Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks the disciples. And us! “Who do you say that I am?” That question has always touched my heart. When I think of the unconditional love of our God. A love for each and every person. A love for our world. Demonstrated… read more →
Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23; Ephesians 2;4-10; John 3:14-21 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” that we might have eternal life… “God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love He had for us… brought us to life with Christ…By grace you have been saved.” In the middle of… read more →
Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8,19-28 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler What incredible joy Isaiah’s announcements must have brought to the ancient Israelites! After decades in captivity in Babylon. First, as we heard last week, God says “Comfort, oh comfort my people! Tell them their bondage is at an end!” And now, he brings news that one is coming to… read more →
Readings: Isaiah 45:1,4-6; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b; Matthew 22:15-21 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler Wow! There’s a lot to unpack in today’s readings, isn’t there? Isaiah makes a stunning announcement. His hearers must surely have been taken aback! The God of surprises is choosing a pagan king. Yes, a pagan king! Calling him anointed, that is, messiah, for heaven’s sake! Actually, that’s the… read more →
Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler The first time I reflected on these readings, I was overwhelmed with a sense of God’s great love for each of us. This God that Wisdom tells us cares for all. Twice emphasizing that God is lenient. Our psalm sings of a God who is loving and forgiving. Slow… read more →
Readings: Acts 2: 14,22-33; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler Over Easter weekend, a friend lost everything in a house fire. I mean everything! Precious childhood mementos. Passport. Every bit of clothing. Furniture. “It’s only things,” he was quick to say. “No one was hurt.” Perspective is important, isn’t it? Cleopas and companion (possibly his wife —cf John… read more →
Readings: Isaiah 8:23-9:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17; Matthew 4:12-23 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler Have you ever stopped to marvel at this gospel story? To wonder what it was about this encounter with Jesus that prompted four grown men to drop everything instantly? To leave the security of job and family? And embrace a totally unknown future? Not normal. At any level. Normal… read more →
Readings: Sirach 35:15-17,20-22; 2 Timothy 4:6-8.16-18; Luke 18:9-14 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler A famous theologian, commenting on St. Paul’s assertion that the gospel can be a stumbling block, once said that the danger is stumbling over the wrong thing! The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector is a familiar one, isn’t it? So familiar that we often think of… read more →
Readings: Amos 8:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16:1-13 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan-Hetzler The biblical concept of justice is central to our readings today. There, justice involves the external ordering of society. In ways that life is most able to thrive. Justice, reflected in the Law, requires special concern for the powerless: Widows. Orphans. The resident aliens. The needy. And especially, the poor.… read more →
Readings: 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21;Galatians 5:1, 13-18;Luke 9:51-62 Preacher: Deirdre McKiernan Hetzler Today, as we begin following Luke’s story of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem and the cross, we’re invited to reflect on the mystery at the heart of our faith. Who—and whose—are we? Discipleship. Commitment. These are the challenges our readings put before us. Elisha, at first, appears not quite ready.… read more →