John 11:28-44 Jesus wept. Every fan of Bible trivia knows that this is the shortest verse in the Bible (though not many could tell you it’s John11:35). This morning, I’m going to write about 1000 words on just 2 words: “Jesus wept.” Jesus wept. This is an extraordinary statement. Knowing with Martha that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, knowing that He is fully capable of raising the dead to life, we read that Jesus wept. Let’s... Read more
John 11:17-27 I wonder a lot about how the Gospel comes down to us in particular, pre-packaged forms. I wonder about how it is that certain semi-official versions of the gospel became semi-official versions; about how and when John 3:16 became the verse of the Bible; about how Thomas became merely “Doubting Thomas”; about how faithful Joseph became the forgotten man of Christmas; and about how Mary came to be seen as the true defender of the faith over Martha.... Read more
John 11:1-16 “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” said Believing Thomas (it’s always bothered me that we burden St. Thomas solely with the descriptor “Doubting”). I don’t believe Thomas actually knew what he was saying, but I think I know what it might mean to us. “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” Why would we want to die with Lazarus? Why would we want to die at all? I can think of... Read more
John 10:1-30 – Part III Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, both knows and leads His sheep. But this knowledge (which is love) and this leading (which is love by serving) means that the Good Shepherd also gives His life for the sheep (verse 11 and 15). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, loves His sheep: He loves you more than father, mother, husband, wife love you. Ultimately, He loves you and leads you by being willing to die for you. He gave... Read more
John 10:1-30 – Part II The Good Shepherd not only knows His sheep but also leads them. “He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out his own sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice” (verses 3 and 4). The Good Shepherd must go before His sheep and lead the way because we are wandering sheep who do not know the way (but often presume... Read more
1 Timothy 6:6-21 As we finish the first full week after Lent, continuing in the way of the Cross to meet Jesus at Golgotha on Good Friday that we might meet Him at the empty tomb on Easter Sunday, we hear this morning once again about the need to divest. The rest of the world is telling you how to invest, but God, through St. Paul and through Lent, is telling you to divest. Divest yourself of yourself, empty yourself... Read more
1 Timothy 4 During this season of Lent, on this Ember Friday, we continue the theme of Ember Days and especially that of Lent. “What should I give up for Lent?” That’s the question we often hear. This can become a mere formality, as with any part of the spiritual life, and it can even become flippant. When I lived on Long Island, surrounded by Irish and Italian Roman Catholics (and a few Jews), we... Read more
John 10:1-30 – Part I I’m trying something a little different today. Since I found so much to say about Jesus the Good Shepherd and us as the good sheep, and since the lectionary divides John 10 into several readings, I’m going to write an extended meditation on John 10 over the next 3 lessons, beginning today and concluding on Monday and Tuesday of next week (Lent 2). Sometimes the simplest stories are also the most profound ones. Exhibit A:... Read more
2 Corinthians 4 Today is an Ember Day, Ember Days being days in which we are to focus on fasting and prayer. On this Ember Wednesday, we contemplate our weakness and God’s strength, a truth brought home every time we fast or suffer any kind of deprivation. In this way, Ember Days and 2 Corinthians 4 should be seen as means of coming closer to God by recognizing our own weakness and the necessity of depending on the Lord for... Read more
John 9:24-41 I love the sighted man in John 9: he’s one of my favorite characters in all of the Bible. He’s got guts, he’s got charm, and he knows how to poke disbelievers in Jesus Christ in the eye. He had the kind of irrepressible attitude that all of the rest of us blind men who were healed need to have. I call him the sighted man because that is who he is after he has experienced Jesus Christ:... Read more
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