| St. Matthew tells us that Joseph was “a righteous man.” In virtually any situation, Joseph did things “by the book.” This time, he knew exactly what he should do and decided to do something else. Courageous or crazy? Yes. A leap of faith is often scary. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 7:10-16; Matthew 1:18-25
| John the Baptizer was in prison (for embarrassing King Herod) and wondering if he’d been wrong about Jesus and the kind of reign the Messiah would bring. Jesus says,“Watch what’s been happening and decide if that is God at work in the world.” John announced, “Justice is coming!!!” Jesus acted out mercy. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11
| Two prophets with the same message: Make a road! Get ready! Isaiah and John the Baptizer warned people that change was coming and to prepare for it. How do you prepare for when family or guests are arriving? How does God prepare us for the King to come? And, for the Kingdom to come? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12
| Almost 2,800 years ago, Isaiah proclaimed that a new way of living is coming. The sculpture at the United Nations was inspired by Isaiah’s vision and serves as a visual mission statement…not just for the UN but for all humanity. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 24:36-44
| Infants learn that mommy (or daddy or doggy) doesn’t cease to exist just because she’s out of sight or hearing. It’s a fundamental learning that allows the human brain to understand time and space relationships. It can also become idolatry foolishness. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Malachi 4:1-2a; Luke 21:5-19
| How do you tell a sinner from a saint? A handy field guide is in the history of the martyrs (St. Stephen, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Joan of Arc, etc.). They were universally seen as enemies of the state and/or the established religion (Martin Luther narrowly escaped becoming a martyr as an enemy of the Church). Wanna be a saint? Being a sinner is a good start. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Job 19:23-27a; Luke 20:27-38
| Jesus tells a story about two people who come to the temple to pray, to present a “spiritual audit” to God. Both tell God the truth. One gives God all the glory. The other gives God nothing and asks for more. God is happier with the grifter than with the giver. Say what? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22; Luke 18:9-14
| Jesus tells a story about a lawsuit brought before a callous judge. The facts are not in question but the character of the judge is. How would you rule? |
Accompanying Scripture:
Genesis 32:22-31; Luke 18:1-8
| In both readings for this Sunday, pride plays a key role in the stories. Both featured characters in the stories had to change the way they looked at the situation… Sometimes, we need to turn our assumptions upside down and let go of our pride to see things clearly. |
Accompanying Scripture:
2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Luke 17:11-19
| Jesus is pretty rough on his friends, accusing them of not having enough faith (trust). If THEY, the ones who walked and talked with him in person didn’t measure up, how do we stand a chance of being worthy servants? Maybe – if we add our faith together – we could move a small plant… or build one. |
Accompanying Scripture:
Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; Luke 17:5-10
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