace in Christ Jesus. Despite our human frailty, by grace, we can all share Christ’s peace with the people around us.

Easter Week Devotions

The season of Lent and Easter Sunday have come and gone. Christian preparation for Good Friday and Easter has passed. Celebration and rejoicing have reached a high point on Easter morning, and we have begun the 50 days of Easter joy.  Unfortunately, for many of us, the days after Easter seem to be a time when we crash. This tendency is understandable. We often exhaust ourselves with preparations and then lack the energy to meditate and enjoy the spiritual celebrations.

However, the fact is that the fifty days between Easter and Pentecost provide a time for spiritual rejoicing for individual believers and the body of believers. We should be freshly inspired by our Lord's Resurrection. So even if we take a brief pause to catch our breath, let us remain focused on our risen Lord in our thoughts and prayers.

Prayer Books and hymnals have resources to help continue celebrating. Prayers focused on our Lord's victory can be said throughout the week and the season. Lectionaries suggest Scriptures that focus on the Resurrection. Hymnals contain numerous Easter hymns which may be read or sung as prayers of praise and thanksgiving.

So let us be filled with prayers and praises during the Easter Season. Our prayers of thanksgiving and rejoicing for Christ's Resurrection should be as devoted as our prayers of preparation and repentance! Christ is risen! Thanks be to God for His inexpressible and gracious gift!

Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection (year A)- John 20:1-10

The Paschal Feast, the Feast of the Resurrection, which we call Easter, is the culmination of the biblical message and the greatest observance on the church calendar. Jesus of Nazareth, who accepted terrible physical and spiritual suffering to save us from sin, has risen from the dead; He offers us new life, in this world and the next. Easter is the great dividing point in human history. Among other things, Christ's Resurrection is the seal of divine approval upon the earthly life, ministry, and death of Jesus. In addition, it is the key event that transforms a band of disheartened and defeated disciples into faithful witnesses and ministers of the Good News. The whole New Testament is written from the standpoint of faith in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

The Easter Gospel for an early service is from St. John 20. 1-10. It proclaims the importance of faith. At first, the women at the empty tomb and the apostles who hear the women's report react with fear and curiosity. When the apostles hear the news from the women, Simon Peter and the other disciple (traditionally identified as John) run to see for themselves. Peter goes in first to see the grave clothes. Then that other disciple enters, "and he saw and believed" (St. John 20:8). Accepting the reality of the empty tomb is important, but this is only a first step. There must also be a second step.  The reality of the empty tomb calls each person to a personal response: faith in the living Jesus Christ! 

So on this Easter, let each of us accept with faith what the empty tomb tells us about Jesus. He is unique. He is more than a person who has recovered from physical death. He has experienced Resurrection; that is, He has conquered death. He has overcome the forces of evil, destruction, and death for all time, for all who truly believe in Him. He is the Word of God incarnate, God the Son. By overcoming death, He has opened the gate of everlasting life. Christ lives, and because He lives, we also may truly live in union with Him. Alleluia. The Lord is risen indeed; O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

Holy Week Devotions

Historic calendars and liturgies have provided Scripture readings and prayers for observing Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter morning. Although every congregation is not able to offer public worship every day, hymnals and prayer books have preserved much of ancient Christian tradition for observing the week. There is a variety of readings and prayers from which to choose, and the Gospel accounts of Christ's Passion are central. This great worship heritage reduces the likelihood of weird, extravagant, or inappropriate observances.

Furthermore, the Reformation modified the old traditions to make them more Christ-centered. Focused on Scripture, we can respect the experiences of Christ's mother without focusing our devotion on her. We can contemplate the way of the Cross without depending on medieval legends. We can honor the Cross without letting extreme sentimentality or superstitious practices dominate. Thanks be to God for such a Gospel-centered heritage!

Palm Sunday- Matthew 21; Matthew 26 & 27

 The last Sunday in Lent is commonly called Palm Sunday. This title is common even among some Christian groups that do not observe most of the Christian calendar. The triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem at the beginning of the first Holy Week has been observed publicly since the early fourth century in Palestine. There is a certain joy in the event, but there has always been a bit of irony about the observance and the events it recalls.

