Trinity XII- Mark 7:31-37

The Gospel for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity is from Mark 7:31-37. Like the collect for the day, it emphasizes divine mercy and grace. It is a miracle of the healing of a deaf-mute. This miracle takes place in the Decapolis, a region east of the Jordan. In the first century, this region had both Jewish and pagan Greek-speaking inhabitants. This circumstance points to the significance of Christ's ministry for all people. The healing of a deaf-mute of unspecified national origin suggests that divine grace is for all peoples. This healing also points to Christ's fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 35:5 and Ezekiel 24:27). So this fairly simple Gospel passage points to two profound themes: 1) the universality of divine mercy and grace, and 2) the arrival of the Messianic kingdom in the person of Jesus Christ.

Trinity V- Luke 5:1-11

 The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity is Luke's account of the call of some of the apostles (Luke 5:1-11). Several Galilean fishermen had a poor night of fishing, and Jesus guided them to a great catch.  Jesus uses this encounter to call the fishermen to follow Him. The great catch of fish becomes a call to catch people for the kingdom of God. It is a call for commitment and a challenge to have faith..

The miraculous catch of fish still applies to us. It reminds us that Jesus Christ is the holy Lord of creation who still works in amazing and surprising ways. The miracle is a call to discipleship and  the ministry of gathering people for the kingdom of God. We have a vocation to follow Jesus in all things and to share in His mission of seeking people for God's kingdom. The specifics vary according to our personal situations and talents, but all of us are asked to contribute to Christ's mission. Like those Galilean fishermen, despite our fears and hesitations, let us respond in faith.

Trinity XXI- John 4:46-54

 The Gospel for the Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity is from John 4:46-54 and is the second Galilean miracle in St. John's account. A "nobleman" or "official" wants Jesus to come and heal his critically ill son. Our Lord does not agree to come. Instead, He comments on the popular desire for outward signs and assures the man that his son will live. 

This account serves as an important comment on God's healing power at work in Jesus Christ. All too often, the human mind likes to say that God always works in certain ways. Of course, certain divine characteristics remain constant. God is always loving, holy, powerful, and merciful. Yet, God's redeeming and healing power and grace work through Jesus Christ in a variety of ways. Sometimes, Jesus heals a person in His immediate presence; sometimes, He heals a person at some distance. Jesus may or may not have a conversation with the person. On occasion, Jesus utters a declaration of forgiveness of sin. He may touch the person who is healed, or, as in this story, there may be a simple word from Jesus indicating that the prayer is answered. This variety of approaches is a reminder that God in Christ can use diverse means to express His power and grace. Thus, we need a faith that trusts in Christ to work in the way He chooses for our healing and redemption!

Epiphany III- John 2:1-11

 The Gospel for the Third Sunday after Epiphany(in the 1928 BCP) is the account of the miracle of the water turned into wine  (John 2:1-11). This story has several associations. One point is that Christ graced the wedding with His presence and blessing, and there are times when we do well to focus on that connection. However, the central point of the story in John's Gospel, especially at this time in the church year, lies elsewhere.

The key issue is Christ's action and His disciples' response to Him. The miracle is a sign of who Jesus is. He is God's anointed, and He is Lord over creation. He transforms the purification waters of the Mosaic covenant into the best wine of the new covenant. He manifests His glory, "and His disciples believed in Him" (John 2:11). 

Although the disciples are slow to grow in faith, here they make an appropriate response. They see that God is working through Jesus in a unique way. The disciples respond in faith to this epiphany or manifestation of divine glory. May we also respond to such signs by faith in Christ!

Trinity XXI- John 4:46-54

The Gospel for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity comes from John 4:46-54.  A "nobleman" or "official" wants Jesus to come and heal his critically ill son. Perhaps surprisingly, our Lord does not agree to come. Instead, He comments on the excessive popular desire for outward signs and assures the man that his son will be healed and live. 

There are many different ways that God's healing power and grace work through Jesus Christ.  On this occasion, our Lord makes a striking point. He notes the excessive human dependence on signs and wonders. Of course, Jesus Christ does perform many signs and wonders, and they are a real and important expression of His work. However, human beings have tendencies to become too focused on dramatic externals and to ignore the underlying essentials: the power of the divine word and the response of faith. In this healing, there is simply a word from Jesus, a declaration that the father's prayer for his son is answered.  To this word, the official responds in faith. This encounter serves to teach us that God in Christ can use various means to reach out in His grace. And sometimes, as in this case, we simply need to have faith in Christ and His word.

