“After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved.” A Spirit in the form…
Today’s New Testament reading from Timothy begins with the author, either Paul of Tarsus or one of his followers, asking “that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.” The life witness Paul promotes for disciples differs…
Spending time this Advent with Mary, and women in general, we can discover women are powerful. We would not know that power from today’s Old Testament reading. It promotes atonement, meaning it promotes “sin” and “guilt.” The Gospel reading does not promote atonement but does address it with John in the desert. He proclaims…