Lent 4 · John 3:14-21 · March 22, 2009


Lent 4 · John 3:14-21 · March 22, 2009

By Robert Rosin Although the reading begins with verse 14, the context from the start of the chapter is helpful. Nicodemus, a learned man, an expert in the law, and a leader of the religious community (Sanhedrin), came by night to see Jesus—to see but not be seen. Darkness provided cover, giving Nicodemus hope that ..


Lent 3 · John 2:13-22 · March 15, 2009


Lent 3 · John 2:13-22 · March 15, 2009

By Joel D. Biermann Thoughts from the Text The number of midweek Lenten series with at least one Wednesday devoted to a meditation on the scourge is probably beyond number. “Jesus and the Scourge” is a title that makes sense and you know the basic outline: our innocent Lord is made to suffer excruciating pain ..


Lent 2 · Mark 8:27-38 · March 8, 2009


Lent 2 · Mark 8:27-38 · March 8, 2009

By Travis J. Scholl This second Gospel reading in the season of Lent begins with a significant geographic border-crossing. Jesus has left the friendlier confines of Galilee, heading north to Caesarea Philippi. The name itself suggests the heavy hand of the Roman Empire, and the city was a significant site of pagan worship. Jesus has ..


Lent 1 · Mark 1:9-15 · March 1, 2009


Lent 1 · Mark 1:9-15 · March 1, 2009

By Travis J. Scholl This is the second time in this liturgical year we have encountered Mark’s account of Jesus’ baptism by John. The first was on the Baptism of our Lord, January 11. There, the baptism ends the pericope, preceded by John the baptizer’s ministry in the wilderness. Here, it prefaces Jesus’ own journey ..


Second Sunday after Christmas · Luke 2:40-52 · January 4, 2009


Second Sunday after Christmas · Luke 2:40-52 · January 4, 2009

By Gerhard Bode Liturgical Setting The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday after Christmas again locates Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the Jerusalem temple—twelve years after Jesus’ presentation there as an infant. The boy—Jesus’ return to his “Father’s house” re-identifies him as the promised Messiah in the person of God’s own Son, and anticipates the ..


First Sunday after Christmas · Luke 2:22-40 · December 28, 2008


First Sunday after Christmas · Luke 2:22-40 · December 28, 2008

By Gerhard Bode Liturgical Setting The Gospel reading for the First Sunday after Christmas observes the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple. Textual Comments 2:22-23 After Mary’s forty-day purification is completed, she goes to the temple with Joseph and the infant Jesus. The couple offers sacrifices in keeping with the law, but the centerpiece ..