With his disciples, Jesus has addressed the issues of preparation and readiness and has made it clear that there is no peace without conflict. He wishes the fire that both destroys...

Luke’s Gospel begins with a glorious account of Jesus’ birth. The angels bring a message of peace on earth. So Jesus’ question comes as a shock: “Do you think I have...

The vintager sings of the vineyard as a place that is dearly loved. He has done everything possible to produce a sweet crop, but the vineyard produces only wild grapes. God...

Walk with me through the vineyard. We stroll between the vines in the early morning sunlight. The vintager has worked hard, caring for this land that he loves, doing all he...

Jesus instructs his disciples to “sell your possessions and give alms” and goes on to observe that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Speculation abounds as to...

Messages of fear fill our world: fear of violence, disease, financial ruin, or simply being out of fashion. Often the message of the faith community gets lost in our fear of...

We are called to believe in God, and Abraham is the quintessential exemplar of such faith. He believed God’s promises related to an as-yet-undisclosed land, an unborn heir, and an unfulfilled...

How does God communicate with you? I have had a few “mountaintop” experiences on retreat or after a time of intense prayer, meditation, and holy conversation. But most of us encounter...

In these verses, the psalmist steps aside and God comes to testify against the people. As in Isaiah’s time, worship has become a time to glorify self. The people misunderstand sacrifice;...

Enough! A popular worship video a few years ago titled Me Church carried the tagline “where it’s all about you.” The video promises would-be attenders that the church service won’t start...