Repentance and Grace
It is the Second Sunday of Advent – preparation in the church’s liturgical year for Christ who has come and is coming. And as it is every year, today’s gospel reading tells of the wild figure of John the Baptist in the desert crying out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”* Repentance […]
Expect the Unexpected
Be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. When I get off the subway at night, and prepare to walk two blocks to our new apartment near the church, I get my keys out in the lighted station and walk with purpose and determination so I don’t invite harassment. Moving […]
Radical Presence
Thanksgiving and Advent are just three days apart this year. So this week’s Gospel reading* of Jesus’ crucifixion serves as unusual, dual preparation. I sense an invitation to deep reflection on the account of Jesus’ death and how it might prepare me this year to engage the upcoming weeks with radical presence. I have taken […]
Coming in the Name of Jesus
When his followers exclaim over the grandeur of the temple at Jerusalem, Jesus foresees the destruction of the city at the hands of the Roman occupying forces and the terrible things that will happen to those who resist their power.* He warns his listeners not to be afraid even when they are betrayed by trusted […]