It can perhaps seem a bit out-of-touch to be writing this series on the Church Calendar when there may be more important topics to discuss in our current times. Yet, one of the epiphanies of this Epiphany season might just be how much the Church Lectionary can help us understand the essentials of the Gospel, […]
Tag: Discipleship
On Where to Start
When the rush of Christmas wears off and the realities of the world begin to wear us down again, the Epiphany season of the Church Calendar invites us to revisit the beginning of our faith journey by recalling the significance of baptism. Regardless of denominational differences regarding baptism practices, the meaning of baptism itself does […]
On Hope and Despair
When waiting in the dark for God, there are two companions at our side: hope and despair. One is there to comfort and the other is there to destroy. The story of Jesus’ birth and the season of Advent urge us to have hope when despair is leaning heavily on our spirit, or even threatening […]
On Darkness
This time of year is sometimes called “the season of light” as we light candles and other festive decorations. It is equally though the season of darkness. While this is particularly true in the Northern Hemisphere, it is also true from the lens of Advent. This season of the Church Calendar is about both light […]
On Waiting
The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. For the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day, when we get to finally and fully celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world, the Church Calendar invites us to slow down and wait. During this period, many churches and Christian homes light […]
On Again, Off Again, On Again
My writing behavior on here has always been “on” for a while then “off” for a longer while. Up until recently, I have felt quite guilty about this, especially how my endings are often abrupt and unsettled. Between my various writing phases on this blog, my thinking on the subjects addressed here never stops. The […]
On Maundy Thursday
I’ve come to view Maundy Thursday as one of the most meaningful dates on the Christian calendar for me. It is a day steeped in lessons that seem to become more and more needed in our modern times, where we have become so desensitized to the dehumanization around us and partake in such acts so […]
On Differing Actions
Jesus’ disciples did not fast, while at the same time John the Baptist’s disciples fasted. When asked about this, Jesus explains why his disciples eat and also does not denounce John’s disciples actions. Nor does John denounce Jesus’ disciples behavior. (Mark 2:18-22) The lesson is quite simple: some are called to fast while at the […]
On Needing One Another
Jesus appointed twelve apostles. Did he really need to? As the Son of God, he surely could have just gone about his mission on his own, right? In today’s culture we tend to idolize those who are strong solitary characters that appear to not need anyone else. People who take on the evils of the […]
On Being in the Wilderness
The Lenten journey takes us into the wilderness. This means different things for different people. For some it is a place they are already at and for others it is a foreign place. For all of us, we will find the same two forces at work in the wilderness: Jesus and Satan. The writings of […]
Relevant Reformation 