Faithful Conversations #101

Introduction to readers

Finley Peter Dunne
(1867-1936)
Vanity Fair, 27 July 1905

The preacher’s role is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. This saying was one of my father’s favorites and has been on my mind while exploring Sunday’s gospel reading from Luke. I found out that muckraking journalist Finley Peter Dunne, who created the character “Mr. Dooley,” often gets credit for this paradoxical phrase. His original quote was, The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable, which has since been adapted to other contexts, including sermons.  Let’s think about those key words. Afflict comes from a Latin meaning “to knock down causing pain or distress,” while comfort also has Latin roots, via Old French, meaning “to strengthen greatly and provide relief from distress.” This dual role is the delicate balance that preachers must maintain. As a sidebar, I would add that as I have been exploring the life and writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer in recent weeks, I have felt both afflicted and comforted, so there’s that. More on that later in the blog. 

Thanks for your visit to this space again this week! My reflections will focus on the story of Jesus’ return to Nazareth at the start of his ministry (a continuation from last week), with references to 1 Corinthians 13. In addition, starting this week and continuing for four weeks, I will be including information related to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, The Cost of Discipleship, corresponding to a study we are doing at ELC in February. 

Finally, a quick word regarding an excellent resource I stumbled on this week. It is simply called BIBLE APP and has some great features — a good reminder of the proliferation of sites available to us in 2025! You might find it useful. 

(Also of note: Sunday marks the day on our church calendar known as the Presentation of Our Lord, and an alternative set of readings are assigned for that commemoration (Malachi 3: 1-4, Psalm 84, Hebrews 2: 14-18, and Luke 2: 22-40). Here is information regarding that, for your interest).   

Readings for 4 Epiphany 
Jeremiah 4: 1-10
Psalm 71: 1-6
1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
Luke 4: 21-30

Common Themes in the Readings for 4 Epiphany
The key themes in the readings for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany revolve around trust, love, and God’s unwavering support. Jeremiah 1:4-10 emphasizes God’s call and equipping for service, highlighting that our perceived inadequacies can be overcome through divine empowerment. Psalm 71:1-6 speaks to God’s consistent presence and protection, encouraging believers to place their trust in God throughout their lives. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 underscores the centrality of love in all actions and relationships, identifying love as the essential expression of faith in practice. In Luke 4:21-30, Jesus’ message of liberation and inclusion challenges believers to embody these values in their lives, even in the face of opposition and rejection, demonstrating that practical theology calls for active and compassionate engagement with the world.

The Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13: The Gift of Love

Saint Paul
Rembrandt (1606-1669)

If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give away all my possessions and if I hand over my body so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. ⁴ Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant ⁵ or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; ⁶ it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. ⁷ It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. ⁹ For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part, ¹⁰ but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. ¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. ¹² For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. ¹³ And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.

The Gospel: Luke 4: 21-30: The Rejection of Jesus in Nazareth 

Jesus Reads from Isaiah

²¹ Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” ²² All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” ²³ He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’ ” ²⁴ And he said, “Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown. ²⁵ But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months and there was a severe famine over all the land, ²⁶ yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. ²⁷ There were also many with a skin disease in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” ²⁸ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. ²⁹ They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. ³⁰ But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

reflection: “the greatest of these is love” 

Verse 21 of Luke 4 is a bridge from the first part of this story from last week. Here’s a quick summary: Jesus is in the synagogue in Nazareth, his hometown. He reads from the scroll of Isaiah and declares that the scripture is fulfilled in their hearing, suggesting that he is the anointed one spoken of by Jewish prophets. At first, the people are amazed at his words. However, when Jesus goes on to remind them that prophets are often rejected in their own hometowns and mentions examples of prophets helping non-Israelites — the widow at Zarephath in Sidon and Naaman the Syrian — the crowd becomes furious. They drive him out of the town and try to throw him off a cliff, but he walks through the crowd and goes on his way.

