“The angel said to the Shepherds, ‘I proclaim to you tidings of great joy to be shared with all people.’” “‘Let this be a sign to you: in a manger you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of angels saying, ‘Glory to God and…
Jesus has been healing people in many villages but not in his own. Locals question why he can’t “do (healing) here in your native place.” Jesus proposes it is their lack of faith. He names two Gentiles from their Old Testament stories who, unlike them, did believe and were healed. “When the people in…
The people are facing many hardships. Upon learning of John the Baptist, they are “filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying” he was not. The Christ “will baptize you with the Spirit.” Do we know how serious are the hardships…
The Old Testament writes that through the warrior Jacob, the War Lord Yahweh, “has delivered his people,” who will exalt at the head of nations.” “I guide them; I will lead” them and the people will walk in his way. The New Testament reading says “every high priest” offers blood “sacrifices for sins.” He…
Some disciples “had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.” In reply, Jesus, “taking a child, placed the child in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.’” However great we imagine we are,…
Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.” “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” Jesus is nourishing people being starved, with food and with wisdom. He is…
People are searching for Jesus. When they find him, Jesus challenges them as to why, “You are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate loaves and were filled.” Jesus challenges them further, to follow his Way, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger.”…
Late into the night disciples are in a boat “being tossed about by the waves.” They see Jesus coming “toward them walking on the sea.” “They were terrified” “and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’” Peter alone asserts he is…
Ancient War Lords always had a master plan. To sanctify their master plan, they invented mirror image Master War Lords, like Yahweh. So it is that Yahweh is described in today’s Old Testament reading as a “master of might” whose plan is for “mastery over all things.” Jesus has no “master” plan for “mastery.”…