The night engulfs the day sky, a blanket descending upon the earth. Death looms in the afternoon, the sun retreating its rays, ashamed by the spectacle. On two rough-hewn beams of wood hang a man who transcends our shadows and frees us from our darkness. Final gasping words pierce the gloom, declaring no sin is […]
1 Corinthians 1:26-31: Christ Jesus Stands, Forever Faithful and True
January 29, 2023 by
The fallen world and its coursings confirm this current creation is never far from self-destruction. Disasters push upheaval into our lives. The earth shakes, the heavens rumble, creatures cry, and rivers swell. The wind of change blows a chill. Sturdy trees bend and twist, mere twigs against the storm’s power. Hurricane winds rampage through a […]
Matthew 4:12-25: Where Jesus is Present, the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand
January 24, 2023 by
At the worst of times, a king and his kingdom can be oppressive, a hierarchical arrangement most unwavering. Authority lies in the hands of one man, his word as the nation’s command. Obedient subjects bow to his every decree. The King’s word is final, and any infraction might punish or banish. At its best, a […]
Isaiah 42:1-9: One Word
January 17, 2023 by
God’s ancient seer and prophet, Isaiah, needs no cackle or scream to pronounce justice in the land. In silent strength, a mere breath of a word will do! No clamor or loudness, only a single word, a whisper of truth to fulfill something unheard of in earlier centuries of shouting. From today’s Old Testament text, […]
Matthew 2:1-12: The Fragile World of Herod and the Wise Men
January 9, 2023 by
This morning, we celebrate Epiphany. Into our ears, Matthew paints a palette, vibrant in hue, an intricate tapestry woven together in a sacred narrative. Within a rich text, he shows us a derelict landscape fragmented by dark indiscretions yet still dappled with divinity’s life-giving light. Let’s begin with the fragile realm inside our Gospel reading. […]
Matthew 2:13-23: Herod’s Futile Rage
January 1, 2023 by
The journey began in haste, prompted by an unexpected influx of light and song. Gladsome tidings echo through the countryside as mighty angels appear, heralding Jesus’ arrival as the world’s Savior. So, humble shepherds pay homage to their newborn Lord, falling before Him in worship. Not long after, wise travelers from afar follow the splendor […]
Luke 2:19: Mary Pondered…
December 28, 2022 by
Now are the moments for deep reflection, the hour of contemplation. Linger in the depths of the word “ponder.” Like meditate, though less strenuous, conveying something more suited. Its Latin root, pondus, bespeaks of heaviness, of considering and weighing matters with care, to hold in balance. Thus, “Mary treasured the shepherds’ every word, pondering them […]
Isaiah 7:10-14: The Virgin Shall Be With Child
December 18, 2022 by
An era of maddening war when everything contends this world can only be cruel. The year is 734 BC. The Northern Kingdom of Israel and Syria allied together, shaped by a shared purpose, to overthrow Judah in the South. An unfathomable force—an army of soldiers with weapons blazing and banners flying—assemble for battle. These forces […]
2 Samuel 18:24-33: The Sordid Tale of King David and Prince Absalom
December 16, 2022 by
When an infant enters the world, the parents’ lives turn topsy-turvy. The occasions and energy once spent on their wants and needs go elsewhere, providing for their new child. Devotion and commitment unseen before, rise to offer their baby the best life possible. With time, hard-earned money, and much-needed sleep, mothers and fathers pay to […]
Isaiah 35:1-10: Our Wilderness Desolation into God’s Saving Sanctuary
December 11, 2022 by
The desert, a barren and harsh environment can teach us much. Its keen stillness can supply us with moments of clarity in lives too often swirling with chaos. Unforgiving sun and relentless sands can, likewise, lead us to pause and ponder the struggles we face. So Isaiah does in his prophetic poetry while tapping into […]
