The reading from Genesis takes us into the Garden, the Gospel reading takes us into the desert. The issues are control and allegiance. Who will determine the actions of Adam, Eve, Jesus, me? The First reading for the First Sunday of Lent takes us to the Garden (a literary device keeps the story moving) we meet the serpent, the woman and […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...Introduction: Today’s Gospel presents us with perhaps the most difficult part of Jesus’ entire teaching. But we find ways to deflect this teaching. In the past when I’ve asked Congregations, “how many of you have enemies?” Many, if not most, say they have no enemies. So, no enemies, no need to love enemies. Others say that these […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...Short verses: 5: 13-16 salt and light It is notable that Matthew begins each saying with “you are…” As the first word of the sentence “you” is emphatic.The metaphors, as an aspect of discipleship, are already inherent in Jesus’ followers, not something they are to strive to become. These are words of blessing, but also words of […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...Feast of the Presentation of the Lord I need to point out that since this feast takes precedence over the 4th Sunday of the A cycle, we do not hear the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12a. The beginning of Luke’s Gospel draws parallels between Jesus and John, “the announcement of their births”; followed by their […]
No Comments. Continue Reading...