Certainly, the story of Christ's triumphal entrance (Matthew 21:1-11 and parallels) into Jerusalem should be remembered. The event was rich in symbolism. He came on a donkey as a peaceful king from the ancient East would come to be enthroned. And the children and humble people present that day welcomed and praised Him. He deserved the praise and recognition. He was the true king of God's people, the Messianic deliverer. Unfortunately, the crowds did not really understand Him. They did not accept His spiritual type of leadership. They were looking for a political deliverer, and when the crowds were disappointed, they would quickly turn on Jesus and accept His crucifixion. Thus, the Palm Gospel for the day naturally leads us to the Passion Gospel (Matthew 26 & 27), which is central for this day. 

In fact, the Passion accounts are at the heart of all our readings during this week. The events that we commemorate this week are key to the entire Christian message. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ are the greatest acts of God for our salvation. Without them, Jesus' birth and ministry lose significance. Without them, we have no hope of redemption from our sins, no hope of eternal life. A faithful response to the events of Holy Week and Easter is at the heart of what it means to be Christian. Therefore, let us take time all this week to listen, read, and meditate on these painful but mighty acts of God.

The Annunciation- 25 March- Luke 1:26-38

 The feast of the Annunciation is often neglected. Such neglect occurs because it is a weekday, because it falls during Lent, and perhaps also because the event receives attention during Advent. The 25th of March was first mentioned as a possible date for the Annunciation in the third century, and its observance developed and spread over several centuries. 

Of course, the basis for the observance of the Annunciation is in St. Luke 1:26, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin esposed to a man whose name was Joseph , of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." The rest of the story should be familiar. Mary was humble and obedient to God, and although she was fearful and amazed, she accepted that she was to bear the one who was both Messiah and Son of God. The blessed Virgin is certainly a great example of holiness and faith. 

The the traditional collect or prayer of the day admirably ties the significance of the Annunciation to the other events of redemption: We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought into the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

This Annunciation collect brings together multiple aspects of the message of Christ's Gospel. The One announced to the Virgin is the same One who suffered, died, and rose again to save us. Through divine grace, may we believe this Gospel and apply it to our lives in faith, hope, and charity. Thanks and praise be to God!

Lent 5 (year A)- John 11:1-45

 This Sunday’s Gospel is the famous story of Lazarus’ resurrection from John 11. The outline of events in John 11:1-45 is fairly simple. Jesus is east of the Jordan, teaching and healing, when a message arrives that His friend Lazarus is sick. Jesus continues His work, and then, despite warnings of danger, He goes to see Lazarus’ family. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead for 4 days. After speaking with the sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus offers a public prayer and raises Lazarus. 

Both the storyline and the dialogues included in it point to a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and work. Raising one who has clearly been dead and buried for several days is a unique miracle. It is not the act of any mere teacher, healer, or prophet. It is a sign of the Messiah, the Christ, and it is an act that demands a spiritual response. Those who know of it should do as Martha does and confess faith in Jesus as the Christ.

In the verses that follow the raising of Lazarus (John 11:45-53), many believe in Jesus, but others, especially those with power, are frightened and angered. Some plot to eliminate Jesus as a threat to the religious and political establishment. Their reaction points us toward Christ's coming Passion. It reminds us that His very goodness leads to His death.

Jesus' great miracle confronted His contemporaries with a choice. They had to decide if He really was the Messiah, the Redeemer. And the same miracle leads to totally different reactions: some people have faith in Jesus; others oppose Him and seek to destroy Him. We still face the same choices in our lives. Will we allow His goodness and grace to produce faith or will we resist grace and oppose Him? May divine grace lead us to believe in Him and follow Him, even on the way to the Cross!

Lent 4 (year A)- John 9:1-41

 The Gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Lent is a fairly long selection, John 9:1-41. This is the story of Jesus giving sight to a man who has been blind from birth. This healing on the Sabbath upsets the Pharisaic authorities in Jerusalem, and it leads to a hostile interrogation of the man, his parents, and Jesus. The man is delighted and grateful, his parents try to avoid involvement, and Jesus rebukes the Pharisees.

