Reflections on WORSHIP and DISCIPLESHIP
by Margo Geesing
January 2025
“Epiphany and Beyond”
We hear from three of our four Gospel writers this month. John’s Gospel begins with one of the most quoted verses, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”, but he does not address anything about Jesus’s early life. In the Gospel of Matthew, we get some details of Joseph’s role in caring for Mary and Jesus and protecting them. There is just a paragraph in the Gospel of Mark referring to John the Baptist announcing the coming of the Christ and then Mark jumps to Jesus’s baptism. Luke includes a few more details of Jesus’s youth. It is in the combination of these Gospels that we get a small idea of who Jesus, before he began preaching, was. Interestingly, only two of the Synoptic Gospels include Jesus’s genealogy. Matthew does it at the beginning of the Gospel and Luke does it at Jesus’s baptism.
January 5, 2025 – Epiphany of Our Lord [actual: January 6th]
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 2 verses 1-12
We hear the story of the Magi coming to worship Jesus in this Gospel. It is the presentation of Jesus to the Gentile world. The Magi bring gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. Traditionally, we look at these gifts as declarations of Jesus’s Divinity, Kingship, and the Suffering Servant / his death. Frankincense was a perfume used in smoke as a gift to God, gold is worldly riches that was given to kings, myrrh was an antiseptic ointment that was often used for burial purposes. But it is not just about the Magi. It is also about Herod. It is about Herod’s fear and need to hold onto power. Herod is afraid of the potential of a new-born baby. He is so afraid that he lies to the Magi about wanting to worship this baby. Herod is so afraid that he commands his soldiers to kill every Jewish boy child from new-born to two years old in Bethlehem. So, while we celebrate the birth of Jesus and the gifts of the Magi, we are also reminded that there is also pain and suffering in the story of who Jesus was when he walked the earth. There is pain and suffering as we follow in Jesus’s footsteps in our own journey of faith.January 12, 2025 – Baptism of Our Lord
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 3 verses 15-17, 21-22
A couple of my own thoughts after reading Luke’s Gospel of Jesus’s baptism. First, John’s account of what the Messiah was coming to do sounds a bit scary. Do we really want our Messiah / Savior to be coming with fire? Ready to cast things into unquenchable fire? I wonder about John’s reaction to Jesus because nothing is said about it. Jesus is his cousin; how can Jesus be coming as the Messiah? Is it in the back of John’s mind all the shenanigan they had gotten up to when they were younger? I also wonder if just Jesus heard the voice of the Father and saw the Dove of the Holy Spirit at his baptism? Because, no one else is noted to have reacted. Did Luke get the story from Jesus? One would think, if all these people who were looking for the Messiah and asking John if he was the Messiah and they heard this voice from heaven declaring Jesus as “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” wouldn’t that have made Jesus’s life a little easier to get people to believe in him?January 19, 2025 – Second Sunday after Epiphany
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 2 verses 1-11
The third Sunday of January we get the story of the Wedding at Cana. This is a Mary moment of “momma”. I’m a mom. And a grandma to two little girls and soon, two little boys. I look at my son, whose nickname from his friends is “Bear”, who is around 6’6” and pretty big. Dan [although born and raised in California] was raised in a very southern style. He learned his “yes, ma’am’s” and “no, sir’s”, he was an Eagle Scout. But I recognize that “momma” moment of Mary’s. All she expected was for Jesus to do as he was “volun-told”. She tells Jesus about the problem, (they are out of wine) and his “sassy” response, “Woman, why do you involve me?” Note her answer: nothing to him. She just turns to the servants and tells them, “Do whatever he tells you.” And walks away! Jesus is now stuck. She remembers that 12-year-old boy and is giving him some of his own back. Jesus turns water into wine. This is his first miracle. This is his revelation of himself in wine at a common wedding. This is where, although in his mind it was not his time, he fully demonstrated his perfect obedience to his mother, as a human son. He continues in his perfect obedience to his Father, as His Divine Son even to death.January 26, 2025 – Third Sunday after Epiphany
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 4 verses 14-21
The last Sunday of January Jesus is back in his home town. Here Jesus returns to Nazareth and reads from prophet Isaiah in the synagogue. A common happening in their worship. What is not so common is for the reader to sit down and say, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus proclaims himself as being anointed by God “to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” As we continue on the journey through Jesus’s life in the various Gospels, we find these prophecies are actually fulfilled in his life on earth. Even now, how would we react if someone did this in our own assembly? Especially if it was someone we have known for a long time? Would we believe or would we react like those in Nazareth, and drive them out? Would we be in fear of God’s retribution for allowing someone to say this and get away with it? Remember, the Jewish people are under Roman rule. They have lived through various captivities when God has chastised them before. Try as we might, it is difficult to listen to someone say astounding things and just let it pass; especially if we have known the person for a long time. These people have watched Jesus grow up. They probably remember Jesus wandering off when he was 12 and causing his parents worry. They probably remember Jesus and his cousin John running around town as kids. They surely remember Jesus working in Joseph’s carpenter shop. We don’t expect this kind of behavior from some kid we watched grow up. We know we are special enough to have this happen to us in our lives. But we need to remember we are special enough. God chose to create you just as you are. God loves you unconditionally, just as you are. Jesus died for you so you could hear and believe the Good News.February 2025
“Being a Prophet”
February 2, 2025 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 4 verses 21-30
This first Sunday of February continues last Sunday’s Gospel lesson. Jesus is still in his home town of Nazareth and is preaching in the synagogue. People are amazed and in awe of his preaching, until they stop and think, this is Joseph’s son; we watched him grow up; how can HE be telling us anything?!? Then they get angry, to the point where they try to throw him from a cliff. Why? Because he reminds them that God is not “owned” by them. God’s love and care cannot be limited to just them. God loves and cares for the “other” in this world. We are called to do the same. We are challenged to love and care for those we don’t understand, who are seen as “less than”. We are called to care for and to share God’s love with the poor, ill, hurting, disregarded, shunned, and the different. We are called to something higher than society’s judgement; we are called to live and care and work and love by God’s judgement which is always layered with love and mercy.
