How are we to have righteousness exceeding that of even some of the most pious and religious people who have ever lived?  What is Jesus really asking of us?

Most religious visions instruct us to obey some law, god, or set of principles in order to live a blessed life.  As Jesus begins his most famous sermon, He begins by blessing those who hear Him, demonstrating that Kingdom who arrival He is announcing operates in a different way.

Our picture of fishing is someone sitting peacefully, apart from the hustle and bustle of life... alone.  But that is not how people fished in Jesus' day.  What does this mean for our understanding of Jesus' call to be "fishers of men?"

All of us are seeking something; it gets us out of bed in the morning and motivates us all day long in the things we do.  What are you seeking?  If you found it, would it satisfy you?

Jesus' ministry made some things clear for His followers, but others remain shrouded in mystery; this is a good thing, for it leads us to contemplate Christ more deeply.  Jesus' baptism is one of the most misunderstood events in His ministry.  What was its meaning?  What does it mean for us?

To what does the Lord call us?  What is our purpose here and now?  Deacon Michael explores this topic as we enter a new decade.

What is the heart of our celebration on Christmas?  As beautiful as the Christ child is, what does His appearance mean for us?  How does this change anything at all for us?

When must we trust God?  How do we know when we are hearing God clearly?  Deacon Michael recounts a very personal history that helps us understand this as we prepare to receive the Christ child.

The message from today's readings is "be prepared."  But prepared for what?  How should we be prepared?  The season of Advent reminds us of the nature of the most important preparation we undertake in this life.

"If you don't toot your own horn, nobody will toot it for you."  This bit of conventional wisdom must have passed Jesus by, for He was always humble.  In fact, on this Christ the King Sunday, we remember Jesus' most abject moment of humiliation, His crucifixion.  When we can look at the crucified Jesus and see God, only then are we beginning to truly understand God.