Easter 4 (year A)- John 10:1-10

 An ancient Christian theme, especially during the Easter season, is Christ the Good Shepherd. The Gospel from John 10:1-10 is a key passage for this theme. Our Lord uses common biblical images of shepherd and sheep to talk about spiritual realities, and His words offer His disciples both warning and comfort. . The warning is about thieves or rustlers who will attack the flock. These evil people use disguise and surprise to mislead and destroy Christ's sheep. Such thieves and robbers are sharply different from the true shepherd of the sheep. The good shepherd knows his sheep. He cares for them, guides them, and protects them; the sheep also know him and follow him willingly. 

Despite the simple and clear figurative language in this parable, the disciples are slow to understand. So, beginning in John 10:7, Christ tries to get the point across again with more direct interpretation. In His role as a spiritual leader, Jesus is the shepherd and door for God's flock. Other spiritual leaders (such as corrupt Jerusalem priests, Pharisees, and false Messiahs) are thieves and robbers. They are out for themselves. They do not care for the sheep and do not deserve the flock's trust. However, Jesus is drastically different. Because He cares for them and protects their souls, God's sheep, His people, follow Christ. They trust that He leads them into true and abundant spiritual life.

The theme of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd reminds believers about the spiritual dangers of earthly life, but it also points us to the comfort and encouragement of Christ. Our Lord's death and resurrection are the highest expressions of His shepherding. He has died to save us from evil and destruction, and He has risen that we "may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). During the Easter season and throughout our earthly lives, Christians should focus on this message. Jesus Christ is the shepherd who never stops caring for His sheep. We rejoice and continue to give thanks because Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, is "the Shepherd and Guardian of [our] souls" (1 Peter 2:25).

Easter 3 (year A)- Luke 24:13-35

 The Gospel for this Sunday is from Luke 24:13-35, the lovely account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus encountering the risen Christ. This account presents several interesting topics, such as the identity of these disciples, the slowness of the disciples to believe, and the change in Jesus' appearance after His resurrection. All these topics are fascinating.

However, this time, let us focus on two other topics of great theological meaning for us. First, this encounter stresses the Christ-centered message of all Scripture. Directly and indirectly, God's self-revelation and redeeming work are about Jesus. God's work through His only Son, Jesus Christ is at the heart of the biblical message.

Secondly, the disciples recognize the presence of the risen Christ through the breaking of bread. The Lord's Supper, also known as Holy Communion, remains a powerful way in which the living Lord reveals Himself to His followers. In other words, the risen Christ's manifestation on the Emmaus Road demonstrates the enduring significance of both Word and Sacrament for the Christian faith.

Easter 2 (year A)- John 20:19-31

 The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter is John 20:19-31. In this passage, the risen Christ appears to ten apostles, and then a week later, He appears to Thomas as well. When He comes, Jesus blesses the disciples with divine peace. The disciples remain fearful and timid as the risen Lord comes to where they were locked in. He brings greetings in the common Jewish manner, saying “Peace be with you,” in Hebrew shalom alechem. 

This Biblical greeting is more than a hello. It is an implied prayer for God’s peace. Such a prayer for peace has a special meaning in light of Christ’s resurrection. It is a blessing from the risen Lord, who is the embodiment of God’s peace. After all that has happened, the disciples have a special need for peace and assurance.

Christ does not stop with reassuring words. Jesus adds a commission or a call to action. As the heavenly Father has sent Him, likewise Christ sends the apostles (and through them, His whole Church). Jesus brings peace through His resurrection victory over sin and spiritual death, and He asks His disciples to share that peace with others. His followers are to share the message with others. Jesus the Christ is risen and alive, and His peace is to be spread. His followers are to continue His work in the world and share the peace that comes through faith in the crucified and risen Lord.

The resurrection of Jesus is the high point of scriptural teachings on peace. While faith in the risen Lord may contribute to other types of peace, it chiefly offers peace with God. Christ's peace removes fallen human enmity with God; it offers us new eternal life in God’s holy and merciful presence.

Christ’s words to the disciples also point us to our Christian mission in the world. The peace of His resurrection is not some private possession. It is not a secret that we are to keep to ourselves. The risen Christ comes to us in peace and asks us to share the joy of His spiritual peace with others. Of course, ordained ministers have a special role in sharing this divine peace in Word and Sacrament. Nevertheless, the whole Body of Christ, the entire membership of Christ’s Church is involved. All of us are called to witness to God’s peace in Christ Jesus. Despite our human frailty, by grace, we can all share Christ’s peace with the people around us.

Easter Sunday- John 20:1-10

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Holy Week and Good Friday

 Historic calendars and liturgies have provided Scripture readings and prayers for observing Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter morning. Although every congregation is not able to offer public worship every day, hymnals and prayer books have preserved much of ancient Christian tradition for observing the week. There is a variety of readings and prayers from which to choose, and the Gospel accounts of Christ's Passion are central. Keeping our focus on Scripture and this great worship heritage reduces the likelihood of weird, extravagant, or inappropriate observances.

