The only way we can make sense of some readings is to see whether they hold true when compared to others. Another way of saying that is to ask if one text can “prove” the validity of another when held together side-by-side. When Jesus said to...
In the first reading from the Book of Exodus, people offer a pledge of allegiance to God by saying, “Everything that the Lord has spoken we will do.” To recap what the Lord spoke was this, “If you obey my voice and keep my covenant,...
As Lutherans, we profess to believe and also understand some things quite clearly. For one, we believe and understand that following the letter of the law is not only improbable, but impossible. Second, we believe and understand that faith relies on grace. Without grace, which...
I’ve just returned from a conference that mandated hours of silence and listening for what God might say. Maintaining silence while practicing holy listening is known as spiritual contemplation. Like other disciplines, spiritual contemplation requires intentionality and regular exercise. That’s why I have participated in...
According to the Book of Acts, Jesus’ disciples ask the same question many of us ask God in earnest. “Is now the time when you will…? How long will it be until…?” Any of us could easily fill in those blanks. How long will it be...
In the opening of his final discourse, Jesus tells his disciples two things. The first is, “Remember what I’ve told you.” He doesn’t expect them to remember without being reminded that what he has told them is the same as what they’ve always been told:...
The Holy Gospel according to St. John continually makes assertions (bold statements of fact or belief) and also posits (assumes as fact for the sake of argument) the equality of Jesus and God. From his own mouth, Jesus says, “Believe in God, believe also in...
Something Lutherans wholeheartedly believe is that the Holy Spirit is active in our midst. It is she who gathers the church, calls people to worship and inspires them to relate. At the moment of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descends, “all who followed Jesus were...
How to unlearn the fear of being left out or fooled. How to transition from one role or perspective to another based on new information or a change in status. Face the unknown by asking questions in the company of friends.There are many benefits to...
Just for fun, let’s see how Matthew’s account differs with the alternative gospel reading from John. In John, chapter 20, “After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.” Because the stone...