As we begin the season of Lent, we remember that Jesus has made our rescue and forgiveness possible. Because of the cross, no one is too far from God's grace.
The Transfiguration reveals Jesus as the beloved Son of God and the light that has come to cast out our darkness. As his disciples, we are called to listen to him.
Jesus pronounces those who are poor, hungry, and mourning blessed. In these we see a reflection of our state before God. We are all beggars who can only ask for mercy.
God has gifted his people with gifts by the power of his Spirit, but why has he given us these gifts? Do we get to use them at our discretion and for our glory or does God have something else in mind?
As Jesus goes about teaching in the synagogues, casting out demons, and healing the sick, he puts his divine authority on display. But he also shows that has something to say about every part of his creation.
In Nehemiah 8 and Luke 4 we see two audiences respond very differently when they hear the Word of God. One group is cut to the heart in repentance; the other is ready to throw the Son of God off a cliff. How then do we respond when we hear the Word of God?
In baptism, God has called us each by name and made us his own children. Through the work of Christ, God proclaims that we are his beloved children with whom he is pleased.