 

Trinity V- Luke 5: 1-11

The Gospel for this Sunday is Luke's account of the call of some of the apostles (Luke 5:1-11). It shows that the Galilean fishermen had a poor night of fishing and that Jesus guided them to a great catch. The example of Simon Peter is emphasized. As in several gospel episodes, Peter is very emotional. He is amazed and frightened because of Jesus' powerful miracle. Peter wants to run away, but Jesus uses this encounter to call Peter and others to follow Him. The great catch of fish becomes symbolic of the call to catch people for the kingdom of God. It becomes a moment of choice, a call for commitment, a challenge to have faith..

The miraculous catch of fish still applies to potential followers of Jesus. It shows us that Jesus Christ is the holy Lord of creation who still works in amazing and surprising ways. The miracle is a call for us to be disciples, and it points to Jesus' ministry of gathering people for the kingdom of God. Like Peter and the other fishermen, we have a vocation. We are called to follow Jesus in all things and to share in His mission of seeking people for God's kingdom. The specifics vary according to our personal gifts and circumstances, but all are asked to contribute to Christ's mission. We are asked to accept Christ's call and have faith in His redemptive mission for us and for others.

Epiphany III- John 2

 As noted previously, the 1928 American Book of Common Prayer made changes in the traditional English Gospel selections during the Epiphany season in order to include a passage on Christ's Baptism for the Second Sunday after Epiphany. Thus, for the Third Sunday after Epiphany, the 1928 BCP has the Gospel that the English and Canadian Prayer Books have on Epiphany II- the miracle of the water into wine (St. John 2:1-11).

This miracle story has several meanings. One approach is to focus on the divergent responses to this manifestation of Christ's power. 1) The majority of people at the wedding in Cana were oblivious to the miracle. Although they enjoyed the wine, they did not notice that divine power was at work in Jesus. 2) The servants of the host saw what Jesus did and were merely amazed. The miracle was just a little surprise during their daily work, a surprise that was not really meaningful to them. 3) Christ's disciples saw what He did, "and His disciples believed on Him" (John 2:11). Their faith in Jesus would slowly develop over time, but faith was already growing.

To this day, these three basic human responses to God's work in Jesus Christ continue. Most people benefit from God's gifts without noticing anything. A few, like the servants at the wedding, have moments of amazement, but they do not come to faith. Only the few who follow Jesus and believe in Him grow in faith. Even though disciples have limited insight, they respond in faith and grow in understanding. May the same be true for all of us!

Trinity VII- Feeding the Four Thousand- Mark 8:1-9

Food and eating are common themes in human life and in Holy Scripture. The Gospel for this Seventh Sunday after Trinity is the miracle of Jesus Feeding the Four Thousand from Mark 8:1-9. This account may seem more familiar than it really is because a similar Feeding of the 5000 occurs in all four Gospels. So let us highlight a few details in this account. 

As is the case in many New Testament miracles, we see that our Lord is moved with compassion. Besides having a general concern for human need, Jesus cares for particular people in particular circumstances. The  people in this account have shown interest in Christ's spiritual message and have come out into an unsettled area to hear the Gospel. Any food they brought is gone, and Christ is concerned that they return home safely.

We should also note the location. It happens in the Decapolis, a predominately Gentile region beyond the Sea of Galilee. So the crowd that listens to Jesus is probably a mixture of Jews and Gentiles. While Jesus’ earthly ministry focused on the Jews, this is one of several examples where He also ministers to Gentiles.

In addition to these details, let us highlight two points. Point 1) - This physical miracle has spiritual and symbolic importance. The meal Jesus provides points toward the Messianic kingdom of God. People from various places and backgrounds come together, grow in faith, and are fed by God and His Christ. They are fed from seven loaves, and there are seven baskets of food remaining. Seven is a biblical number representing fullness or completeness. This means that Jesus the Messiah brings fulfillment or completion. Those who follow Him may not always have lavish feasting, but they do receive good, satisfying, and strengthening nourishment.

Point 2) – The miracle of Feeding 4000 teaches us what Jesus Christ continues to do for people from all sorts of backgrounds. He provides us bread from heaven. He Himself is the very bread of life. He provides us the bread that nourishes, strengthens, and satisfies our souls. He meets our deepest needs as spiritual and moral beings. He feeds us through Word and Sacrament. Whenever we are open to His Word in Scripture and His Presence in the Eucharist, He offers us forgiveness, grace, and renewed strength to follow Him. Thanks be to God for His Son Jesus Christ, the living bread from heaven!

Epiphany III- The Wedding at Cana- John 2:1-11

 In the 1928 BCP, the Gospel for the Third Sunday after Epiphany is from St. John 2:1-11. (In the 1549, 1662, and 1962 Canadian Prayer Books, this reading is for Epiphany II).  Like other Epiphany readings, it has the theme of epiphany or manifestation.  The story of Jesus turning water into wine is a sign.  This miracle points to Jesus as the Lord of creation who can do things that no one else can. There are also other themes in the passage such as the transformation of traditional Jewish rituals into the "new wine" of the Gospel. There is also the response of the disciples. As John 2:11 concludes, "... his disciples believed on him."

