By Michael J. Redeker Christians are faced with the realities of this world. We cannot escape this. Along with the joys that come from life, we also face the trials and tribulations that come with living in a broken world. These present realities can wear down a Christian’s faith. And some people might abandon the faith altogether because ..
By Michael J. Redeker Ascension Day is fast upon us. In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus assures his disciples that, even though he is leaving them, he will not leave them as orphans. He will send them the helper in the person of the Holy Spirit. The helper will comfort, lead, and guide them in truth. The ..
By Michael J. Redeker To be sure, Paul’s letter to Philemon is about reconciliation between two people. However, if that were all that this letter was about, then Paul’s advice would be no different from what can be found in the secular world. Reconciliation is more than simply exchanging greetings afterwards, keeping up appearances for ..
By Michael Redeker ‘Tis the season when Christians make preparations to celebrate the birth of the Christ child, and there are only a few weeks remaining to do so! This Sunday also marks the beginning of a new church year. As the church celebrates and remembers Christ’s First Advent, Christians also wait in hope for ..
By Michael J. Redeker There are many things that are basic in life. The basics are needed for a person to build on. Learning the ABCs is basic for education. Learning to boil water is a basic for culinary skills. And the great coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, brought his team back ..
by Michael J. Redeker Liturgical Context: This week’s readings answer a question, “Do Gentiles have a part in God’s plan of salvation?” For example, Psalm 67 never tires of announcing YHWH’s blessings upon his people. But this Psalm also proclaims that all nations should recognize him as their judge, provider, and their way of governance ..
by Michael J. Redeker There is famine, poverty, oppression, and unfaithfulness. People live their lives contrary to God’s Word, and he doesn’t even seem to care. Does it really pay to follow God? This is the state of the world today. But this was also the context of Malachi’s ministry. The people were waiting for ..