February 9, 2025 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 5 verses 1-11
In this Gospel passage we have the calling of Simon, James, and John. This is different from the other Gospel’s telling of the story. This time Jesus begins by preaching and using Simon’s boat to preach from. He then sends them out to fill their nets again. They receive a great catch and Simon in his humility, begs Jesus to leave him since he is a sinful man. Jesus tells Simon to come with him and he will make him a catcher of people. And they lift with Jesus. This is the same thing that occurs at Worship. Jesus calls us to community, so we come to the church. We greet one another in hospitality just as Simon welcomes Jesus into his boat. We take time in humility and sorrow to ask Jesus for forgiveness just as Simon does. We follow Jesus in obedience as we pray and partake in Holy Communion just as Simon did in going out to fish again. Then we are called to risk all we have to follow Jesus just like Simon. We are told each week at the end of the service to, “Go in peace, share the good news.” in some form and this is what we try to do when we live out the Gospel message of love, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion and share this message with others.
February 16, 2025 – Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 6 verses 17-26
The third Sunday of February we hear Luke’s version of the Beatitudes. Luke places Jesus on a plain rather than a mount as he is in Matthew’s Gospel. Living in Arizona, I can understand that Jesus could be both on a mount and a plain at the same time. The mesas of the southwest are found as a flat place on the top of a hill or mountain. Luke focuses on four themes within his presentation of the Beatitudes and he pairs them with four “woes” to show counterpoint to the blessings: poor vs rich, hungry vs full, weeping vs laughing/mourning, hated vs being spoken of well. Both the blessings and the warnings end with the idea of how prophets were treated: good prophets got the blessings false prophets got the warnings. Just as Jesus was rejected as a “prophet” in his hometown at the beginning of the month, we need to be aware of when we are being a good prophet and how we are treated. But we also need to be mindful when we are being addressed by a good prophet, even when they are not who we would expect.
Sunday, February 23, 2025 – Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 6 verses 27-38
Jesus can be quite radical in his teachings. Today’s Gospel is just one example. He starts out telling his followers to turn the other cheek, and to give up their shirt. These are actually quite radical for the times. There were limits on how you could punish those under you. You could only hit with the back of an open left hand. By turning your cheek, it prevents a second hit. It was sinful for a person, other than a spouse, or doctor, etc., to see someone unclothed. The sin would be on the one seeing not the one unclothed. Therefore, if someone takes your cloak removing your shirt also, now becomes a problem. Jesus does not want his followers to be doormats. He wants them to be like him. Jesus was strong, forgiving, merciful, understanding, and loving. Jesus was also willing to stand up for what is right in God’s eyes, give his life for others, and address social issues of the time. Jesus calls all of us to that radical love where we love and pray for our enemies, where we do not judge a person, where we are kind, forgiving and merciful. And because we believe in a God of abundance: we will receive more kindness, forgiveness, and mercy from God. So, go, be a prophet of a kind, loving, forgiving, and merciful God.
August 2025
“Human: Treat with Care, Respect, and Dignity”
August 3, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 12 verses 13-21
The first Sunday of August we hear of the story of the land owner who, rather than sharing his wealth, instead chose to build bigger storage to keep his “stuff”. We, as a nation, are among the richest people on earth right now, yet, we have children who go to bed hungry every night; we have people who want to work but cannot find a job with acceptable wages; we have people who live on the streets of our cities because they cannot afford housing; we have people who go without medications and medical care because they cannot afford it and food and rent. No, you as an individual person cannot fix all the woes in our world; or nation; or even our city or neighborhood. Just because you cannot fix everything, does not mean that you cannot help to fix something. It is time to look within and reflect on how you spend your time, talents, and treasure. What are you building up? What are you saving for “just in case’? Where are your most precious treasures; your riches: in the bank or in God’s hands?
August 10, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 12 verses 32-40
The second Sunday of August we continue the theme of God’s generosity to those who are open and ready for it. Jesus uses the example of a master returning to his house and finding his slaves ready to receive him. Jesus says that the master will, in turn, serve them. God transforms us daily as we interact with Him, with others, and with the world that God created. How often do we actually see the good works of God in our own lives? What miracles do we see but do not recognize? How is God active in your life? What is your response to God as He works within your own life?
August 17, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 12 verses 49-56
The third Sunday in August we have a very powerful Gospel lesson. In this lesson we have Jesus stating that he has not come to bring peace. Jesus describing the cost of discipleship, once again. Jesus again warns his followers that living the way of the cross; following God’s call; living in faithfulness; being a disciple; is never an easy path. I try not to actually laugh in people’s faces when they say things like, “Jesus was all about love and peace.” or “Of course I can do this; God wants me to be happy!” I have no idea what Bible or Gospels they have been reading but mine does not say that. Jesus repeatedly states that following Him is going to cost you. This week Jesus lists the costs (again) including family division. It is a hard Gospel lesson. We love our families. But, when it comes to a choice between being faithful to God or keeping the peace in a family, that is when the choice to follow Jesus truly is hard. Have you had do make a hard choice in your own life? How did you choose? Was there ever reconciliation? How do you feel about your choice now?
August 24, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 13 verses 10-17
The fourth Sunday in August we hear the story of Jesus curing a woman on the Sabbath. She then praises God for her healing. And it follows that there are the “righteous” men in power that proceed to complain that it was done on the Sabbath! Jesus, in healing this woman, gave her back her innate dignity that comes from being created by a loving God. There are a couple of point I find really important in this lesson. First, is that the Sabbath was made a day of rest by God yet so often we, as “busy” people, do not take a day to rest; to reconnect with God; to be with family or friends; to recenter ourselves on our path, with our cross, to heaven. We need this time to just be in the presence of I AM. The second point that resonates with me is that Jesus called the woman to himself to free her. Then proceeded to rebuke the men of power by reminding them that she is a daughter of Abraham. It is a reminder to all of us that we are born with inherent dignity simply because we are created in the likeness and image of God and are born with the breath of the Holy Spirit in us. This is why we, as people of faith in the risen Jesus Christ, MUST treat each person we encounter with dignity and kindness. We need to look for the face of God within them.
August 31, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 14 verses 1, 7-14
The final Sunday in August we have Jesus commenting on a dinner he was invited to. He has a discourse on honor which leads to the question of: how do we value people. Society says that people who are rich, or famous, or political, or own big businesses, or are in agreement with whatever the latest societal trends are: are the important people. Jesus says that we need to be humble; meek and that is what gives us honor in God’s eye. We usually think, yay, Jesu says the exalted will be humbled and those who are humble will be exalted! We always assume we are the latter. We also need to focus on the last paragraph of the Gospel lesson. Here Jesus directs us to include those not able to repay your invitation in your plans. When we were children there was always those cliques in school: the brains, the popular / pretty people, the jocks, the drama people … ant there were always the people that never quite fit in with anyone: the loners. Sadly, this exclusionary behavior does not end in high school. We, as a society, continue with the cliques but dress them up a bit. Jesus reminds us that all are welcome at HIS table. Jesus reminds us that our Christian Vocation is to bring Jesus to everyone we encounter. We are called to break those cliques and welcome all.
