When Jesus heard the news of John’s death, Jesus withdrew in a boat to a deserted place. (Matthew 14) The Gospel of Luke begins in the Temple with John the Baptist’s Father, Zechariah, standing before the altar making that day’s incense offering for the nation. As the fragrant smoke fills the Temple, Zechariah has a […]
Tag Archives: Jesus
Dear Belmonters, On Saturday, February 28, President Trump began a war with Iran. On Sunday, March 1, as we came to the Lord’s Table, I paused and read selections about War and Military Service from our 2024 United Methodist Church Discipline’s Social Principles. “The church deplores war and all other forms of violent conflict and […]
Belmont orders our calendar around the rhythms of Christian Year and today is the first Sunday of Lent. As Advent prepares us for Christmas, Lent readies us for Easter. Lent is often about subtraction: self-denial, sacrifice, giving something up, and stepping out of the ordinary. Lent arrives unadorned. Do you have a box of Lenten […]
When was the last time something happened that took your breath away, made you long to linger, or drove you to snap a photo or buy a T-shirt just to stay in the moment? I am not sure why, but I think my mother could practise being “present”, she could see God in her grandchildren […]
Sometimes when I’m walking through Thompson Hall on a Wednesday night I stop and listen as the choir warms up. So I asked Matt, “why do choirs warm up, what does warming up do for the choir?” This morning I sat and listened as the Nordic Choir, from Luther College, warmed up. Rev. Dr Matt […]
Mary, Your mother, prophesiedGod is Holy,showing mercy to everyone.God scatters the proud,pulling down arrogant thrones,feeding the hungry,and lifting up the lowly. Zechariah, Your uncle, prophesiedGod is merciful,saving us from those who hate us,rescuing us from our enemies,so that we can serve God without fear.God’s deep compassion breaks upon us like dawn,God’s mercy lights our path,God’s […]
When Lewis began playing organized soccer, I found myself coaching a gaggle of 4 and 5 year olds. I ordered “The Baffled Parents Guide to Coaching Soccer.” Chapters like “Surviving Your First Practice”, and “Make It Fun and Rewarding” inspired me. We had a great season. Assigned purple jerseys, we voted to be the Purple […]
Luke’s gospel opens with a portrait of community, with stories of Jesus’ extended family. Zechariah was a lay priest, working a trade or farming most weeks, but serving four weeks in the Jerusalem Temple. There were thousands of priests, so Zechariah might have served his whole life without ever getting the privilege of lighting the […]
Lewis, our firstborn, was 13 months old when we traveled to Nashville for the Conference’s big Youth Event: Warmth in Winter. On Saturday night Lewis’s temperature suddenly spiked and we rushed to the emergency room. With medicine, an IV, and reassurance we were admitted to Vanderbilt Children’s. The in-room crib looked like it could coral […]
If we were appointed a taskforce to write a holy book- I doubt we would write anything like the Bible. I imagine we might begin with a glossary defining terms like Adoration, Belief, Creator and Christ. We might list helpful practices, add some rules or commandments. Instead of creeds and rules, the Bible is full […]
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