The ashes we wear each Ash Wednesday are the ashes of our misplaced confidence in our own wishes, the ashes of our choices that take us away from the will of God, and the ashes of our own egos. They are also the ashes of new hope, of rebirth and rejuvenation, of the saving spirit of Jesus Christ, and of the redeeming life God has for us.

The Scripture references are Joel 2:1-2,12-17, Psalm 103:8-14, and 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10. The Gospel reference is Mathew6:1-6,16-21.

The ashes we wear each Ash Wednesday are the ashes of our misplaced confidence in our own wishes, the ashes of our choices that take us away from the will of God, and the ashes of our own egos. They are also the ashes of new hope, of rebirth and rejuvenation, of the saving spirit of Jesus Christ, and of the redeeming life God has for us.

The Scripture references are Joel 2:1-2,12-17, Psalm 103:8-14, and 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10. The Gospel reference is Mathew6:1-6,16-21.

At the Transfiguration Peter, James, and John see the Law and the Prophets - Moses and Elijah - with Jesus on the mountaintop. This melding of the old traditions in a new Word, the Living Word in Christ, changed the disciples forever. Their glimpse of the road ahead, the work yet to be done, was their own transfiguration. When we embrace our baptismal vows and live the life to which we are called we too are transfigured, becoming more and more like the body of Christ.

The Scripture references are Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, and 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.

At the Transfiguration Peter, James, and John see the Law and the Prophets - Moses and Elijah - with Jesus on the mountaintop. This melding of the old traditions in a new Word, the Living Word in Christ, changed the disciples forever. Their glimpse of the road ahead, the work yet to be done, was their own transfiguration. When we embrace our baptismal vows and live the life to which we are called we too are transfigured, becoming more and more like the body of Christ.

The Scripture references are Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, and 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. The Gospel reference is Luke 9:28-36.

How could Joseph ever forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery and telling his father that he was dead? How powerful must that love be to break through the walls of hatred we can build around our hearts? Jesus tells us that we must love, do good to, bless, and pray for those that hate us. It is that love called agapao, the love that is wholly unmotivated by any hope of return, that we are expected to show for those that despise us. That's the point of it all: We are loving not to save their souls, but ours. Once we love like that, fully and wholly with the love God has for us, there is no turning back.

The Scripture references are Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-9, and 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50. The Gospel reference is Luke6:27-38.

How could Joseph ever forgive his brothers for selling him into slavery and telling his father that he was dead? How powerful must that love be to break through the walls of hatred we can build around our hearts? Jesus tells us that we must love, do good to, bless, and pray for those that hate us. It is that love called agapao, the love that is wholly unmotivated by any hope of return, that we are expected to show for those that despise us. That's the point of it all: We are loving not to save their souls, but ours. Once we love like that, fully and wholly with the love God has for us, there is no turning back.

The Scripture references are Genesis 45:3-11, 15, Psalm 37:1-9, and 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50. The Gospel reference is Luke6:27-38.

In the Beatitudes found in the Gospel of Luke, the blessings and the warnings given by Jesus are meant to be considered in the moment, and equally in the future. How then are the poor to be blessed, and rich to be woeful? Our duty as Christians is to trust in God's goodness, and our goal is to be ready to share His love with all who may come into our lives. It is to be ready to listen for God's word, and to be ready to act, for God's grace is enough today and will always be enough.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. The Gospel reference is Luke 6:17-26.

In the Beatitudes found in the Gospel of Luke, the blessings and the warnings given by Jesus are meant to be considered in the moment, and equally in the future. How then are the poor to be blessed, and rich to be woeful? Our duty as Christians is to trust in God's goodness, and our goal is to be ready to share His love with all who may come into our lives. It is to be ready to listen for God's word, and to be ready to act, for God's grace is enough today and will always be enough.

The Scripture references are Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1, and 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. The Gospel reference is Luke 6:17-26.

We are too often too willing to be skeptical of miracles. We explain them away, discount their importance, or don't even take the time to acknowledge them at all. But we live in an age of miracles. Faith is taking the time to see the miracles around us, and to reclaim the wonder at the world we had as children. God is there, waiting for us. Are you ready for a chance to wonder?

The Scripture references are Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 5:1-11.

We are too often too willing to be skeptical of miracles. We explain them away, discount their importance, or don't even take the time to acknowledge them at all. But we live in an age of miracles. Faith is taking the time to see the miracles around us, and to reclaim the wonder at the world we had as children. God is there, waiting for us. Are you ready for a chance to wonder?

The Scripture references are Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 138, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11. The Gospel reference is Luke 5:1-11.