Jesus tells His disciples to keep awake for they don't know when the Lord is coming. That can be tough to swallow, because it feels like this waiting is getting on and on and I'm not very patient. Thankfully, none of this is up to us, other than watchfulness. 

Apologies to those of you who are familiar with Neil Sedaka's song, "Breaking Up is Hard to Do." You didn't ask for that earworm, yet here it is.

From Genesis 32, we hear the story of Jacob's encounter with an unknown figure, but we can only presume is God's messenger or God's very self. It's a story of struggle, reconciliation and accountability that takes place at a pivotal moment in Jacob's life. Jacob comes away changed by the encounter, but also as a blessing to a whole people. We too, struggle with God in different ways, but when we do, we come away changed as well.

Jesus talks to the disciples about the depth and breadth of what it means to follow Him. It means we are freed in Christ and at the same time, bound to serve our neighbors. Increase our faith indeed.

Moses addresses the Israelites at a critical juncture in the book of Deuteronomy. Jesus challenges his disciples by telling them of the cost of discipleship. Decisions are part of life, but perhaps most crucial is who we are making these decisions for.

We're back, and this past Sunday focused on the 14th chapter of Luke's Gospel where Jesus encounters the Pharisees yet again. Jesus gives some unsolicited advice to the guests and host about table manners. Perhaps it's a deeper discussion than mere etiquette where Jesus is inviting them and us to be transformed by meeting Jesus.

Hey hey! It's another episode of the podcast and today we chat about Jesus feeding the 5000 (even women and children!) from the 14th chapter of Matthew's Gospel. Jesus has compassion on the gathered masses and recruits the disciples to help feed them all. The miracles of new life happen every day. In Christ, God opens our eyes to see them and we can't help but be a part of it.

Hey hey! It's the 9th Sunday after Pentecost and it's been awhile but we're back with another edition of O, Wounded Head Now Sacred. Here's some things I'm thinking about for this coming Sunday. Stay cool and hydrated!

In Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in the Gospel according to John, He makes a few petitions to God on behalf of the disciples, and in this episode, I focus on the one petition that seems a little inconceivable (and yes, Princess Bride fans, I know what that word means). Jesus prays that "they might be one" or for unity. Is this mere high hopes or is it a challenge for how those who follow in Jesus' way are expected to live as the heirs of eternal life? I probably just  answered my own question. Enjoy!

Thanks always to Larry Olson and Dakota Road Music for allowing us to use their music!

A GPS map can only do so much. Sometimes when we're stuck in the middle, it's important to know where we're going so we can better navigate the inevitable things that throw us off course. Jesus gives us a clue in the Gospel of John as to what this might look like.

John 14:1-14

Jesus shows up to 2 disciples on their way to Emmaus on Easter Day. Jesus takes the route of asking the question of the now classic 4 Non-Blondes song, "What's up?"  from 1992. An even older reference could be Bugs Bunny's catchphrase, "What's up, doc?" Either way, Jesus gets them to  share their story and Jesus shares His which eventually leads to a new way of seeing and living for these 2 disciples.

Luke 24

4 Non-Blondes

Bugs Bunny

Side note: apparently "What's Up, Doc" is also a  movie from 1972 starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal but I didn't watch it.

HWH3