5th Sunday After Epiphany/Year C Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13]1 Corinthians 15:1-11Luke 5:1-11 Fish are a prominent feature in the Gospel stories about Jesus and his disciples. And I just kept thinking about all the fish stories people make up when bragging about their catch, and all the jokes grandpas and kids tell each other like, What … Continue reading Fisherfolk and a Start-up Ministry That Changed the World
The Presentation of Our LordFeb. 2 2025 Luke 2:22-40 Every culture has traditions and customs surrounding the birth of a baby. In China, Red-dyed eggs and pickled ginger are prepared and shared with family and friends when a baby is one month old to symbolize luck, happiness, and good fortune. In Finland, the new mother … Continue reading The Importance of Rituals and the Inconsequential
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany 1 Corinthians 12:12-31aLuke 4:14-21 Why do you think people come to the church? What is it they are looking for? Why did you come? Why did you stay? After one year of being with this wonderful congregation, I have heard from enough of you to surmise that you came looking … Continue reading The Dignity of Every Human Being
Second Sunday after ChristmasYear C Matt. 2:1-12 Our story today is woven into the season of Christmas, but in our tradition it also marks the Epiphany, the end of the celebration of the Incarnation and the beginning of the revelation of Christ to the world. Made famous by Shakespeare, it is also called the Twelfth … Continue reading The Bright Morning Star
Christmas Eve 2024Year C Luke 2:1-14(15-20) In the name of the God who was, who is, and who is to come. Tonight we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Tonight we light the Christ candle and the Holy Family has been placed in the nativity scene and the baby is laying in a manger. Many of … Continue reading The Incarnation and Microbes
Advent 4, Year CDec. 22, 2024Luke 1:39-45(46-55) We are getting so close to Christmas–but not yet! It’s almost like waiting for the Second Coming of Christ. It’s here, but not fully. And today we encounter two pregnant women, pregnant with sons who will enter the world and turn it on its head, but not quite … Continue reading Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant
25th Sunday After Pentecost Nov. 10, 2024 Baptism Today we are celebrating a baptism. A new life is being dedicated to God, the church, and to us; to say yes to this child’s formation into the mystery of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. Holy Baptism is one of the most important Sacraments of the Church, … Continue reading I Will, With God’s Help
All Saints Sunday Nov. 3, 2024 Isaiah 25:6-9Revelation 21:1-6aJohn 11:32-44 It’s the beginning of November already and we are celebrating All Saints Day Sunday today. Really we are combining the three-day historical tradition of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints, and All Souls. In many Western Christian countries we remember our loved ones who have died … Continue reading What Makes a Saint
22nd Sunday after Pentecost Proper 24 Oct. 20, 2024 Have you ever had a harrowing experience where you were injured or barely escaped death? Let’s say a car accident or a natural disaster like a hurricane? Imagine finally making it home to tell the tale to your loved ones hoping for sympathy and concern only … Continue reading The Cup We Drink From
21st Sunday after PentecostYear B Mark 10:17-31 When you were a child (or maybe an adult!), did you ever climb up a tree or go rock climbing only to find yourself stuck and unable to get back down to safety? I can recall a time when I went river rafting. It was high water season … Continue reading Clinging
Magdalena's Musings 