March 2025
“Lent”
March 2 – Transfiguration of Our Lord
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 9 verses 28-43
Third Sunday of February is the last Sunday after Epiphany. It is the Transfiguration of Our Lord Sunday. We began the time after Epiphany with the Baptism of Jesus and ends with the Transfiguration of Jesus. The presence of the Trinity on both occasions includes the Father claiming Jesus as His own and giving us directions to listen this time! How did Peter, James, and John react? Fear but wanting to stay on the mountain. To dwell here. Instead, Jesus brings them down the mountain and tells them not to speak of what happened – until after the resurrection. This is one of the issues when you decide to become a follower of Jesus – what we want to do verses what Jesus want you to do. The “yes” to follow the call comes with a price: usually involving pain and sacrifice but definitely fear and confusion. We don’t get to hang out on the mountain top with God; we have to go down and deal with the nitty-gritty of reality and people. Which brings us back to being Salt and Light to the world.It’s Lent again! It was a long time coming this year, but Lent is finally here! I love Lent. Really. I love the lessons, I love the solemnity, I love the hymns, I love the fact that there’s not a lot of hoopla surrounding it, I love the encouragement to give and do more, I love that people pray more, I love the disciplines, most especially I love that it’s a time to slow down and reflect.March 5, 2025 – Ash Wednesday
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 6 verses 1-6, 16-21
On Ash Wednesday we begin the season of Lent; we hear from the Gospel of Matthew. This Gospel lesson is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount. In it we are given the outline of how we should live Lent, and the rest of our lives. We are called to do righteous deeds, give alms, spend time in prayer, fast and thereby build treasures in heaven. Jesus also gives us the warning: don’t do these to show off; don’t brag about what you do; do it simply, in our ordinary everyday lives, looking only for God to approve.Sunday, March 9, 2025 – First Sunday in Lent
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 4 verses 1-13
The second Sunday of March which is the First Sunday in Lent, we, again, have one of those great understatements in the Gospel: “… was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, … During that time, he ate nothing, and at the end of it he was hungry.” (Lk. 4:2). One may think, gee, Jesus is God therefore if he follows the Holy Spirit nothing could go wrong. Oops. Not quite. Jesus goes into the desert to prepare for his ministry and there meets the devil who then proceeds to tempt him. The temptations that Jesus faces are the same general ones that we face: material comforts being foremost in our life; to achieve power and influence for our own purposes; being dependent only on ourselves and prideful in our self-sufficiency. This Gospel lesson brings into direct view those ideas and wants that are in direct opposition to the actions that we are called to do on Ash Wednesday. It is a good guideline for what to do (righteous deeds, give alms, spend time in prayer, fast, build treasures in heaven) and what not to do (seek material comforts, power, and influence, be prideful) as we journey through Lent.March 16, 2025 – Second Sunday in Lent
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 13 verses 31-35
The second Sunday of Lent we have a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own death and resurrection – 3 days reflection – “I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.” (Lk. 13:32). Jesus also laments over Jerusalem. It ends with a call for all to recognize that the Lord sent him: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Lk. 13:35). During this time perhaps we can more fully recognize who Jesus was and is and will ever be.March 23, 2025 – Third Sunday in Lent
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 13 verses 1-9
The third Sunday of Lent we have a call to repentance and a reminder that we need to bear good fruit. This Gospel lesson also addresses that idea that bad things happen to sinners – and even worse things if they are big sinners. Jesus reminds us about a couple of important things in his response: we are not to judge others, suffering has a purpose, obedience to the will of God should be foremost in our actions. And about that bearing fruit, please note: there is no limit to when this bearing of fruit ends. In fact, there is the implication that if that tree stops bearing fruit there is a very real possibility of it being uprooted.March 30, 2025 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 15 verses 1-3, 11b-32
The last Sunday of March we begin with the accusation of Jesus eating with sinners; which is true! Jesus came for the sinners and outcasts. That was one of his purposes. It continues with the story of the prodigal son. In this story, a man gives one of his sons half of his treasure. The son then goes and spends it all. Then goes through bad times before deciding to return to his father and ask for forgiveness. The father not only forgives him, welcomes him back as his son, and throws a party for him. The other son is a bit jealous of all this attention lavished on the “bad” son. How often do we share those feelings? How often do we cry, “not fair” when we learn about good things happening to “bad” people? How often do we limit God’s forgiveness and mercy? But the father’s response is a reminder to us all that we do need to be grateful for what we have: for the people in our lives, for the relationships we have and built over years, for the love we have shared.During this month let us look at the mountains we need to climb to encounter Jesus. What obstacles do we need to overcome? What do we place in front of ourselves that keep us from the pinnacle of the mountain? How are we planning to spend this Lenten season? How are we responding to the call to do righteous deeds, give alms, spend time in prayer, and fast? What temptations keep you from responding? Where are we encountering Jesus in our daily lives? How are we presenting Jesus to others? What fruits are you growing? How are you planting and cultivating your own little patch? How are we asking for God’s forgiveness and mercy? How are we sharing it with others?
April 2025
“Lent to Easter and Beyond: We are an Easter People”
We are nearing the end of Lent and then we will go through the Three Days so we can get to Easter and then continue into the Season of Easter. This is an important process. While we will go with Jesus as he enters Jerusalem to the glad cries of followers, go to the table with his closest friends for his Last Supper, and travel through the trial, road to Calvary, the Crucifixion, and finally the burial of Jesus we need to get to Easter: the empty tomb and beyond simply because otherwise, if we stay at any of those other places, our faith will be useless. We are all born. We all, at some point in our lives do something that we are praised for. We all eat. We all go through trials and tribulations. At some point we will all die. What we do not do, what we cannot do, is rise from death by our own power. Even though there are numerous stories of resurrections in both the Old and New Testaments they ALL involved someone else praying to God and/or touching the person. Jesus did it all on his own! Even if we stay at the empty tomb, which is a wonderful place, we don’t get to NOW. We need to continue to the after Easter point. So, let’s get started…
Have you ever done an act of kindness that someone else misinterprets? The first Sunday of April has just that happen in the Gospel of John. Mary (of the Mary and Martha / raising of Lazarus fame) anoints Jesus’s feet with costly perfumed oil. This was just after Jesus raised Lazarus. It was a kind way of thanking him for the gift of her brother back. Judas chose to complain about her “wasting” the oil. Perhaps this week we can work on what we assume about the actions of others.
