Gospel - John 4:5-42

Abuser, abused; young, old; woman, man – all of us are called into belonging by God. And all of us are called to “a new way to live.”

Gospel - John 3:1-17

Nicodemus goes to Jesus to get answers for his questions and is puzzled by the answers but is changed by his encounter with Jesus.

Gospel - Matthew 4:1-11

“The angels came and waited on Jesus because he did need help. Even Jesus needed messengers from God – which is the definition of “angel” – by the way. He needed messengers from God to get him through the wilderness. He needed holy help as he went through this period of discernment and preparation for the calling that awaited him. He needed help, and God provided.”

Gospel - Matthew 17:1-9

From the beginning of time, God has chosen to appear in the most amazing places, people, and situations. To faithful and unfaithful people God continues to offer again and again a new beginning. Open your eyes and your hearts to receive it.

Gospel - Matthew 5:21-37

“This is the center of the labyrinth that we circle in this life: As we learn our lessons again and again, Jesus guides us to a deeper understanding and experience of love. This is who we are called to be and what we are called to do.

And so, as we live and work and serve and vote and study and play and parent and lead and all the things that all of us do, let us follow the spirit of the law. Let us love.”

Gospel - Matthew 5:13-20

When Jesus tells us we are the salt and light, he is telling us that following him in loving others and giving our hearts to both God and neighbor is the key thing. Our efforts to look good count for nothing, but our genuine service and faithfulness count for everything. It is not what you say, but what you do that pleases God.

Gospel - Matthew 5:1-12

These folks are blessed, even though it sure doesn’t sound like it. They are poor in spirit, mourning, meek, persecuted. And so, they know their need of God. They reach out to God. They notice God. They see the holy around them, even when their lives are full of things that seem so very unholy.

Gospel - Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus called Simon and Andrew and their brothers, he was calling people just like you and me to go fishing for people. We don’t use bait like we would catching fish to eat. We use love, kindness, and compassion to show what Jesus gave to those he met. We don’t need to be overwhelmed because Jesus gives us the strength to follow him and walks with us along the way. We have the good news of God’s forgiveness to share to everyone we meet. Let’s go fishing.

Gospel - John 1:29-42

Look! Here is the person that will save your life and free you from all that binds you!

Here is the one who will serve you with steadiness and self-sacrificing love!

Here is the one who will conquer all that is evil in this world through the mighty power of nonviolence!

Here is the sacrifice to end all sacrifices – the blood that will bring forgiveness and connection to God!

Gospel - Matthew 3:13-17

Just like Jesus was baptized by John in the River Jordan, so we are baptized in the waters and raised to new life. We have a new name that never leaves us – Beloved Child of God.