Month: June 2018

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What’s In a Name?

Text: Luke 1:57-80
Date: Nativity of St. John the Baptist + 6/24/18

Many if not most saints’ days on the liturgical calendar are scheduled on the supposed date of their martyrdom, death, or “heavenly birthday.” John the Baptist’s day is different however especially because of his close relationship with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It happens that John’s conception and birth was six months before that of Jesus. So we commemorate him six months before the celebration of Christmas, June 24 before December 24. Continue reading “What’s In a Name?”

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The Planting of the Lord

Text: Mark 4:26-34
Date: Pentecost IV (Proper 06b) + 6/17/18

At first the Word before us today seems to be rather simple. It is about how it is God who breaks into our world and our lives through His Word and plants saving faith in the hearts of those who hear it. It is about how the reign and rule of God’s kingdom is strong enough to save every sinner ultimately delivering us to heaven and eternal life. Continue reading “The Planting of the Lord”

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You Devil

Text: Mark 3:20-35
Date: Pentecost III (Proper 5b) + 6/10/18

One of the main themes of the New Testament Gospels is the necessity of knowing and believing a right identity of Jesus, who He is and what He came to do. It is as Jesus asked His disciples directly, “Who do you say that I am?” When you get it right you hear Jesus’ response to St. Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Mt 16:17). That is, discovering, knowing and believing Jesus’ true identity is only be revealed by God the Father through His Word by the gift of the Holy Spirit, namely, faith in Jesus. Continue reading “You Devil”

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Observe the Sabbath Day

Date: Pentecost II (Proper 4b) + 6/3/18
Text: Dt. 5:12-19/Mark 2:23-28

We begin the long green season of the Church’s Half of the church year counting the Sundays after Pentecost. For that reason we find ourselves back near the beginning this year of Mark’s gospel where we begin our walk through from beginning to end. We do the same with the Epistle lesson hearing the continuous readings this year through 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, James and Hebrews. The Old Testament reading on the other hand is chosen as preparation or commentary on the appointed gospel. These two go together. Continue reading “Observe the Sabbath Day”