The second Sunday of April is Palm-Passion Sunday. This is the beginning of Holy Week. We have two Gospel Lessons on this day, both from Luke. The first is from chapter 19 and tells of the entry into Jerusalem and the praising of God by the people because of the powerful things that Jesus had done. It includes the admonishment from the Pharisees for Jesus to quiet his followers. The second Gospel Lesson begins in chapter 22 with the Last Supper and continues through to the end of chapter 23 with the burial of Jesus. These Gospel Lessons take us on a wild ride. We begin with Jesus being praised as a king, then he is a priest, a servant, a man in prayer and agony, a betrayed man, a healer, an arrested man, a man denied and abandoned, a man on trial, a “criminal”, a man who still forgives, and finally, a man who has died. One of the things we can take from this is a realization that Jesus, although God, loved us and the Father so much that he was willing to endure this, as a man, for our sake. This week be conscience of those moments of our own pains: accept them without complaint or anger; join them with Jesus’s own pains as a gift back to God.
Then we come to Easter! There are two choices for the Gospel for this day. In the Gospel of Luke, we have the women returning to anoint the body of Jesus and finding it empty. They are first puzzled, then fearful, and finally, amazed. They then go to tell the disciples who don’t believe them until Peter goes and checks. In the Gospel of John, it is again Mary of Magdala that begins the announcement of Jesus’s resurrection. In this Gospel Jesus actually appears to Mary and sends her to the disciples. This week, be conscience of those moments of amazement in your own life, those moments of a miracle happening (they still happen although they are usually small things) and thank God for them. The last Sunday of April we have the story of Jesus’s first appearance to his disciples and the second one when Thomas is with them. We all have those moments of doubt when we say, I won’t believe it until I see it! We are like Thomas in those times. I can identify with Thomas. He thinks: I know that Jesus died, how can you have seen him? This is a hoax, and one in very poor taste. So, yes, I would want to see it myself. I would want to touch him. We have an advantage over his followers of the time, we have their witness to the resurrection. What does that mean to us today? If we believe in the resurrection, if we embrace faith in the Risen Lord, if we call Him Lord and Savior, if we call His Father, “Father”, if we have the Gifts of the Holy Spirit within us, if we have the gift of faith, if we have the Breath of Life within us, if we allow Him to have a claim on us then there needs to be a response from us. The one thing we cannot say; we should not say is, “Yes, I believe” and then walk through our lives as if we did not. The other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” The difficulty of trying to go it alone in faith is that we only see ourselves – our own thoughts, reflection, wants, and needs. For Church to happen, we need a community. There are times in our own lives where we do not see the Lord working and we need the community to say, “We have seen the Lord.” And sometimes we need to be the one to say it to others. Like Thomas, we also should be crying out to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” We are blessed simply because we do believe without actually seeing Jesus in person! This is what faith is: belief in what is unseen. This week it is time to focus on our own belief in the Risen Jesus. We need to remember that our belief is in Jesus and his redemption. We need to remember that people come and go throughout our lives but the love of Jesus is constant. We have made it through Lent and we are now in the time of Easter! We are an Easter People. Our faith tells us that Jesus, risen from the dead by his own power, is the reason for our faith. We celebrated the Lord’s birth at Christmas, we celebrated the Lord’s presentation to the world at the Epiphany, we celebrated the Lord’s baptism by John and the beginning of his ministry with the calling of the disciples, we celebrated the Lord’s temptation in the desert, we celebrated the Lord’s transfiguration, we celebrated the Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday, we celebrated the Lord’s death on Good Friday. All of these, although special times, are not why we have faith in Jesus Christ. We are all born, we all celebrate milestones in our lives, we all are tempted, and, one day, we too, will die. So did Jesus. The thing that Jesus did that made him different was that he rose from the dead by his own power. None of us can do that. No one in history has done that; except Jesus. Easter. The celebration of the resurrection of Jesus is what is the absolute core of our faith. When we were baptized, we were baptized into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, it’s time to celebrate! It’s time to sing “Alleluia!”May 2025
“We are an Easter People”
In the month of May, as we are still in the Easter Season, we hear from the Gospel of John. John’s Gospel was written for those who already believed in the Divinity of Jesus as proof and to strengthen their faith. We, as believers in the resurrected Jesus, should also grow in faith as we listen to the words from the Gospel of John.
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 21 verses 1-19
Who doesn’t like a good fresh fish fry on the beach? In today’s Gospel lesson Jesus repeats some of the highlights of his journey with the disciples. The first part of the Gospel begins with recommendations on where to find fish, which led them to producing a great catch (the great catch in Luke 5/calling of the disciples), and ending with Jesus feeding the disciples with fish and bread (miracle of loaves and fish/Last Supper). The last part of the Gospel is a reflection of Jesus abundant mercy and forgiveness. Rather than calling Peter out for denying Jesus three times during the Passion, Jesus gives Peter a chance to renew Peter’s love of Jesus by asking Peter if he loves Jesus, three times. After each affirmation of his love, Jesus gives Peter a directive: feed my lambs, tend my sheep, and feed my sheep. Jesus ends with, follow me. We as Christian believers and with love for Jesus are also given these directives: to feed the lambs and sheep, to tend to them, and to follow Him.