One could draw several points from this passage, but let us note the importance of this event in the development of Christ's ministry. Jesus tells the disciples that His time is limited and that He must work while He has time (John 9:4). He is called to do good while there is an opportunity, but His opponents try to intimidate those who benefit from His work. The opponents also show their hostility toward Jesus, a hostility that will soon lead to His death.

The world has always been filled with opposition to Jesus Christ and His work. Some people try to intimidate those who follow Jesus and benefit from His healing work. These opponents really do not like Him. In a sense, they choose to be spiritually blind.  They prefer evil and oppose goodness. They seek every opportunity to discredit Jesus and His followers, and they wish to destroy Him and grasp more power for themselves. 

This dynamic is not confined to first-century Jerusalem or the party of the Pharisees. It has existed down through Christian history, and it has become acute in our decadent age. Nevertheless, Christ and His faithful followers continue to work in a fallen world. God's goodness is often opposed, but His grace is powerful and triumphs over sin, opposition, and the cross!

Mid-Lent Reflection

 The Thursday after the Third Sunday in Lent is roughly halfway through the season of preparation leading up to Good Friday and Easter. This fact makes it an appropriate time to pause and evaluate our discipleship during the first three weeks of Lent. Have our goals been both holy and practical? Has our external practice been suitable for the season and our personal needs? Have our attitudes been sincere and devoted? Do we need to modify our goals and disciplines for the last three weeks of Lent? Do we need to put more emphasis on our Scripture reading and study? Do we need to increase our efforts or pray for better attitudes? Whatever our personal answers, let us pray for divine grace to be fervent in living faith and pious devotion! Let us continue to walk with Christ toward the cross and resurrection!

Lent 1 (year A)- Matthew 4:1-11

 The Gospel this Sunday is the familiar story of Christ’s great fast and temptation from St. Mathew 4:1-11. After Jesus’ Baptism, He withdrew to the wilderness for a period of devotion. At the close of His days of prayer and fasting, the Tempter sought to catch him in a moment of weakness. Satan used appealing lures, and even though the Tempter’s aims were contrary to Scripture, he tried to confuse matters by quoting Scripture.

Of course, Jesus of Nazareth rejected the three great temptations of the devil. He knew that it was wrong to serve Satan for any reason. Jesus chose to live on the earth in the ways His heavenly Father wished. He would not turn away from those principles despite attacks and misunderstandings or objections. He would remain steadfast even when it meant rejection by the crowds and an agonizing death on the Cross.

In certain respects, the Temptations of Christ were unique. No one else has ever been so innocent. No one else has ever had such important spiritual choices to make. No one else has ever resisted temptation so completely. Yet, although Christ's person is unique, in some other ways, His temptations were similar to those faced by other human beings. So His basic temptations apply to all of us. These temptations are rooted in three basic needs in human life. All of us need to care for our bodies, and this leads us to seek some degree of physical or material comfort. All human beings are made for interaction with others. So there is a natural desire for approval from at least some other people. All of us human need some control over our surroundings, and so we desire some power over people and things.

The problem is that the Tempter, the Evil One, uses all these natural needs and desires to draw us away from God and His intentions for human life. Even Jesus in His human nature was tempted, but we are fallen descendants of Adam and Eve. And we do not have the purity and spiritual strength of Christ. We are still sinners.

Thus, we must be vigilant, and we need more moral and spiritual discipline. We must struggle to remain loyal to divine principles in all areas of life.  Above all, we need to look to the grace and assistance of Jesus Christ each day.

The First Day of Lent or Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6:6,16-21

Scripture, in general and our readings today in particular, point to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is found in Scripture, especially in today's Gospel reading from St. Matthew 6. This reading makes it clear that a disciple's attitude in fasting is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical or ostentatious. 

External acts of devotion can be useful. Increasing our prayer time or Bible study is good. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be good reminders and expressions of self-discipline. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. 

However, such externals are not the most important thing about Lent; the most important aspects of Lent are remembering what God has done through Jesus Christ and having a humble, faithful attitude. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So during Lent, let us focus on devotion to God and on greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross.