This time, I would focus on another theme related to this Gospel; that is, marriage, The account of the Wedding at Cana is familiar to some because of its mention in the Form of Solemnization of Matrimony. This event, along with other passages of Scripture, is one indication of our Lord's honor for traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Such marriage was established at the creation of humanity, and while our Lord and His followers value celibacy as a way of serving the divine kingdom, it is clear that loyalty within a marriage between one man and one woman is the ideal to be pursued by most human beings. Traditional monogamous marriage is the context in which most people serve God. 

Thus, Christ "adorned and beautified" this holy estate "with His presence and first miracle which He wrought in Cana of Galilee" (1928 BCP, p. 300). In other words, Jesus' presence and the miracle at the wedding are not accidents. Although our Lord is pursuing high spiritual goals, He does not despise an ordinary village wedding. He publically honors the institution of marriage by His presence, and He works behind the scenes to bring joy and blessing to the couple and the community. Likewise, despite the foibles and failings of men and women, we should respect marriage as a holy estate established by God.

Trinity VII- Mark 8:1-9

 The Gospel for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity is from St. Mark 8:1-9. This is one of several gospel accounts of feeding the multitudes (there is similar account in St. Mark 6). In addition to the miracle itself which is a manifestation of Christ's divine power over nature, the story of Christ feeding the 4000 shows us several things about our Lord's earthly mission.  It shows Christ's compassion toward the physical hunger of crowds (8:2). In addition, the setting of this particular feeding is in a Gentile area near Galilee. This fact implies that Christ's compassion extends to all sorts and conditions of humanity.

Furthermore, the context shows that our Lord has a deep concern for spiritual hunger. The people that He feeds physically are those who hunger for His words, His spiritual nourishment. They are people who have followed Jesus out into the countryside and listened to His teachings for three days. They are physically hungry because in the words of the Sermon on the Mount, they "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). So here we see Christ's special mercy for those who seek to follow Him.

Besides telling us about Christ's earthly ministry, our Gospel also teaches us about the continuing mission of the Church.  1) Like our Lord, we should manifest compassion for the basic physical needs of human beings, such as hunger. 2) Christian concern for both physical and spiritual needs is universal. That is, compassion extends to all people. Although compassion is most often expressed in our everyday human contacts, it must extend to anyone that we meet who has a physical or spiritual need.

3) This compassion for human hunger also has spiritual dimensions. Indeed, while it may be less obvious, spiritual hunger is a deeper need. Human beings are designed for fellowship with God. Even when people are not aware of its existence, there is a spiritual hunger in every soul which can only be supplied by Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are all called to point others to Christ who continues to nourish human souls through His Word and His Sacraments.

Easter Day, the Resurrection of our Lord- Mark 16:6; Luke 24:34

 He is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. (St. Mark 16. 6; St. Luke 24. 34)

Some Christians have celebrated Easter so long or so often that they may take it for granted, but we should pause for serious reflection about the Resurrection. We ought to be excited and joyful. Christ's Resurrection should continue to fill us with amazement and awe. It is the greatest manifestation of divine power, the greatest miracle, yet seen in human history. God's new act through Jesus Christ His only Son is truly awe-inspiring. 

Early on a Sunday in the first century,  the crucified Christ rose from the dead. A power greater than any natural forces we know broke into human history. Divine energy transformed the dead body of a defeated Jewish teacher into the glorious body of the Lord of all creation. God overcame sin and death and by raising Jesus, He also offered us new and eternal life. He transformed the Cross, the cruel instrument of shame and painful death into a symbol of new and glorious life. This is the great mystery at the heart of the Christian faith, and it still fills our hearts with awe and with joy. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 128. 24)

Trinity VII- Hungering for Righteousness- Mark 8:1-9

The Gospel for this Sunday from St. Mark 8:1-9 is one of several gospel accounts about Jesus feeding the thousands who came to hear Him (in this case, 4000 people). One can see several points in the account- Christ's miraculous power, His compassion for those in need, and the somewhat ambiguous response of His disciples. However, in re-reading the story this week, I was struck by another point: the identity of the people who received His miraculous act of compassion.

Without a doubt, the compassion of our Lord extends in some ways to all people. He surely cares for all hungry people. But in this instance, the physically hungry are not random human creatures. They are people who have followed Jesus out into the countryside and listened to His teachings for three days. They are physically hungry because in the words of the Sermon on the Mount, they "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matthew 5:6). So here we see Christ's special mercy that nourishes those who seek to follow Him.