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter John 10 verses 22-30
We hear a lot about sheep and being a shepherd in the Gospel of John. This is an image that continues on the second Sunday of May. Jesus is at the Temple and, again, is being questioned about “who are you?” This passage is one of the few occasions where Jesus states outright that he and the Father are one. This passage is also a challenge for us. While Jesus promises his sheep eternal life, it requires us to hear his voice, to listen, to follow him. Over Easter we had family and friends over. This included all four grandchildren. I realized that I could listen and distinguish first, who was crying; and if it was the “I’m hurt” or the “I’m frustrated” or “I’m overwhelmed” cries. We also need to distinguish Jesus’s voice over all the other ones we hear: family, friends, society, and our own selfishness.The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 13 verses 31-35
The third Sunday in May we have the sad situation that Judas has left the others to betray Jesus – and Jesus’s knowledge that it is about to happen. How much harder is it for Jesus, with the foreknowledge of exactly what he is about to willingly go through, not for his own sins or wrong doing but for EVERYONE ELSE. When he addresses his followers, it is not to condemn Judas or anyone. Rather, Jesus calls his followers to love. It seems such a simple request but it is one of the hardest to truly fulfill. To love in spite of as opposed to because of. In spite of how you are treated. In spite of what they say about you. In spite how they look, act, how they are different. It’s easy to love those who agree with you, who love you back, who praise you. It is said that the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for a friend. Actually, the greatest love to lay down one’s life for an enemy. This is what Jesus did. He laid down his life for sin and death – to conquer both for the sake of all.The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 14 verses 23-29
The fourth Sunday of May we hear of a few different ideas. First, Jesus speak of the love of the Father and the Son for those that love them. We show that love in how we treat one another. The way we fulfill the request of Jesus to keep his word. For us to answer the call to love, forgive, repent, pray, and listen. The second part is the promise of the Advocate. This is the promise that is fulfilled to each person at baptism. We receive the Holy Spirit to come and dwell within us and, hopefully, to guide us. Again, we need to listen. We will celebrate the coming of the Advocate in two weeks (second Sunday in June is Pentecost Sunday). The third gift that Jesus leaves with his disciples is his peace. It is not the peace of no troubles or problems, it is the peace of his love. The knowledge that you are love by God. You have an inheritance with Jesus. You have a place, and this is not the end.The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 24 verses 44-53
The last Sunday of May we hear the beautiful prayer Jesus makes to the Father. Jesus not only prays for his followers to be united at that time but also prays for those who will follow because of their word to be united. Jesus is praying for us! In the here and now! He ends with the hope that the love he and the Father share, is shared with those who follow him.June 2025
“Oh, Lord, We Trust in You”
As we begin June, we are still in the Easter Season, and we continue to hear from the Gospel of John about the final days of Jesus’s life walking the earth. Jesus gives his followers those final messages that they are to take and carry on Jesus’s mission: unity within the community in faith and action, loving one another, trusting in the voice and direction from the Holy Spirit, recognizing Jesus in us as His followers in our actions, and focusing on doing the works God call us to.
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 17 verses 20-26
In the final moments in the Gospel of John before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus speaks a chapter-long prayer for his followers. In this concluding section, Jesus prays for unity among his followers. The unity sought for all his believers is modeled on the relationship between the Father and the Son: The Son is one with the Father, just as we, as followers of Jesus, should be united in faith and action.
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 14 verses 8-17, 25-27
The second Sunday of June we have the Day of Pentecost. Happy Birthday to the Church!! In this Gospel from John, we have the disciples asking Jesus to show them the Father. He carefully explains that if you see Him, you see the Father. He also reminds them that you should know him through Jesus’s own works. Jesus makes two promises: first, to give what is asked of him in his name. The second is the promise of sending the Advocate and reminds them that he is always true to his word. We as followers are called to understand the truth of this. The Father and Jesus are one. He is always truthful to his word. We know him, and his followers, by their works. We have the help he sent – the Advocate – the Holy Spirit who is at work still within all of us.
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 16 verses 12-15
The third Sunday of June is Father’s Day and gives us our final Gospel lesson from John and is The Holy Trinity Sunday (it is a day full of celebrations). Here Jesus tries to reassure his followers that, although he may leave them, he will not leave them alone. He again promises his followers the Spirit to guide them and reassures that He and the Father are one, and that the Spirit is one with them. This Gospel lesson is about faith and trust. We need to have faith and trust in the promises that Jesus gives us. We all have the grace of the Spirit – we just need to listen to it!
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 8 verses 26-39
By the fourth Sunday of June, we return to the Gospel of Luke. We jump back in with the story of Legion. We have Jesus sending the Legion of demons into pigs and then the pigs off a cliff to drown. The demons identify Jesus as, “Jesus, Son of God Most High” which inclines the people of the town to fear Jesus and ask him to leave. He does but sends the one he healed back to share what Jesus has done. What should we get from this?!? First, that even the demons know who Jesus is and we should also recognize him. Second, that even when sent away, Jesus still finds a way to send the message of God’s love – through the one he healed – and through us, today.
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 9 verses 51-62
The last Sunday of June we have two stories. The first one is that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem and needs to pass through a Samaritan town but they would not welcome him. Rather than destroying the town as James and John wanted to, he merely turned aside and went another way. We need to remember this when we too are not welcomed because of our belief but we also need to be aware when we are not being welcoming to those who are different. The second story is about people who are called to follow but find something else they must do before they can follow. Jesus’s response, “Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God.” We need to remember to stay focused as we are called to discipleship. We are to be focused on spreading the Word of God, and sharing God’s love with others. We need to keep our eyes on the goal: the Reign of God and building His Kingdom.
July 2025
“Always Expect the Unexpected”
Throughout this month of Gospel Lessons Jesus calls his followers to do and live the unexpected. Jesus challenges us all to let go of our comfort; to think beyond; and while doing this, even today, we may not understand. Often, we answer Jesus’ challenges with, “That doesn’t make sense!” or “That’s not how the real-world works!” or “That’s not right!” or “That’s too hard!” Just as the disciples 2,000+ years ago did not fully understand what Jesus was asking of them when called to follow, we still do not have a full understanding of our personal call to discipleship. As all who came before, we continue to walk in faith and trust that we are living the call to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
July 6, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 10 verses 1-11, 16-20
The first Sunday of July we hear of the sending of the seventy-two from the Gospel of Luke. Jesus is sending them out without anything, “Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and greet no one on the road.” [Lk. 10:4]. Not only does Jesus expect the seventy-two of his followers to go and do unexpected things (healings, casting out demons, and such); he also expects an additional 36 families to support the people he had sent out, “Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house.” [Lk. 10:7]! The question for today is, how would you react to either being sent out with nothing and depending on the kindness of others; or having to be the one to take in the stranger? We can also consider how a similar issue is being addressed in our own communities.
July 13, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 10 verses 25-37
The second Sunday of July we have the story of the Good Samaritan. It begins with a simple question, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [Lk. 10:25] The answer given by the lawyer, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” [Lk. 10:27] comes from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. This story always asks the question, “Who is my neighbor?” The demonstration of love of a neighbor comes not from the people you expect: the priest or the Levite, but rather from the foreigner and enemy: the Samaritan. Sadly, that question is still asked today. And, the answer is still the same for the Christians. We are always called to show mercy. And, just like the Jewish lawyer, the answer is both easy and infinitely difficult.
