This Sunday the lectionary invites us to consider two passages. They are verses 1-6 and 16-21 in chapter 6 of Matthew. The passages sandwich the prayer which we call “The Lord’s Prayer.” Matthew uses the sandwich technique to emphasize the reason Jesus taught the model prayer. He does this by using the word “hypocrite” in …
Beautiful on the outside, but rotting on the inside Read More »
Over the past week, the air waves have been filled with outrage over a decision of the Pardons Board. Many have asked me for my point of view. Here’s my attempt at an answer. The press statement On February 2, 2024, the Pardons Board put out a statement (attached). It was printed on the letterhead …
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to ponder Mark’s account of the transfiguration of Jesus. The text is in chapter nine, verses 2-9. The word “transfiguration” describes what happened to Jesus when he took three of his disciples up a high mountain. Jesus son of Mary, Jesus of the line of King David, Jesus the …
I can summarize my response in three words. But before I get into that, I have to say I’d like to hear what law enforcement officers, whether police. Immigration, or local council – and lawmakers – think of the movie. Now for my three words of response. The words are: sad, angry, and pleased. First, …
My response to Abang Adik, the movie with rave reviews Read More »
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to reflect on Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, on his acts to liberate many people from diseases and demons, and on the first sign of disconnect between him and his hand-picked disciples. The text is in the gospel according to Mark, chapter one, verses 29-39. As I pointed out …
Did demons ‘get’ Jesus better than his disciples? Read More »
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to ponder a time when Jesus commanded an unclean spirit to leave a man. The text is in the first chapter of the gospel according to Mark, in verses 21 to 28 (Mark 1:21-28). Mark begins his account of the life of Jesus by speaking of John Baptist, a …
This Sunday, the lectionary invites us to discuss a passage which the English Standard Version translation of the Bible breaks into two parts. It supplies the first part with the heading: “Jesus begins his ministry” and the second part with the heading “Jesus calls the first disciples.” The text is in the Gospel of Mark, …
This Sunday the lectionary invites us to discuss the first time Jesus said the words “follow me,” in John’s Gospel. The passage is John 1:43-51. As I explained in my column titled “Jesus, light of the world,” John’s gospel is very different from the other gospels. It begins with a tapestry in which the motifs …
In my last column, I answered the question “Why didn’t Matthew hide the astrologers?” In it, I said that the visit of the astrologers, often called “wise men” or “magi,” awakened “the jealous rage of a crazed ruler.” Here, I’ll expand on that crazed ruler. He’s known to history as Herod the Great. He was …
Click the arrow above to listen to an audio recording of this column. This Saturday, the lectionary invites us to reflect on the passage to which the English Standard Version supplies the title “The Visit of the Wise Men.” It’s found in the Gospel according to Matthew, 2:1-12. Matthew begins his gospel with the words …
