The Word

quot Cursed rdquo be the one who trusts in human beings ldquo the wicked rdquo are like chaff that the wind drives away and ldquo Woe rdquo to you who are rich and filled now Harsh words for a Sunday in grey February In Luke rsquo s Sermon on the Plain in contrast to Matthew while the po

Rarely are the three Lectionary readings so integrated as they are this Sunday They all portray Gods call though in diverse and dramatic fashion Isaiah the confidant of kings receives Gods call in an overwhelming vision of the Holy One in the temple and responds simply Here I am send me Paul

Todays readings exemplify the diversity of Scripture Jeremiah and Luke express the strong biblical motif of the prophet called by God but opposed and rejected by those to whom he is sent Each reading has overtones of violence Jeremiah is told to gird up his loins that he will be a pillar of iro

In the early church the Epiphany cycle included other manifestations of Jesushis baptism and the wedding at Cana Today rsquo s liturgy focuses on the third manifestation the wedding feast at Cana the first of Jesus rsquo signs that is symbols of the divine power at work in the incarnate Word

The Lectionary continues the theme of the initial manifestations of Jesus The Gospel joins the first words of Luke rsquo s Gospel to Jesus rsquo initial proclamation at Nazareth Luke states that his purpose is to produce a narrative or story in reliance on traditions handed down by eyewitnesses a

The Christmas Epiphany cycle offers a series of windows into the mystery of the birth and manifestation of Jesus rather than a sequential tour through the infancy narratives The already rich fare of the Christmas season was expanded within the last century by the addition of the feast of the Holy

Two years ago on Epiphany eve I was visiting a stellar family with four exuberant little boys ranging in age from 8 to 2 Johnny age 5 and I were looking through the family Christmas cards and he seemed especially fascinated by the varied and elaborate illustrations of the visit of the Magi came

The readings for Christmas midnight Mass are a liturgy in poetry that has shaped Christmas devotion through the ages A mood of joyful surprise runs throughout Upon those who dwell in the land of gloom a light has shone the grace of God has appeared saving all I proclaim to you good news of gre

Luke rsquo s infancy narratives have shaped the Catholic imagination and inspired Christian art through the centuries providing a series of verbal icons as we contemplate again the mystery of the Word made flesh The visit of Mary to Elizabeth from today rsquo s Gospel is often depicted in art wit

For seven years I taught in Nashville which is known not only for its rich musical tradition but also as a place where biblical religion was vital in peoples rsquo lives Riding along one day I saw on a church bulletin board the Sunday sermon announced Repent for the End Is Near The topic for