Jesus can be quite amazing, but he can also be quite challenging. For instance, people were amazed at the authority with which he spoke, but his ideas of power and authority challenge our coercive understanding of power at its core.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Epiphany 4b – 28-January-24”
A lot of interesting things happen when people see Jesus. For those who stood and learned from him at the synagogue, there was the sheer amazement of his teaching with authority. For the demonic presence, there was outright fear. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 4b – 28-January-24”
When Jesus said, "The Realm of God is near," he meant that people would see God's ways in the things that he did and in what he taught. People would be able to know God by what Jesus did and learn how to truly serve God by what Jesus taught.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 3b – 21-January-24”
In the gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his earthly ministry with "The kingdom of God has come near." or "The kingdom of God is at hand." In our lives as Christians, one of the great privileges is to catch glimpses of the kingdom of God as it comes near. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 3b – 21-January-24”
When I was a boy, my dad built a train table in our basement. It was a simple set up, with a few switches and a few buildings and a depot. When friends came over, we could play with the trains on that table, but I couldn't bring the trains and especially couldn't bring the table over to my friends houses.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Epiphany 3b – 21-January-24”
The gospel story for today is one of the stories about Jesus gathering his disciples. As the organization grew from one itinerant preacher to 12 and the 70 and then thousands, the needs for the Church also grew.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Epiphany 2b – 14-January-24”
The gospel story for today tells about Philip bringing his brother Nathaniel to meet Jesus. As we come to the Table, remember that the invitation that Philip brought to Nathaniel extends to us all, for we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 2b – 14-January-24”
What do you do when you learn about something really important? [wait for answers]
One thing I do is tell other people about it, especially if it's something really good.
In the gospel story for today, Jesus not only tells some of the people he knows about God's love, but he also asks them to help him to tell other people.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment (Gospel) for Epiphany 2b – 14-January-24”
This morning we remember the baptism of Jesus which marked the beginning of his earthly ministry. At this Table, we remember his death, which marks it's end. In both cases, the events show Jesus' obedience to God's plan "so that all righteousness could be done." … Read the rest “Alternate Table Meditation (Gospel) for Baptism of Christ B – 7-January-24”
The wisemen brought three gifts to Jesus. Gold, the metal of kings, incense, used by priests in worship, and myrrh, used in preparing the dead for burial. That third gift was a symbol that Jesus death would have great meaning. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Ordinary 1b – 10-January-21”