Meditations

Author’s Note: This was originally posted February 24, 2021, when the Genesis text served as the Old Testament reading. There are a few references below to COVID-19, which was raging through the world three years ago. Otherwise, however, I pray this meditation speaks to your world and that of your neighbor. Abraham fell facedown; he…

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel" [Mark 1:14-15, NKJV]. Grace and Peace to each of you this Ash Wednesday. A good friend and colleague has allowed that…

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, …. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to Him! [Mark 9: 2, 7]….

As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she…

The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet [Deuteronomy 18:15]. For a number of years, prior to our migration to Blacknall Presbyterian about four years ago, I had the pleasure of being part of an engaging, devoted men’s study…

And after that, John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, “The time is accomplished, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel” [Mark 1:14-15, Douay-Rheims Bible]. I’m clearly showing my age here, but in 1970, about the time that…

  And the lad Samuel was ministering to the LORD in Eli’s presence, and the word of the LORD was rare in those days, vision was not spread about. And it happened on that day that Eli was lying in his place, his eyes had begun to grow bleary, he could not see. The lamp…

When God began to create heaven and earth, and the earth then was welter and waste and darkness over the deep and God’s breath hovering over the waters, God said, “Let there be light.” And there was light [Genesis 1:1-3, The Hebrew Bible, tr. by Robert Alter]. For those who follow the liturgical calendar, for…

Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too” [Luke 2:34-35]. In this…

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it [Matthew 13:45-46]. When I read the parable that we call “The Pearl of Great Price,” I’m often carried back many years to a Christmas…