Epiphany 2 (year A)- John 1:29-42

In the three-year lectionary cycle, Epiphany 2 this year is a follow-up to Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist. The Gospel reading from St. John 1:29-42 alludes to Jesus' Baptism by John the Baptist and the beginning of Christ's public ministry. A key phrase in this account is John the Baptist's acknowledgment that Jesus is "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29, 36). This description of Jesus is echoed in other Scriptures, and it can be found in Christian writings, art, and music down through the centuries. 

Certainly, Jesus is the unique Lamb of God, the foundational sacrifice of the New Covenant. He is the ultimate innocent and perfect victim who offers Himself willingly. By His life, ministry, and death, He takes away human sin. He offers Himself for us. He takes our sins to make us clean and to deliver us from death. He takes away our sin to grant us life and peace with God. And unlike the sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Jesus overcomes sin and death. He is the Lamb who triumphs, rises from the dead, and ascends into heaven. This worthy and victorious Lamb is enthroned in heaven with God the Father and intercedes for His people; He intercedes for us!

Epiphany 1 (year A)- Matthew 3:13-17

On the Sunday after the Epiphany, many Christian calendars commemorate the Baptism of our Lord by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). As Jesus came to be baptized, He fulfilled all righteousness. He was personally sinless, but our incarnate Lord identified with the human need for spiritual cleansing. He also received a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as He began His public ministry. Finally, the heavenly voice proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God. Christ's Baptism manifests the Holy Trinity. This moment is a unique manifestation or epiphany of the divine glory in Christ, and it anticipates His whole public ministry and work for human salvation.

Epiphany- 6 January- Matthew 2:1-12

Epiphany on January 6 is probably the oldest Christian feast besides Easter and Pentecost. In the early Greek-speaking Church, the day was about several of Christ's manifestations- His birth, His Baptism, and the beginning of His public ministry. Later, especially in the Latin churches, the day of Epiphany itself became associated with the coming of the Wise Men. In modern times, although Epiphany remains on some church calendars, it is often ignored. For many Christians, especially in the US, all that remains of the traditional observance may be wise men in a children's December pageant, a reference in a Christmas carol, or a reading from Matthew 2 in a service of lessons.

Nevertheless, Epiphany deserves our attention because of its important theological themes. The Wise Men or Magi represent the coming of the Gentiles or nations to Christ. Their natural human longings and wisdom respond to God's sign in nature and follow the star. Yet, they also need the guidance of the Scripture in order to complete their journey. Finally, when they do find the Holy Child, they do what every person should do. They fall down in adoration or worship, and they offer Him precious gifts.

At Epiphany, may we still seek Christ and be guided by Scripture. May we worship Him and offer Him our best gifts. Now that the worldly celebrations have subsided, Epiphany is an opportunity for quieter and deep devotion and reflection about the coming of our Savior!

Christmas 2 (year A)- Luke 2:40-52

On this Second Sunday after Christmas, the Gospel from Luke 2:40-52 is about the visits of the youthful Jesus to the Jerusalem Temple. In this passage, we can learn several things about Jesus and the Holy Family. Today let us focus on the first and last verses of the selection.  Referring to the time after the infant's first presentation at the Temple, Luke 2:40 (ESV) says, "And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." (ESV) Then after the twelve-year-old Jesus is reunited with His earthly parents, Luke 2:52 (ESV) says, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."

These two verses state important truth about the Incarnation. Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is unique. He is the divine Word, the eternal Son of the God the Father, made flesh and dwelling among us. As the Nicene Creed affirms, He is "true God from true God." At the same time, we also believe that "He was made man." Except for sin, He took on real human nature. These two natures in one person are the great mystery indicated in our verses from Luke. Jesus the Christ is holy and different. He is God the Son, but  He also a real man. He has a human body and a human mind. He grows and develops physically, He increases in wisdom and divine favor or grace is upon Him.

This mystery of the Incarnation is at the heart of our Christian faith and hope. God loves us and wants to save us from our fallen human condition. God the eternal Word comes to earth, takes our human nature as Jesus of Bethlehem and Nazareth. He lives among us. He models human perfection and teaches in ways we can understand. This Jesus dies for our sins and rises to give us eternal life! This is the good news at Christmas and throughout the year!