Furthermore, the Reformation modified the old traditions to make them more Christ-centered. Focused on Scripture, we can respect the experiences of Christ's mother without focusing our devotion on her. We can contemplate the way of the Cross without depending on medieval legends. We can honor the Cross without letting extreme sentimentality or superstitious practices dominate. Thanks be to God for such a Gospel-centered heritage!

The First Day of Lent or Ash Wednesday- Matthew 6:6,16-21

 Scripture, in general and our readings today in particular, point to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season is found in Scripture, especially in today's Gospel reading from St. Matthew 6. This reading makes it clear that a disciple's attitude in fasting is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical or ostentatious. 

External acts of devotion can be useful. Increasing our prayer time or Bible study is good. Giving up or decreasing some food, drink, entertainment, or purchases can be good reminders and expressions of self-discipline. Giving more money or time to charity is valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. 

However, such externals are the most important thing about Lent; the most important aspects of Lent are remembering what God has done through Jesus Christ and having a humble, faithful attitude.. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So during Lent, let us focus on devotion to God and on greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross.

Epiphany- 6 January- Matthew 2:1-12

Except for Easter and Pentecost, Epiphany on January 6 is probably the oldest Christian feast. In the early Greek-speaking Church, the day was about several of Christ's manifestations- His birth, His Baptism, and the beginning of His public ministry. Later in the Latin churches, the day of Epiphany itself became associated with the coming of the Wise Men. 

For many modern Christians, especially in the US, all that remains of the traditional observance may be wise men in a children's December pageant, a reference in a Christmas carol, or a reading from Matthew 2 in a service of lessons. Nevertheless, Epiphany deserves our attention because of its important theological themes. The Wise Men or Magi represent the coming of the Gentiles or nations to Christ. Their natural human longings and wisdom respond to God's sign in nature and follow the star. Yet, they also need the guidance of the Scripture in order to complete their journey. Finally, when they do find the Holy Child, they do what every person should do. They fall down in adoration or worship, and they offer Him precious gifts.

At Epiphany, may we still seek Christ and be guided by Scripture. May we worship Him and offer Him our best gifts. Now that the worldly celebrations have subsided, Epiphany is an opportunity for quieter and deep devotion and reflection about the coming of our Savior!

Christmas (year A)

 In certain respects, Christmas is the beginning of the Gospel story, which reaches its climax on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There are many passages of Scripture associated with the birth of Jesus. There are Old Testament prophecies and epistle readings. And of course, there are the Gospel accounts from Matthew, Luke, and John. Each of these Gospels has its own beauty and meaning. We might say that Matthew 1-2 focuses on Joseph's perspective, that Luke 1-2 reflects the point of view of the Virgin Mary, and that John 1 emphasizes the timeless theological meaning. 

All these Scriptures complement one another, and the Gospels, in particular, provide believers with the truth we need for meditating on the significance of Christ's Birth. Many of us recall lovely childhood Nativity pageants, but adults need to move beyond that level. The Scriptures point us to deeper nourishment for the heart, mind, and soul. Scripture teaches us the truth that Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, "came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man" for us and for our salvation (Nicene Creed). 

In other words, Scripture teaches us that Christmas is about more than a family festival or the birthday of a great man; it is about our eternal salvation. Faith in Christ our Savior is where we need to focus our attention. Of course, we should have faith in Him every day, but we need a special time of emphasis on His Incarnation. We need more than a few moments on Christmas Eve, and church tradition suggests at least for twelve days. Meditating on the meaning of Jesus' Birth at this time can help us better appreciate the entire Gospel message as we move through the church year. 

Prayers and wishes for a blessed and meaningful Christmas!

Advent 1 (year A)- Matthew 24:29-44

 This Sunday, the first Sunday in Advent, marks the beginning of a new church year. As many people are aware, the word Advent is derived from a Latin root meaning "to come." The readings for this Sunday all point to the coming of Christ and His kingdom. Each selection refers to some of the varied ways that God comes among His people.

The Gospel from Matthew 24:29-44 looks to Christ's future return for the last judgment. No one knows exactly when this will take place; so, our Lord exhorts us to be ready always. Advent is a special time for us to focus on our spiritual preparations to meet Christ both in our present life and at the end of history. We need to keep our lives centered on faith, Christ's teachings, and live as God expects. We must repent and seek renewal in thought, word, and deed.

Christ the King (year C)- Luke 23:27-43

  Many Christians designate the last Sunday of the church calendar as Christ the King Sunday. Although this observance is recent in liturgical history, the Holy Scriptures are filled with references to Christ's kingship. In addition, since ancient times, Christians have often spoken of the three offices or functions of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King. Indeed, the very term Christ or Messiah refers to one who is anointed as king of God's people.

The Gospel from Luke 23:27-43 is set at the crucifixion of Jesus. In the account of the Passion, there are repeated references to His kingship. Jesus is crucified under the superscription Jesus Christ King of the Jews, but we must be perceptive in understanding His kingship. He does not meet worldly expectations of a forceful human king. He is not an obvious earthly king because His kingdom is spiritual. He is a ruler of hearts, minds, and souls. The penitent thief on a cross beside Jesus understands this spiritual dimension, and he asks to be included in Christ's kingdom. Jesus replies with the promise that the faithful penitent will be included in the heavenly kingdom. May we also understand and accept Jesus' spiritual kingship in our lives!