Category Archives: Faith

Christmas Eve B: On Them Light Has Shined

Posted on December 23, 2020 by John

The First Reading for Christmas Eve is Isaiah 9:2-7, which starts with this oracle: 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. Here … Continue reading →

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Advent 4 B: Look Up to God And Down on None

Posted on December 16, 2020 by John

The Gospel Lesson for this Sunday is the Annunciation: Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that, though a virgin, she will bear the Son of the Most High God, the Messiah of the lineage of King David (Luke 1:26-38). The Psalm that … Continue reading →

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Pentecost 20A: Used by Trump or by God?

Posted on October 13, 2020 by John

The alternative Old Testament Reading for this Sunday is Isaiah 45:1-7, where the Lord calls up Cyrus to be used as an instrument to subdue nations, strip kings of their robes, and open doors for the returning exiles.   And … Continue reading →

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Trinity Sunday: Put Things (Back) in Order

Posted on June 2, 2020 by John

Things Fall Apart is the title of the powerful 1958 book by the late Nigerian author Chinua Achebe. It tells of the tragic life of a young man, trying to find respect for himself and his family by overcoming what he … Continue reading →

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Easter 6A: What if God did send the virus?

Posted on May 12, 2020 by John

The Psalm for Easter 6 A is Psalm 66. It includes this: 10For you, O God, have tested us; you have tried us as silver is tried. 11You brought us into the net; you laid burdens on our backs; 12you … Continue reading →

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Good Shepherd Sunday

Posted on May 6, 2020 by John

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is, famously, Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel reading for this Sunday is John 10.1-10.   I was asked to provide a video from our sheep farm that would give a little insight as to what … Continue reading →

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Emmaus: The Way of Faith

Posted on April 24, 2020 by John

My wife and I have done herding dog demonstrations with our Border Collies for many years. On those occasions countless people have come up to us, told us that they had some sort of a dog who might have herding … Continue reading →

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Psalm 16: “The Lord is Everything to Me”

Posted on April 18, 2020 by John

Psalm 16 is the prayer that Christians have said in the wake of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a perfect prayer for pandemic times.   This prayer is a meditation taking us deeper and deeper into the … Continue reading →

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Easter: To Rise With the Occasion

Posted on April 8, 2020 by John

The Gospel Reading for Easter Day is John 20.1-18 The reading for this day, obviously, is about the empty tomb and the resurrected Lord speaking to Mary Magdalene and enabling her faith to develop.   I feel compelled by circumstances to … Continue reading →

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Easter Vigil: You Have Only to Keep Still

Posted on April 6, 2020 by John

For a true Easter Vigil service a great many Bible passages are suggested and appointed to lead us up to the glorious drama of the Resurrection.   Besides the Resurrection proclamation, the one required and appointed text is Exodus 14:10-31, … Continue reading →

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