On the third Sunday of Advent in Year C, the lectionary continues Luke’s telling of the story of John the Baptist’s ministry. That’s right: a month into the period where every store and many a radio station plays nothing but Christmas carols, the Church steadfastly resists. No baby in Bethlehem just yet. We wait, on […]
Monday Meditation: RCL Year C, Advent 2, Luke 3:1-6
Last week, as Advent began, the lectionary Gospel turned our focus from the present to the future. If we were expecting something about a baby in a manger we were disappointed. We were firmly planted in this present troubled world, looking for Christ’s coming at the end of the age. On the Second Sunday of […]
Monday Meditation: RCL Year B, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Mark 6:14-29
This Sunday’s lectionary Gospel text is an odd one. Go read Mark 6:14-29 for yourself and let me know if you think so too. I’ll wait. Doo dee doo, dee dee dum … Okay, you’re back. Why is it an odd text? Here’s why I think it’s odd: Jesus doesn’t show up. Mark 6:14-29 It […]
Advent 3: Thinking About Jesus’ Earthly Ministry (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 90)
We are backing our way toward Bethlehem. We’ve looked to the future return of Jesus, and at how Jesus comes to us in our own lives. On Advent 3 we look at Advent through the eyes of someone focused on being prepared for Jesus’ earthly ministry. Still no baby in a manger, but we’re getting […]
Advent 2: Thinking About John the Baptist (Heidelberg Catechism Q. 69)
On the second Sunday of Advent we continue to back our way toward Bethlehem. On Advent 1 we looked forward to the return of Christ. This week’s Gospel readings have us looking at our own experience: we remember our Baptism. John the Baptist greets us in the text, helping everyone prepare for Christ’s coming. He […]