July 20, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 10 verses 38-42
The third Sunday in July we hear the story of Martha and Mary. Again, this is a Gospel lesson that is difficult for many. It reminds me of the Prodigal Son story and feeling for the son that stayed. I, personally, feel for Martha! I’m one of those people that show love by feeding you. You come to me with your woe or problems or just to visit and I will offer you food and drink. So, Martha being busy preparing food and drink for Jesus and his followers makes sense to me. I’m also sure that if, at the end of the day there was nothing to eat, people would be unhappy. In that time and culture women prepared the food and it was time and labor intensive so expecting her sister to help would be reasonable. But, instead of supporting Martha, Jesus rebukes her saying that Mary has chosen the better part. Petty me would have probably thought about just sitting down at that point and listening to Jesus and not caring about feeding people. And that, also, would have been wrong because I would not be listening to Jesus out of love or wanting to abide in the presence of God but in pettiness and anger. Both the work of Martha and the attention of Mary are needed in each of our lives. We are called to feed the hungry, visit the sick, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, and visit those imprisoned. We are also called to abide in the presence of God. It is finding that balance that will bring us closer to one another and to God.
July 27, 2025 The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 11 verses 1-13
The final Sunday in July we have one of the disciples asking Jesus to teach them to pray. They all should know how to pray already. Faithful Jews prayed a lot and there were set prayers they would say at different times of the day and for different reasons. So, the question was an odd one. Jesus’ answer was to teach them something simple, direct, and focused. And if Jesus ended there, I would be fine. He then told them that they needed to be persistent in prayer. That if they asked, it would be given. If they knocked, it would be opened. If they searched, they would find. And this is something I have struggled with for a while. Why? I prayed for things and did not receive, knocked and was not allowed to enter, searched and did not find. Was I not good enough? Were my prayers not good enough? Did God not listen? Or did God just not care? Many struggles later, I realized that God did answer. Sometimes, He said NO. All good parents say no when something is not good for their child. Sometimes, He waited to answer both to encourage persistence and learn patience. Many times, He answered in a way that was not obvious and the answer was missed. At times, His answer was not what I wanted so I ignored it. One thing I have learned about prayer: God answers in His own time, in His own way, often His answer is unexpected but always for our good. So, pray unceasingly and be open to the unexpected!
It seems awkward to both address and not address what is currently going on within our nation, state, and city. These Gospel lessons are not just about what Jesus did 2000+ years ago in a different time, place, and culture; they are also a call for us to respond in this time, place, and culture guided by His teachings. As with all things to deal with faith, your answer is your own. Jesus acted out of mercy, caring, kindness, reaching out, healing, forgiveness, peace, and love. He also stated that there is a duty to render unto Ceaser what is due to Ceaser; and what is God’s is due to God. What that looks like in your life is your own decision. Faith calls us to be kind and respectful to one another as we journey together.
September 2025
“Keep Your Eyes on the Goal”
This month it seems that Jesus is focusing us on fulfilling our promises of baptism as we became disciples of Jesus. He reminds us that we have crosses to carry; we have promises to keep. Jesus also reminds us that his way is never the easy way. We are called to a higher standard; to live a better life; to love and care just a bit more. The road of a disciple is not easy or smooth, but the reward at the end is heavenly.
September 7, 2025 — Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 14 verses 25-33
The first Sunday of September we hear Jesus again warning his disciples that the path to follow Him is not an easy one. We are called to give up family and friends if they are keeping us from following him. We are told to pick up our crosses and carry them. We are asked to give up our possessions. We are called through our baptism to give up those thing and people who distract us from actually fulfilling our promise. Looking at your life today, what is preventing you from carrying your personal cross? Has your cross changed over your life? Has it gotten easier or harder to carry on as you get older?
September 14, 2025 — Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 15 verses 1-10
The second Sunday of September we hear about the Pharisees and the scribes complaining that Jesu was eating with tax collectors and sinner! He tells two stories in relation to the repentance of a sinner. Jesus compares the joy in heaven to the joy we feel when finding a lost sheep or a lost coin. Jesus talks about the celebration of the return of a sinner. Of course, Jesus is eating and talking with the sinners, that’s why he came to earth for! We, also, must remember that we are first, sinners ourselves. Second, that we should try to be examples of Jesus’ welcoming of everyone. Third, that we are not the ones to judge others on their state of “sinfulness”: little or big; many or a few; all sins damage our relationship with God and one another.
September 14, 2025 — Holy Cross Sunday
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 3 verses 13-17
We have the option to celebrate Holy Cross Sunday on the 14th of September. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, honors the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The feast commemorates St. Helena’s discovery of the True Cross in Jerusalem in 326, its initial exaltation for public veneration in 335, and its recovery from the Persians in 628. It was first observed in Rome before the end of the 7th century. We continue to celebrate the triumph of the cross of Jesus for he has conquered death and has given us the salvation of life everlasting. The sign of the cross is a reminder of our own baptism into the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
September 21, 2025 — Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 16 verses 1-13
The third Sunday in September we hear an odd story from Jesus. He tells the story of a dishonest worker who ends up being praised by his master for his “thinking outside the box”. The worker thought he was going to be dismissed and reworked what various people owed his master; this way the people the worker helped would in turn help him if he was in need. Jesus commented that his followers do not act this shrewdly. Jesus wants us aware of our goals and work towards them. If your focus is on a comfortable life with lots of friends and people who admire you, Jesus may not be the goal in reality for your life. If you are focused on using your gifts and talents to bring yourself and others to God, you are focused on Jesus and everlasting life. Jesus is very exact in reminding all of us that there is a difference between serving God and serving money / society.
September 28, 2025 — Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 16 verses 19-31
The fourth Sunday of September we hear the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man. Again, Jesus is challenging his followers to be counter cultural; to be different; to go beyond. Like the people in the story, we have Moses and the prophets; and more; we have the Risen Savior; Jesus and his life to follow. We, as modern Christians, have less of an excuse for not fulfilling our call for stewardship and caring for others. Our knowledge and awareness need to be greater because we have even more examples and guides for living our lives.
Every Gospel lesson calls us to DO something. It will cost us something. The question that you have to answer is whether you are willing to pay that cost; do that thing; make that change in yourself, the community; the world that Jesus is calling us to do.
