Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17As Jesus is baptized in a vision of the Holy Spirit, we might wonder: is this special blessing because of all Jesus will do, or because of all Jesus has been? How can we value the belovedness of each person more than their activity? Can we slow our busy lives enough to make … Read more
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25In our Advent and Christmas stories, angels appear in unsettled times with songs of glory and the reminder to, “Be not afraid.” We are called to echo back that song of fearlessness in loving action…
Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12John the Baptist comes proclaiming one who is to come. So often we have heard that cry as one that is coming to judge our spiritual “housekeeping.” Maybe, instead, the invitation is simply to find room for the Holy to be born in us… just as “In the Bleak Midwinter” invites us to … Read more
Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5The carol by Christina Rosetti, In the Bleak Midwinter, begins with the world frozen, solid, and unchangeable. Yet Christ will come to this landscape. The prophet Isaiah invites us to imagine the earth itself reshaped according to God’s purpose and care. How can we hold onto a hope that might yet melt all … Read more
Scripture: John 6:25-355,000 people who have been miraculously fed go seeking Jesus for the recipe for this miracle. Yet Jesus reminds us all that God’s miracle is in the gathering community in which the sharing of daily bread can sustain all.