4th Sunday after the Epiphany - 1/28/2024

Readings of the day

In the Gospel reading today, Jesus teaches in the Synagogue in Capernaum.  He teaches with a surprising authority, a conviction in his message that surpasses the usual recitation of the scribes.  His authority is so clear that an unclean spirit recognizes him and calls him “the Holy One of God.”  Jesus responds by casting out the spirit, healing and liberating the man.

Recalling that epiphany means “showing forth,” this is the 3rd time in Mark that Jesus’ divine connection and authority are revealed.  First was the thundering voice of God at his baptism.  Second was his compelling invitation to Simon and Andrew to “come and fish for people.” Casting out this unclean spirit reveals Jesus’ healing power, and launches his public ministry.

3rd Sunday after the Epiphany - 01/21/2024

Readings for the day

Jesus comes to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 

Backing up a few verses in Mark, we find Jesus being baptized by his cousin John and the voice of God thundering affirmation of Jesus’ divinity.  The Spirit of God immediately drives Jesus into the wilderness for 40 days of temptation by Satan.  The story in today’s reading immediately follows his time in the wilderness.  

These are the first words of Jesus’ public ministry: “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”  For Mark, this proclamation is the heart of Jesus’ purpose, and the ministry to which he calls his followers.

2nd Sunday after the Epiphany - 01/14/2024

Readings for the day

I listen to the news most mornings while I make my first cup of coffee. One day this week, the first three news headlines were about new attacks by the US military, new fighting in two world conflicts, and the US presidential race, plus on-going news from Gaza and Ukraine, extreme weather across the US and natural disasters worldwide.  I wanted to go back to bed.  It was depressing.

News media headlines stories that get our attention by triggering our fear, anxiety or anger.  Those emotions leave us feeling on edge and empty, and we keep coming back for more news, more details.  If news outlets only told us joyful and life-affirming stories, we would find ourselves satisfied, and they would have no market.  Instead, they paint an ominous picture of our world, one that easily triggers despair. 

As Christians, living lives rooted in God’s good news, we recognize and name the voices of despair that attempt to drain us of God’s vision for us and for the world.  Which is why a quote from environmentalist and author Paul Hawken captured my attention this week: "Hope only makes sense when it doesn’t make sense to be hopeful."  [1]

1st Sunday after the Epiphany - 01/07/2024

Readings for the day

Almost two decades ago, the United Church of Christ began an identity campaign with the tag line, “God is still speaking,”  It ends with a comma.  It’s not a misprint, but an invitation.  An invitation to hear, to sense, to feel, and to respond to the voice of God speaking here and now.

1st Sunday after Christmas - 12/31/2023

Beloved in Christ, at this Christmastide let it be our joy and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go to Bethlehem and behold this thing that God has done in giving us God’s son, born as a baby in a manger.

Let us listen and reflect on the mystery of God’s love for us that, through this Holy Child, peace has come to us.

Let us join our voices with the angels and sing hymns of praise to the newborn King.

Let us join, in the name of this King and his way of love, with the poor and helpless, the cold and hungry, the sick and lonely, the oppressed and victims of injustice.

And let us pray for ourselves that God would grow in us hearts of love and respect.

Jesus Christ is good news for the poor, release for the captives, recovery of sight for the blind and liberty for those who are oppressed.

Gathering and Bidding Prayer

Christmas Lessons and Carols for Peace and Justice

from the Rev. Rob Voyle