October 2025
“Journeying in Faith”
October 5, 2025 — Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 17 verses 5-10
The first Sunday in October we have a call to faith through service. The disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus does not just say, “Poof, your faith is increased!” no does he say, “Pray more!” rather he calls them to service; to awareness of others. He calls them to LIVE their faith to increase it. It is like a muscle – use it and it gets bigger. Jesus uses the image of the mustard seed, something that he uses on a few occasions when speaking of faith. Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed. A mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds, but it can grow to cover large areas because it increases by propagation. So also, is our faith. By using it and trusting it, we can move mountains, or in this case, trees. How are you growing your faith? Even at this point in life it is not time to go fallow. How are you exercising your faith to make it stronger? Where are the trees that need to be moved in your life?
October 12, 2025 — Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 17 verses 11-19
The second Sunday in October we have the story of the ten lepers. They all call on Jesus to show them mercy in their illness. All are made clean. Only one returned, before going to the priests to show himself clean and returning to society, to thank and praise God for his gift of mercy. The one who returned was a Samaritan. Here again Jesus uses a Samaritan to show that the Jews are not the only ones who will receive the mercy of God. Jesus did not come to just save the Jewish people, but rather the whole world. [Samaritans were basically enemies of the Jewish people.] Again, Jesus states that his faith made him well. How often to we ask for God’s mercy? How often do we share God’s mercy? More importantly, how often do we thank and praise God for his mercy? It is a sign of faith to ask God for mercy, but it is also a sign of faith to thank him for his mercy. There is an almost horrible thing with God. We have a God of love, forgiveness, and mercy but we also have a God of justice. We can ask for his love, forgiveness, and mercy and we can trust we will receive it through Jesus’ death and resurrection. At the same time, we should not take this for granted.October 19, 2025 — Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 18 verses 1-8
The third Sunday Jesus reminds us to be persistent! This time Jesus tells a story about a widow who is pestering a judge to hear her case. The judge finally gives in, not because it’s the right thing to do or his job, but it is tired of seeing and hearing her! Jesus reminds us to pray always and not to lose heart. God always answers our prayers. Just not necessarily how or when we want. The final statement of the Gospel lesson should give us all pause: “And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This is the question that each of us need to answer for ourselves. It is not an easy road to journey in faith. The best reminder we have is in prayer when we can talk and listen to our God. He is not a God way up or out there but one intimately involved in our lives.
October 26, 2025 — Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 18 verses 9-14
The fourth Sunday we hear a word that is not used much these days: humble. It means to be courteously respectful, modest, not proud or arrogant. Today it usually is looked at as having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, low in rank, importance, status, quality; lowly. God does not look at what you owned, how much money you made, or what your social status is. He looks at what you did with what you owned and your money, he looks at how you treat others especially those who are looked at as less than. Before God, we are all humble and unworthy. Jesus is the one who allows us to come into the presence of God. He is the one that gave his life so that we might live as children of God. He is the one who makes us co-heirs to the Kingdom. As we go through our daily routines, keep an eye out for your own thoughts and actions that describe others as less than or your own superiority. Acknowledge them and ask for God forgiveness for them. Strive to do better.
October 26, 2025 — Reformation Sunday
The Gospel Lesson is from John chapter 8 verses 31-36
The last Sunday of October we will celebrate Reformation Sunday. We hear Jesus speak of freedom in the Gospel. Jesus is not talking about freedom to do what you want when you want. He is speaking of freedom from sin. By our nature we are a sinful people. We have fallen from grace. We all sin. What Jesus has given us by his death and resurrection is the freedom from the immediate punishment of sin. We are called by our baptism to a new life in Christ. We are call into forgiveness and mercy. It is a gift without price because Jesus has already paid the price. We were given the freedom to love God or reject God. We were given the freedom to follow Jesus or not to. We were given the freedom to live a life of service to others or to be hedonistic. We were given the freedom to live a life of faith and prayer or to go it on our own. What our choices are: how we live our lives, how we treat others, how we treat God is our answer to the freedom Jesus has purchased for us. This is the story we tell throughout our lives. The story of who God is; who Jesus is; who the Holy Spirit is; what this means to us; and ultimately who we are. Tell the story of a person of faith found in the freedom of service through the grace of the Spirit in the honor of the Father through the love of Christ.
November 2025
“Jesus Calls Us to Love Radically”
November 2, 2025 — All Saints Sunday
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 6 verses 20-31
The first Sunday of November we celebrate All Saint’s Sunday. We remember those who went before us to the Church Triumphant. The Gospel for this day calls us to a radical love. It starts with a shorter version of the Beatitudes but includes a warning to those who do not live out Jesus’s love. He again states that following him, living in his radical love, will not give you an easy life and will probably make you a few enemies. His call to love requires more. He calls us to love our enemies, do good for those who hate or curse or abuse you. In fact, he calls us to PRAY FOR these people. My first reaction to this idea was, he’s crazy! I’m not going to be anyone’s doormat. I’m going to stand up for myself, hit back harder, hit back faster, teach that person a lesson. But, if you really think about it, Jesus is asking no more than what he did. He did exactly that on the cross. He prayed for those who were killing him, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” He ends this lesson with, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Actually, he is call us to do MORE than we would ever expect another to do for us. The challenge with Jesus is to really live in his radical love for others even at the expense of ourselves. To go beyond societal or even earthly norms to reach the heavenly norms.November 9 — Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 20 verses 27-38
Jesus responds to a question from the Sadducees about resurrection and marriage. Jesus emphasizes that in the resurrection, people will not marry but will be like angels, highlighting the transformative nature of eternal life. Our life will no longer be focused on the physical being but on the spiritual life in connection and in the presence of God, Himself. He uses Scripture to reaffirm the reality of resurrection, stating that God is the God of the living, not the dead, thus reinforcing the faith in life after death. This passage emphasizes the reality of the resurrection and eternal life, challenging misconceptions about life after death. Jesus' teachings encourage believers to focus on their relationship with God rather than earthly concerns.November 16, 2025 — Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 21 verses 5-19
The third Sunday continues with the theme of focusing on our relationship with God. This Gospel lesson is full of all the bad things in life: war, famine, pain, suffering, persecution, plagues, and natural disasters that we have experienced throughout history and are currently going through. Practically every generation see their own time as these end times, but we seem to endure. Jesus calls us to trust. Not that we will survive, or prosper, or get even, or anything that seems equitable but that our souls will endure. It is the promise of heaven. It is the promise to be with God. It is really the goal of our lives here. It is the fulfillment of our trust in him. It is the greatest gift.
