This is the final podcast from Cycle B of the Christian Church's Year where we have journeyed with the Gospel of Mark.  This coming Sunday, November 21st is Christ The King Sunday where we bow to our redeemer King.  The Gospel reading is from Mark 13:32-37. Here Mark quotes Jesus who is directing us to be alert and keep awake - to ready ourselves for the second coming of Christ.  Our joys, sorrows, and anxieties often keep us awake.  Knowing we can cast those cares to God and be embraced with the power of Jesus's love certainly removes any distractions. Therefore - be alert, engage Jesus, and stay awake.  

Matthew 5:1-12.    The Beatitudes are read on All Saints Day to affirm that our deeds have ultimate significance. We celebrate the saints – living and dead – who have sacrificed to do the right thing. They, like us, have done deeds that involved sacrifice or have caused suffering, or that nobody pays attention to, and we have done things that seem to be part of losing causes. Jesus tells us that these deeds: mercy, love, peace, mourn the dead, and suffering persecution in my name matter. They matter to Jesus, to us, the world, the kingdom. Be Blest!

The appointed Gospel for Reformation Day is John 8:31-38.   It is the truth that Jesus speaks.  His words abide with us through out our journey. Take these words to heart.   Make Jesus the center of your lives. We need to be freed from the power of sin so we can  live and have our being.   

What blinds us? Are we bold enough to call out to Jesus? In Mark 10:46-52 we hear a story of faith healing. Jesus simply says…what would you have me do for you? Let Jesus work His miracle in you as he did for the blind man. Be persistent, bold and confident in your faith and it will make you well.

Make the paths straight. Repent and prepare for the change that is coming. Invite Jesus into your life and it will never be the same.

Thoughts on the First Week of Advent using Isaiah 64.

November 1 2020 Gospel is Matthew 5:1-12. The Sermon by Jesus begins is radical fashion by upending the social strata of the day. Blessed are...

The Church is always reforming. The power of the Spirit gathers and sanctifies the Church from the heart of Christ. Luther’s symbol puts us in right relationship with God by centering are lives on His saving Grace in Christ Jesus.

The Gospel reading for Sunday, October 18, 2020, continues the engagement between Jesus and the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. This passage is a seeming simple question designed to entrap Jesus. Yet, Jesus is cleaver and provides a clear picture of discipleship and Jewish understanding - God is priority One! It's a good message to hear since we often operate on the belief that God=Country. Honor God by making Him first - always.

Matthew 22:1-14. Please come. When the banquet is set by a king, consider it a privilege. As you live as the chosen people, follow the true King, Jesus Christ. The alternative is disastrous. Make sure everyone knows they are invited as well.