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!