Jesus’ Rejection in Nazareth

What can we learn from this dramatic shift? The crowd quickly goes from being amazed by Jesus to outright anger. Jesus challenges their understanding of WHO he is, and WHO he came to save, relevant questions for those on the Christian journey. Throughout history, it seems, our Lord has been a Rorschach Test, revealing more about people’s perceptions than the object of observation. Is Jesus a prophet, savior of mankind, friend to sinners, advocate for the poor, political revolutionary, or charlatan? Certainly, our view of Christ often reflects what we want to see in him. It seems to me, we often want a sanitized version of Jesus, one that makes US “feel good.” When Jesus talked about freeing captives and helping the oppressed, his Nazareth friends assumed he meant THEM. But when he included the “others” — downcast outsiders — it angered them so much — took them so far outside their comfort zone — they nearly killed him right then and there! Let that sink in.  What a moment. And, as he walked through the awestruck crowd that day, may we be reminded of the depth of his love for humanity — a love astutely described by Paul in 1 Corinthians. We cannot grasp it fully in this life, but we have the assurance that one day we will. 

** Note: Monday 27 January is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It was on this day 80 years that Auschwitz was liberated. In honor of that, I offer this beautiful prayer from the pen of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.   

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray and to think about you. I cannot do it alone. In me there is darkness, but with you there is light. I am lonely, but you do not leave me. I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help. I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience. I do not understand your ways, but you know the way for me. Restore me to liberty and enable me to live now that I may answer before you and before men. Lord, whatever this day may bring, your name be praised. Amen.

(Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Letters and Papers From Prison. 1951)

Faithful Conversations #100

Introduction to readers

Thomas Wolfe
(1900-1938)

“You can’t go back home to your family, back home to your childhood … back home to a young man’s dreams of glory and of fame … back home to places in the country, back home to the old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting, but which are changing all the time – back home to the escapes of Time and Memory.”

Lodged somewhere in our memory, is the place we consider our hometown. Having lived in three places growing up, I have always been a bit divided on that. The passage cited above comes from Thomas Wolfe’s novel You Can’t Go Home Again, published posthumously in 1940. Wolfe explores the idea that returning to the past, whether it’s to family, childhood, dreams, or familiar places, is impossible because everything is constantly changing. It’s a poignant reflection on the inevitability of change and the passage of time. This week’s Gospel story of Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth and the synagogue of his youth brought to mind Wolfe’s commentary and prompts us to consider this very human and complicated moment in Christ’s journey. I will explore that episode in my reflections this week (we will get part two of the story next week!).    

And some history on the radar this week. On Monday, of course, we will witness the second inauguration of Donald J. Trump as POTUS #47, only the second President in our history to serve disjointed terms (he joins Grover Cleveland with that distinction). Monday is also MLK Day, a federal holiday commemorating the life of Martin Luther King Jr., born on 15 January 1929. In 1967, a year before he was murdered at age 39, King authored, Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community, in which he said these remarkably prophetic words:   This is the great new problem of mankind. We have inherited a large house, a great world house in which we have to live together black and white, Easterner and Westerner, Gentile and Jew, Catholic and Protestant, Moslem and Hindu — a family unduly separated in ideas, culture and interest, who, because we can never again live apart, must learn somehow to live with each other in peace. However deeply American Negroes are caught in the struggle to be at last at home in our homeland of the United Sates, we cannot ignore the larger world house in which we are also dwellers. Equality with whites will not solve the problems of either whites or Negroes if it means equality in a world society stricken by poverty and a universe doomed to extinction by war. All inhabitants of the globe are now neighbors.

Finally, 2025 marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (325 CE), held in the ancient city of Nicaea, (today within the city of İznik in Turkey). This council was called by Roman Emperor Constantine to resolve theological disputes about Jesus Christ and who he was, exactly. The Nicene Creed, one of the three ecumenical creeds, emerged from this council and is a statement of faith honored in the ELCA. (More on this in the prayer reflection below). As always, thanks for navigating this space again this week! The discipline of the Lectionary is a process that helps us make sense of the scriptures. Be patient and trust the process!  

