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 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 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 […]