We join Jesus this morning at the very outset of his ministry, after temptation in the wilderness. He has begun teaching in his home region of Galilee, and is gathering some early interest. He eventually returns to his hometown of Nazareth, to the synagogue, which literally means “bring together.” The people would come together much as we have this morning. The first half of our service, the liturgy of The Word of God (BCP p. 323 and p. 355), including everything up through exchanging the Peace, is modeled on synagogue worship, which includes prayers, a creed, perhaps sing a Psalm. Someone would read scripture and sermon.

Read More

As we come into this scene of the wedding at Cana, we try to envision it. It’s first century Palestine, so everyone is in robes, tunics and sandals. Suddenly the scene shifts. I can’t help seeing the groom and his groomsmen in patent leather shoes, bright, shiny, patent leather shoes.

Why do people often wear patent leather shoes to a wedding? And how are they called leather? They are plastic. Why the special dresses, the flowers, the centerpieces at the reception, the band or DJ? Clearly a wedding is a big, big deal, whether people have rented tuxedos and patent leather shoes or no one has rented a tux because they own them or because they preferred jeans. Their new life together calls for a party; there is lots to celebrate with family and friends.

Read More

As we step into Luke’s account we are told the people are filled with expectation. They are looking for a hero. There was a problem, the Roman occupation, and they were looking for someone to lead them to set things right with God who would then set things right in the world. They are focused on John because he seems to fit the bill.

People are always looking for a hero. That’s why the biggest movies tend to be hero tales, be it a secret agent or a boy wizard or a Hobbit or a teenager bitten by a radioactive spider. And Spider-Man is popular. When Meg and I went to see the new Spider-Man movie a week before Christmas, the parking lot was strangely full – at the Eagle Ridge Mall. There was a long line. We had to hunt to find reasonably good seats. We’re not used to that. Once I even said to the one other couple in the theater, “Mind if we join you?” There were several moments when the audience cheered loudly. Great fun. Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man became the biggest movie of 2021 despite opening the last week of the year.

Read More