Readings for 3 Epiphany
Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm 19 
1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a
Luke 4: 14-21

Common Themes in the Readings for 3 Epiphany  
Look for the following themes as you work your way through this week’s readings: spiritual renewal, unity, and the power of God’s word. In Nehemiah, the people gather to listen to the reading of the law, emphasizing the transformative power of Scripture to restore and strengthen the community. Psalm 19 speaks to the glory of God’s creation and the life-giving nature of God’s teachings. The passages from 1 Corinthians builds on the reading from last week, further emphasizing the unity of believers in the body of Christ. Finally, Jesus’ return to his hometown in Luke 4 connects to the Nehemiah passage, further solidifying the mission of Jesus, illustrating how God’s call for justice, healing, and salvation is central to both personal and communal life.

The Gospel: Luke 4: 14-21: The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry
¹⁴ Then Jesus, in the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding region. ¹⁵ He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.¹⁶ When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, ¹⁷ and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

²⁰ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. ²¹ Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

reflection: “Jesus, the annointed one”

“Jesus Unrolls the Book”
James Tissot (1836-1902)

Luke’s dramatic account of a brief synagogue encounter offers us yet another epiphany moment in the Jesus narrative. We left Luke’s chronology two weeks ago with the baptism of Jesus. The precursor to this week’s Gospel is the forty days Jesus spent in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1-14). We learn that he fasted for the entire time (he was famished!) and had a series of encounters with Satan who mercilessly tempted him. It’s at that point that Jesus returns to Galilee (verse 14) and news about him spreads through the whole countryside. He teaches in synagogues, and everyone praises him (verse 15). He goes to Nazareth, his hometown, and reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue, proclaiming a passage that speaks of the anointed one bringing good news to the poor and oppressed. After reading, he declares to the astonished listeners that this scripture is fulfilled in their hearing, revealing himself as the Messiah. The story abruptly ends there but has a significant sequel that we will walk through next week.

What should we take away from this revelatory moment in Jesus’ ministry?  Several things come to mind. First, there is a lot of buzz surrounding this young holy man, but the question was in the air: who exactly is this guy? (A central question addressed in the Nicene Creed). Jesus reads from Isaiah 61, explicitly linking his actions and purpose to the prophecies of old. Jesus claims to be the long-awaited Messiah and that his arrival marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to his people. Further, the Isaiah reference reminds me of the power of scripture in our traditions and also brings to mind the Magnificat, Mary’s glorious prayer in response to her role in God’s plan. As Jesus stood in this familiar place, absorbing all the memories of his earlier life, it seems perfectly plausible that he was emotionally connecting with his beautiful mother.   

Second, Jesus captures the essence of his mission in this brief exchange — to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and setting the oppressed free — clear reminders for us when we get tangled up on what the church should be up to in 2025! 

Finally, as mentioned earlier, we are only getting part of the story of Jesus’ homecoming this week, and we know that rejection is just around the corner. We must assume that he understood what was coming, and that brings a hint of sadness into the picture. In a beautifully written essay commenting on this synagogue moment, Pastor Charisee Tucker of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Philadelphia makes the following observation: 

Sometimes home is a place. Sometimes home is a people. Sometimes home has no walls or rooms but holds dreams and imaginings of who we are becoming. For Jesus, as he steps up to read the scroll, home becomes a place of clarity. It isn’t just that he sees the people; he sees himself. And he has the courage and conviction to make what he sees clear as he utters the words, “The Spirt of the Lord is upon me.” When we come home and come home to ourselves, we can see things as they are, for better or worse. For Jesus this means seeing his mission, his community, and even the ways that he no longer follows the expected script of the place from which he came. For us maybe it is allowing what we see in our family, our community or maybe our country to affect us in ways that bring forth clarity and care and transformation. 

These are good words for us to hear on a cold January day. 