November 23, 2025 — Christ the King Sunday / Last Sunday after Pentecost
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 23 verses 33-43
The fourth Sunday we celebrate Christ the King Sunday. One would think with a title like that, the Gospel lesson would be about Jesus’ power and strength and Godhood. Rather, the Gospel brings us back to that first Sunday’s lesson in radical love. Jesus is on the cross. He is dying. Is he saving himself, nope. Is he cursing those who are killing him, nope. Is he praying for those who are killing him, yes. Is he continuing in his work of saving people, yes. Is he forgiving people, yes. See, Jesus asks no more of us than what he does himself. He understands humanity in all its frailty, hopes, dreams and endurance because he was human. Our God came and walked the earth as a fully human being to show us the way back to the Father. His life and death were about sharing the radical love God has for us. It was about trust, obedience, prayer, forgiveness, caring, sharing, pain, and suffering; it is divine love.
November 30, 2025 — First Sunday of Advent
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 24 verses 36-44
The last Sunday of November is the first Sunday of Advent and the beginning of the new Church Year. This Church Year we will be reading from the Gospel of Matthew. This Sunday, Jesus speaks of the end times and the suddenness of His return. Even Jesus does not know when that will be, only the Father knows. Therefore, Jesus warns us to be busy with building God’s kingdom! We must stay awake! We must be ready! Jesus admonishes us to stay vigilant. To be prepared. To be ready. We do not know our own “end time” therefore we must be ready always.
Our month began with remembering those who have joined the Church Triumphant and we are ending with our own readiness to join them and Jesus. We are guided to focus on our relationship with God, rather than being worried about earthly things. The ending of the Church Year with Christ the King is a reminder that Jesus is King of heaven and earth. He triumphs over everything, even death. Advent is not just about remembering that Jesus came as a baby to save humanity and guide us to the Father but also a time of reminder that Jesus will be returning. He is not returning as a baby this time but as the Son of God with all the Saints and the Hosts of Heaven to gather his own to himself. We need to be prepared for that time. We need to live the radical love of Jesus.
December 2025
“Gospel of Matthew: Cycle A”
Advent begins the new Church year. This year is Cycle A: the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s Gospel was written for the Jews. His symbol is the lion and his focus is of Christ as King. His Gospel is broken into seven large sections beginning with the infancy narrative. Because of the focus of “Christ as King”, his Gospel begins with the genealogy of Jesus. Through this lineage back to Abraham, Matthew presents Jesus as the King of Kings. Between Matthew and Luke, we get the entirety of Jesus’s birth and his childhood, which isn’t much. We also get to know Joseph, briefly, in his care and respect of Mary and his obedience to God.
The second part is the Proclamation of the Kingdom where Jesus begins his ministry. If you want short bits of Jesus’s teachings on various subjects this is where you go! This includes the Sermon on the Mount, salt and light, love of enemies, prayer, God and money, and the golden rule.
The third part is the ministry and mission in Galilee. This section has a number of healings and shows the compassion of Jesus. But all is not sweetness and light in this part. This is where Jesus gives the mission of the twelve, the commissioning, and warnings of coming persecutions, and finally give the conditions of discipleship and the rewards of listening to them. The next section deals with the opposition of Jesus’s teachings and behaviors by the powers of Israel. We hear the parables of Jesus and, frequently the explanation of those parables. There are comparisons of “the kingdom of heaven is like …” which underlines the difference of attitudes of his followers and those in power and his rejection by those he has come to save. The fifth section continues with the building of the kingdom and the building of Jesus’s church on Peter. This includes Jesus’s transfiguration, more healings, more predictions of the passion, and more confrontations with the Pharisees.
The sixth section covers Jesus’s ministry in Judea and his road to Jerusalem. This is focused primarily on the costs of discipleship. Jesus gives more parables but they seem to take a darker turn. He sets an either/or tone in these parables. He speaks of the end times and judgement. Both the Sadducees and the Pharisees become more confrontational; asking questions to trip him up. Jesus responds in kind; in some instances, you can just hear the contempt he has for them all.
The last section is the Passion and Resurrection. Note that in the Gospel of Matthew there is no Ascension. The Gospel ends with Jesus commissioning them to go and teach, preach, and baptize (activities we carry on today!). There are some details that I find interesting in this Gospel. There seems to be a little more compassion for Pilate, we meet Simon the Cyrenian, the aftermath of the death of Jesus is a bit more violent with an earthquake and rising bodies, the centurion and his men acknowledge the divinity of Jesus. Also, we hear of Joseph of Arimathea in this version and Jesus only meets the women who have come to properly prepare the body, none of the disciples, at the resurrection who react with adoration; not fear.
December 7, 2025 — Second Sunday of Advent
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 3 verses 1-12
The Second Sunday of Advent, we have a lesson from John the Baptist calling us to repent and a foreshadowing of Jesus’s coming. John calls the people of God to repentance and preparation. This call continues throughout history to our own time and beyond. We are always called to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus and to continue to repent our own sins.December 14, 2025 — Third Sunday of Advent
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 11 verses 2-11
The Third Sunday of Advent, we continue with a reference to John the Baptist who expected the Messiah to bring God’s judgement but Jesus turned this around by bring healing and forgiveness. Jesus honors John by naming him a prophet. Reminding the people that John was a messenger sent by God. Jesus reminds the crowds that the soft, powerful, rich, important people are in palaces; they are not necessarily the people who are going to be in the Kingdom of God.December 21, 2025 — Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 1 verses 18-25
For the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we get Joseph’s perspective on the pregnant wife! Joseph never speaks in the Gospels yet we understand his role as foster father to Jesus. He is a righteous and compassionate man. He is a protector. He is obedient and accepting to the directions God gives his life. We also get two descriptions of the naming of the child: Jesus which means God Saves and Emmanuel which means God is with us.
December 25, 2025 — Christmas Day Nativity of Our Lord
The Gospel Lesson is from Luke chapter 2 verses 1-20
We hear the story of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke. The angels announce the birth of the Savior to shepherds in the fields. This is the first announcement: to the Jewish people; to the common people. This is where the story of Jesus’ salvation of humanity begins: with the chosen people of God; with the common people; with the workers; with the poor. This is also where we, as His followers, continue the ongoing work of bringing all to Jesus’ love and care.
December 28, 2025 — First Sunday of Christmas
The Gospel Lesson is from Matthew chapter 2 verses 13-23
The last Sunday of December we get the gory part of the birth story (chapter 2) with the flight to Egypt, massacre of the infants, and the return from Egypt. These brief passages that we have heard during Advent are all we really get about the man who was Jesus’ earthly father. We get the idea of a man of great faith and trust in God. It does become a question of our faith and trust in the guidance of God in our own lives.
