Dear Jesus, please give us eyes to see, and ears to hear, and hearts to understand your presence in our midst this morning and every day. Amen. So Jesus comes back to his hometown, and, on the Sabbath, began to preach. Here’s what he might have been saying: “The Kingdom of God is here - repent, and believe the good news.” Or according to Luke’s account: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the … [Read more...]
Eucharist
It Is Well With My Soul
“Let us give thanks to you, Lord, for it is right to give our thanks and praise.” Giving Thanks When Things are Good Across the country, people are giving thanks this weekend for all the good things they have been given. We are given a yearly holiday designed to remind us to be thankful, in which we gather with friends or family and eat good food. And it’s generally pretty easy to compile a list of things to be grateful for, ranging from family, friends, and food; to peace, freedom to worship, … [Read more...]
Good Friday Part III: The Finish
“When Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) As he hung there on the cross, that torturous Roman instrument of death, the weight of his body bearing down on those nails that pierced his hands and feet, beaten and bloodied, he inhaled and with his final breath said, “It is finished.” I tell you, this small phrase is so vast and so deep that its treasures will never be exhausted. More was said in this one breath than … [Read more...]