For all Christian Churches and Faith Communities, that they may continue to show one another extraordinary kindness in guiding them towards reconciliation and unity in Christ…

For church leaders everywhere during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, that they may work together and promote unity among Christians …

For the Church, that God would inspire God’s people to continue the quest for Christian Unity and that our hearts be filled with the gift of Jesus’ love for all …

For those who participate in the works of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, that they always treat one another with extraordinary kindness seeking the unity that is found in Christ and a true openness to the giftedness found in each other. Amen. 

Source: Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute

And, a musical offering this week in honor of mlk

Martin Luther King, Jr.
(1929-1968)

In keeping with the theme this week, formative years remind us of home, and music often provides the soundtrack. Peter, Paul, and Mary were part of that soundtrack for me growing up.  (Sidebar: Mary Beth and I saw the Dylan film currently in the theaters, which brought the 1960s alive). The death of Peter Yaro in recent days at age 86 is a reminder of the passage of time (Mary died in 2009). The iconic March on Washington (August of 1963) was a pivotal moment in our history that brought together many people and impulses worth revisiting. Among other things, Peter, Paul and Mary performed the classic Bob Dylan song that day.  Enjoy! 

a reminder: the bonhoeffer book study!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! Our intention is to do a five-session study beginning on Wednesday 29 January (6:00-7:30) and continuing for each Sunday in February (10:45-11:45).  I learned this week, by the way, that Martin Luther King was deeply influenced by Bonhoeffer — not surprising! Contact me if you have questions about the study. 

Faithful Conversations #99

Introduction to readers

Religious Make-Up
119th Congress

Let’s start this week with an understatement: humankind has always been layered with factionalism — it seems to be wired into our DNA. This has been on my mind this week, in part, because of the passage from 1 Corinthians in the lection and our current political environment, both at home and abroad. In that regard, I tracked some interesting information about the 119th Congress, which has been in power since January 3rd. Pew Research has charted the religious makeup of Congress since 2007, and their latest report shows that roughly 87% of the 535 House and Senate members identify as Christians. Of those, 55% are Protestant (only 19 out of 295 Protestants are Lutheran!). Interestingly, 62% of the American public identifies as Christian, which is significantly less than the 87% in Congress. (Notably, since 2007, there has been a drop in the percentage of the general population identifying as Christian, from 78% to 62%, a trend that has elicited much commentary!). And while we have a long tradition of separating church and state and a diverse religious population, it’s clear that religious beliefs influence our politics. The extent of that influence, of course, prompts debates within the political sphere, echoing arguments within and among religious communities. It seems to me that the church may be one of the few places where people of differing beliefs and backgrounds sit next to each other and actually can debate the issues of our time in a healthy way — not easy but always possible. 

Thanks for your continued interest in exploring the scriptures, and your willingness to reflect on the big questions prompted by our Christian journey! Continue to be open to those moments of Epiphany in your daily walk — those “thin places” where heaven and earth are close together. My reflections this week will focus on what the Apostle Paul wrote to those Corinthian Christians in the mid-50s CE.    

Readings for 2 Epiphany
Isaiah 62: 1-5
Psalm 36: 5-10
1 Corinthians 12: 1-11
John 2: 1-11

Common Themes in the Readings for 2 Epiphany
Look for these two themes in this week’s readings: God’s steadfast love and transformative power. In Isaiah 62: 1-5, we see God’s promise to restore and delight in His people, making them a shining beacon. Psalm 36: 5-10 underscores God’s unfailing love and faithfulness, offering refuge and abundance to those who seek Him. 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 emphasizes the diverse spiritual gifts given by the same Spirit, meant for the common good. Finally, John 2: 1-11 describes the miraculous transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana, revealing Jesus’ glory and signifying the beginning of His public ministry.

** Before tackling the second reading, I encourage you to WATCH THIS EXCELLENT OVERVIEW of 1 Corinthians from The Bible Project.   

The Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11: Spiritual Gifts
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. ² You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. ³ Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. ⁴ Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵ and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; ⁶ and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ⁸ For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

reflection: pursuing the common good

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, 49 CE

Throughout the seven Sundays in Epiphany, we will spend time with chapters 12, 13, and 15 of St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Paul spent a year and a half in Corinth during his second missionary journey in the late 40s and early 50s and in ensuing years, exchanged four letters with leaders within the church he established there, two of which survived. Written in the mid-50s from Ephesus, 1 Corinthians focuses on disturbing news Paul received concerning divisions among the Corinthian Christians. As theologian Douglas Campbell asserts in a 2018 article in the Christian Century, “The church at Corinth was a mess. I count 15 distinguishable problems that Paul addresses in 1 Corinthians: partisanship, with the Corinthians factionalizing behind rival leaders (1:10–4:21; 16:10–18); incest (5:1–13); prostitution (6:12–21); celibacy within marriage (7:1–7); Christians married to one another asking about divorce (7:8–11, 39); Christians married to pagans asking about divorce (7:12–16); questions surrounding marriage and remarriage (7:25–40); lawsuits (6:1–11); idolatry (8:1–11:1); concerns about women praying and prophesying in immodest ways (11:2–16); chaos in worship, with speaking in tongues and competing voices (chapter 14); inequality in the communal meal (11:17–34); denials of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and of Christians (15:1–58); the collection of a large sum of money to be sent to Jerusalem (16:1–4); and a change in Paul’s travel plans (16:5–9).”

Saint Paul by
Guercino (1591–1666)

In short, those early spiritual ancestors of ours were in the midst of a culture war, a good reminder in our time that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Paul wrote to remind them of their unity in Christ. He gave both encouragement and correction, stressing the need for love and respect among all members. In Sunday’s passage, he addresses their disagreements over spiritual gifts, warning against spiritual elitism, highlighting the importance of diverse gifts in the church, all contributing to the common good (verse 7). 

Indeed, the interaction between Paul and the Christians in Corinth reminds us that many of the problems we face in our culture today are not new and that living in community is never easy and can be especially challenging for those in leadership positions. Again, Douglas Campbell offers the following commentary: “In sum, the Christian way asks all its followers to be kind and considerate toward one another . . . These actions are fairly simple in theory but incredibly demanding in practice. They are deeply countercultural. If they are to take root, above all they require the right sort of leadership. Christian leaders must help their communities navigate their current locations ethically with due depth, sensitivity, and courage, as Paul did for the Corinthians.”   

You and I, indeed, are members of the most powerful countercultural movement in history. May we navigate our days with “depth, sensitivity, and courage” empowered by one and the same Spirit.  

My gift to you is always a story; something to think about more than once; something to keep your mind alive and touch your soul so that you can see life fresh and leaping once again.

There is a story from the Desert Fathers and Mothers about a young monk who asked one of the holy men of the desert why it is that so many people came out to the desert to seek God and yet most of them gave up after a short time and returned to their lives in the city. The old monk responded: “Last evening my dog saw a rabbit running for cover among the bushes of the desert and he began to chase the rabbit, barking loudly. Soon other dogs joined the chase, barking and running. They ran a great distance and alerted many other dogs. Soon the wilderness was echoing the sounds of their pursuit, but the chase went on into the night. After a little while, many of the dogs grew tired and dropped out. A few chased the rabbit until the night was nearly spent. By morning, only my dog continued the hunt.” “Do you understand,” the old man said, “what I have told you?” “No,” replied the young monk, “I don’t. Please help me with it.” “It is simple,” said the desert father. “My dog saw the rabbit!”

The gift? A reminder to keep our souls focused on the important dimensions of life, on the purpose for which we have been born, on the gifts we are meant to give to others as life goes by. Otherwise, we simply drift through life: one minute attracted by this; at another moment confused about what we’re doing. Over the long haul, then, we become pilgrims without purpose, looking for what can’t be found. A Happy New Year to you every day of your life. May the gift be born in you and may you keep your eye on it always.

