All posts filed under: Gospels

party on – a reflection on John 2:1-11

January 10, 2013
by rick
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Christology / Epiphany / Eschatology / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Religion / Year C

The following is a reflection on John 2:1-11, the Gospel lesson appointed for Epiphany 2C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. In the 25th chapter of Isaiah we find a beautiful vision of what happens when God’s victory is made manifest: On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoplesa feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. A feast. Rich […]

beloved – a reflection on Luke 3:15-17,21-22

January 7, 2013
by rick
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Christology / Creation / Epiphany / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, the Gospel lesson for the first Sunday after the Epiphany Year C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’ Of course this incredible Divine statement is made in the context of Jesus being baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. But, it’s also important to keep reading on for a verse or two. For […]

let the parade go on – a reflection on Epiphany

December 31, 2012
by rick
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Epiphany / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Religion

The following is a reflection on the Feast of the Epiphany, and Matthew 2:1-12 in particular. My wife and I saw the new James Bond movie the other day. It was a wonderful little distraction before entering into the maelstrom of Christmas Eve. We’ve always loved the James Bond movies—in fact one of our first “dates” was watching a Bond marathon. The villain in the new movie, Skyfall, is quite a man to behold. He’s […]

a winnowing fork in the road – a reflection on Luke 3:7-18

December 3, 2012
by rick
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Advent / Gospels / Lectionary / Major Prophets / New Testament / Religion / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 3:7-18, the Gospel lesson for Advent 3C, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. This reflection is a selection from my book Going to Hell, Getting Saved. There’s a fantastic scene in the third chapter of the Gospel of Luke where we’re introduced to the wild-eyed prophet John the Baptist.

sin at yuletide – a reflection on Advent 2C

November 28, 2012
by rick
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Advent / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Soteriology / Year C

The following is a reflection on Luke 1: 68-79 and Luke 3:1-6, the canticle and the Gospel lesson properly appointed for Advent 2C according to the Revised Common Lectionary. Most people don’t ever want to talk about “sins.” At least not their own. (Other people’s sins are always fair game for in-depth discussion, but that’s another story entirely.) The only things that might be able to drive the repulsion of “sin talk” even further out-of-bounds are […]

power without power – a reflection on Christ the King Sunday, Year B

November 14, 2012
by rick
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Christology / Current Affairs / Eschatology / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Theology / Year B

A reflection on Christ the King Sunday, especially for year B of the Revised Common Lectionary. Pope Pius XI inaugurated Christ the King Sunday in 1925, when the authority of the church was evidently waning in the world. Of course nearly ninety years later, the “authority” of the church—or even just the “place” of the church—in the world is almost laughable. We are all but irrelevant in the power structures of the community of nations. […]

who stinketh? – a reflection on John 11:32-44

October 23, 2012
by rick
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Christology / Easter / Gospels / Lectionary / New Testament / Year B

The following is a reflection on John 11:32-44, the Gospel Lesson for All Saints B, according to the Revised Common Lectionary. There is also a Litany for All Saints Day on this site here. While I don’t use the King James Version of the Bible often, I do happen to love its rendering of the raising of Lazarus. Jesus, after weeping and being emotionally moved, commands those around him to open Lazarus’ tomb. There’s instant […]