Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6 - We are the pathway being smoothed and readied for the coming Kingdom of God.

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 22:25-36 - Apocalypticism is often misunderstood. The point of it is to draw back the curtain to reveal the Kingdom of God and spur us to form our lives more closely to God's reign. Though this is painful, it is ultimately hopeful.

Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44: We are grieving and that is ok, but it is not the final word.

Ruth 1:1-18; Mark 12:28-34 - Ruth is an example of loving God by loving our neighbors. These two commands given by Jesus cannot be separated, so how can we more fully love God and our neighbors.

Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Mark 10:46-52

Isaiah 53:4-12; Mark 10:35-45: What does God require of us?

Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31: What is the next step in discipleship?

Mark 10:2-16 - Jesus speaks to each of us where we are, and there are human realities which lead to divorce, as well as blessings to be found in remarriage.

Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Mark 9:38-50 - Let's recognize that God works in many ways, cultivate our own community, and move toward the Kingdom of God.

Mark 9:30-37 - How do we learn not just to serve the least, but to welcome the least?