Sister Joan Chittister
Benedictine Order

Joan Daugherty Chittister O.S.B. (born April 26, 1936), is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine Federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

I accessed this story by Joan from Benetvision, her website. She is a terrific author. 

And, a reminder: the bonhoeffer book study!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. Our intention is to do a five-session study beginning on Wednesday 29 January and continuing for each Sunday in February.  Pastor Jen and I are working on some intersecting themes from Bonhoeffer’s exploration of the Sermon on the Mount that will be part of the Lectionary Readings in February as well. Contact me if you have questions!

Faithful Conversations #98

Introduction to readers

Arthur C. Brooks

Sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. Arthur C. Brooks, social scientist and author, identifies these as the primary negative emotions we experience as human beings (I encourage you to read the linked article). All have been on full display in the first week of 2025. The horrific act of domestic terrorism in New Orleans followed by the tragic incident in Las Vegas, and closer to home, the heartbreaking death of a child in Waukesha, remind us of our broken world. So much pain and so many lives impacted, and unexpectedly! The words from Isaiah included in this week’s lection seem especially appropriate. Though we cannot make sense of such tragedies, we move forward by the grace of God. 

The Church Calendar

The season of Epiphany has arrived and in the midst of all this heartbreak, I am gaining a new appreciation for this middle space between Christmas and Lent. This week, I stumbled on a great line from the Christian Celtic tradition that offers fresh insight into Epiphany: “Heaven and Earth are only three feet apart, but in thin places that distance is even shorter.” Thin places represent locations where the boundary between the earthly and divine in our lives is exceptionally “thin” — moments of insight, experiences, perhaps locations. My hope for all of us is that we are open to the thin places we encounter in the days and weeks ahead. 

As always, thank you for visiting this venue again this week. You are helping me grow in my understanding of scripture! I encourage you to work through the readings deliberately — and a reminder to utilize the four-question technique: What is something new I learned? What is something that made me stop and reflect? What is something I can connect to prior knowledge from scripture? And, what is something that I would like to further discuss? My reflection will focus on the powerful story from Luke’s Gospel, with a reference to the Isaiah passage. 

One other update: I now have archived the blog in a more organized fashion. You can check that out on the Faithful Conversations homepage!     

Readings for the Baptism of our Lord
Isaiah 43: 1-7
Psalm 29
Acts 8: 14-17
Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22

Common Themes in the Readings for the Baptism of our Lord
Look for the following themes in the readings for next Sunday: God’s reassurance and presence, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and the affirmation of Jesus’ divine identity. In Isaiah 43:1-7, God reassures His people of His presence and protection, calling them by name. Psalm 29 highlights God’s powerful voice and presence in nature, emphasizing His glory and strength. Acts 8:14-17 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 both focus on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, with the latter recounting the moment when the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus during His baptism, affirming His divine sonship.

The First Reading: Isaiah 43: 1-7

But now thus says the Lord,
    he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
⁴ Because you are precious in my sight
    and honored and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
⁵ Do not fear, for I am with you;
    I will bring your offspring from the east,
    and from the west I will gather you;
⁶ I will say to the north, “Give them up,”
    and to the south, “Do not withhold;
bring my sons from far away
    and my daughters from the end of the earth—
⁷ everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made.”

** Prior to reading the Gospel, you may want to utilize another excellent introduction to the book. Again, these are part of a terrific website called The Bible Project!  

The Gospel: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22: The Baptism of Jesus
¹⁵ As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, ¹⁶ John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” ¹⁸ So with many other exhortations he proclaimed the good news to the people. ¹⁹ But Herod the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the evil things that Herod had done, ²⁰ added to them all by shutting up John in prison.

²¹ Now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, ²² and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

reflection: “i have called you by name” 

The Baptism of Christ by Poussin (1594-1665)

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, and the transitions can seem abrupt.  We saw Jesus’ birth, the Magi visiting him as a young child, his family’s escape to Egypt, and the unusual event of twelve-year-old Jesus talking with the elders in the Temple, much to his worried parents’ dismay. This week, we find ourselves by the Jordan River, witnessing John the Baptist baptizing this relatively unknown thirty-year-old Jewish man.

