Third Sunday After the Epiphany (2020)
Jesus will not withdraw from you to save himself. By going to the cross he was bringing us into his light. When he says this is body and this is my blood it is not to hurt you but to give you the holy spirit so you are more ready to withstand the attack of the devil and not fear to stand in opposition to this evil age.
Second Sunday After the Epiphany (2020)
It’s not that God doesn’t know the thoughts and motivations of your heart but in asking us and these first disciples he is doing two things. First he is asking not for his own knowledge but for us to learn to repent. Second he is asking so that we might proclaim who he is and what he has done.
Second Sunday After Christmas (2020)
When we don’t exactly understand God’s word, rejoice in being a student. Rejoice that Jesus has purified your ignorance by baptism. Rejoice that salvation and the assurance of our salvation does not depend on how good of a student we are but on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. That he was perfect. He earned your place in heaven.
Fourth Sunday in Advent (2019)
Perhaps part of the reason we are so willing to ask for signs from God is because we have a yearning to connect with God in real ways. In a world of uncertainty to have something certain. Something to grab onto, something, if you will to be the object of our faith. What sign would you ask for to tell you, everything is going to be alright?
Third Sunday in Advent (2019)
Rejoice, for your Savior comes to help you now through his word and sacrament. The same Holy Spirit that comforted and carried John in prison and in his mother’s womb comes to you. Not to make you acceptable to the world or help you make excuses, but to make new your hope. To knit you into his holy church. To re-new you in Christ’s baptismal promise of forgiveness.