In the first thirty-nine chapters of his book, the prophet Isaiah constantly fusses with the people, seeking to get them to conversion, change, reform. In chapter 40 the message shifts: Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her… Read More »
DECEMBER52022
A book a few years ago described the “silent witnesses in the gospels” who step onto the stage without any lines but have a profound impact nonetheless. One example are the men who brought the paralyzed man to Jesus. St. Luke says: When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are… Read More »
DECEMBER42022
You have probably heard the old joke: How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one — but the light bulb has to want to change. Change, conversion, repentance was the theme of the preaching of John the Baptist. John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying,… Read More »
DECEMBER32022
Isaiah paints an idealized portrait of what it will be like when God’s kingdom comes. He uses images from the agricultural world that he knows: abundant rain for the crops, wheat ready for harvest, livestock pasturing in the field, draft animals at work. What do you imagine Isaiah would use as images for God’s kingdom… Read More »
DECEMBER22022
One of the themes of contemporary movies, TV, books and video games is the superhero. Whatever problem is happening the superhero intervenes and makes it all better. The Bible makes it clear that Jesus was not a superhero in that sense. Though others tried to make him one, he consistently shifted the focus of attention.… Read More »
DECEMBER12022
My family likes to take beach vacations. My nephews enjoy building sand castles right at the high tide line. They are very elaborate with moats and walls and towers, decorated with shells, feathers and stones. When the tide comes in they study how things fall apart and try to improve the design the next time.… Read More »
NOVEMBER302022
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me.” St. Matthew begins his account of the public ministry of Jesus with the call of two sets… Read More »
NOVEMBER292022
A contemporary theme in both books and movies is dystopia — that the future is going to be a disaster. The prophet Isaiah has a different vision, a utopia where God’s reign of peace and justice will triumph. There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be… Read More »
NOVEMBER282022
The readings in Advent are geared toward the meaning of the season. We begin with a message of inclusivity. “I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jaco at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.” The “coming” of Jesus we celebrate in… Read More »
NOVEMBER272022
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. In the US this is not something much noticed. The media is focused on the fact that there are only twenty-seven shopping days until Christmas. Even among believers, Advent gets swallowed up in celebrating Christmas. Exhibit A, here at St. James we are going to have our Christmas… Read More »
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