Category Archives: Personal
Mark 1:29-39 — Being pushed and pulled
So Jesus goes to Simon and Andrew’s house. James and John go along. (These four are the only named disciples at this time.) Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law. “He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up.” (A … Continue reading
Epiphany 4: Mark 1:21-28
On the Sabbath Jesus does what most Jewish men do. He goes to the synagogue to read the Torah and Prophets and to pray. This was in Capernaum and he was traveling, presumably with those he had called earlier to … Continue reading
Stuff
“Actually this is just a place for my stuff, ya know? That’s all, a little place for my stuff. That’s all I want, that’s all you need in life, is a little place for your stuff, ya know? I can … Continue reading
Utopia, Optimism, Dystopia
On September 11, 2001, our daughter was seven years old. We all woke up that morning to a horrific “accident” at the World Trade Center. It very quickly became apparent that this was not an accident; it was an attack … Continue reading
Matthew 18: 15-20 — Reconciliation and Forgiveness
When our daughter, Jacquelyn, was in middle school, she was in a rehearsal for a play with other classmates and students. The teacher/director had a sign on the gymnasium door that read, “Do Not Disturb. Practice in Session.” She often … Continue reading
Mt 16: 13-20. Who do you say that I am?
There is much that comes to mind when reflecting on this passage. I tell the candidates that this is the central question of all four gospels. Is it? John does not have Jesus asking the question. Maybe that’s because John’s … Continue reading
Matthew 14: 22-33 — Prayer in Quiet and Prayer in Chaos
This Sunday’s Gospel is the story of Jesus walking on the water (Mt 14: 22-33). The phrase “He dismissed the crowds” is repeated in the first verse. Jesus “made” the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the … Continue reading
John 14: 15-21: If you love me…
John 14: 15-21 is the Gospel pericope for this Sunday, the 6th Sunday of Easter, 2020. “If you love me you will keep my commandments.” So much has been written about this small phrase and so much more can be … Continue reading
Easter 2020
Many have commented that, because of the Covid 19 pandemic, this Easter is unique. Christians have not gathered physically to celebrate and worship. We have not heard the readings together. We have not shared communion. I recommend researching the many … Continue reading
Reflections on the Corona Virus Pandemic
There are a lot of posts “out there” on life in the midst of the current pandemic. I add mine primarily for myself. In the future, I will be able to look back and see how I was at this … Continue reading