The significant and powerful story of Jesus’ baptism is found in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew (3:13-17), Mark (1:9-11), and Luke (3:21-22).  And though the Gospel of John (1:29-34) does not provide a direct account of Jesus’ baptism, it includes John the Baptist’s testimony about the event, affirming Jesus as the Son of God and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This transcendent story prompts two questions for me. First, why did Jesus, the Son of God and one who was without sin, need to be baptized? And second, how should we interpret his baptism on the world of 2025? 

The Face of Jesus (using AI)

Let’s start here. Neither John nor Jesus invented baptism. For centuries, Jews practiced it as a ritual similar to our Confession. Before the Temple fell in 70 CE, Jewish people commonly used a special pool called a Mikveh, meaning “collection of water,” for spiritual cleansing and removing impurity and sin. In other words, that crowd at the Jordan River that day would not have been unfamiliar with what John was doing. What was so earth-shaking, however, was the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, joined the people in line that day. As Episcopal theologian Debi Thomas so aptly states in her exploration of this story, ” . . . it is first and foremost a story of the sacred ordinary.  That is, it’s a story of profound humility.  The holy child conceived of the Holy Spirit, celebrated by angels, worshiped by shepherds, and feared by Herod, stands in the same muddy water we stand in.  The Messiah’s first public act is a declaration of solidarity.  God is one of us.

God is one of us. Let that sink in for a moment. In this deeply symbolic moment, Jesus aligns with us. And in one of the most remarkable episodes in this grand story, God speaks, and the Holy Spirit descends (verse 22). Thus begins the remarkable three-year ministry of Jesus Christ. 

Martin Luther
(1483-1546)

What should we make of all this two thousand years later? In his commentary on the baptism of Christ, Martin Luther included this observation: “All this has been done to the honor and praise of the sacrament of Holy Baptism. For it is not a human work, but a great and holy thing. There are great persons connected with it; the Father, who gives and speaks here; the Son, who receives and is baptized; the Holy Ghost, who descends upon the Son, and lets himself be seen in the form of a dove; and no doubt the heavenly choir of the holy angels are there also, who rejoice greatly over this work; for where the Father, Son and Holy Ghost permit themselves to be seen, there the whole host of heaven must also be present. The whole heaven also stands wide open.”

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
ELC in Black River Falls

Luther reminds us that baptism is important, that baptism symbolizes rebirth, that at that climactic moment that is part of our rite of baptism — that as children of God, we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Perhaps that moment that we have witnessed so many times — that often brings tears to our eyes — is what the Celts meant when they talked about “thin places,” when heaven and earth are joined. The words from Isaiah 43 come to mind: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.

 

And, a reminder: the bonhoeffer book study!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! Yes, it is a challenging read, but we will explore together! Realize that you will not be put on the spot to read, and any sharing will be entirely voluntary! No prior knowledge is necessary — just a willing heart. Why is his life and message important in our Lutheran tradition?  

We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. Our intention is to do a five-session study beginning on Wednesday 29 January and continuing for each Sunday in February.  Contact me if you have questions!

Faithful Conversations #97

Introduction to readers

Let’s start with the big picture. We are currently experiencing the Twelve Days of Christmas (25 December through 5 January) leading to Epiphany, a calendar configuration that dates back to 567 CE and the Roman Catholic Council of Tours (the city in France that was the heart of medieval western Christendom).  The word epiphany comes from the Greek word epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια), meaning appearance or manifestation, and has been used in various contexts throughout history, including religious and secular ones, to describe a sudden realization or revelation. The season of Epiphany runs through February and features stories highlighting God’s surprising and life-changing moments during Jesus’ ministry. (Sidebar: In Eastern Christianity, Epiphany is known as Theophany, a significant feast day celebrating Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, which is seen as another revelation of his divine nature). 

The Wise Men of the East
ELC in Black River Falls

But there’s more!  Epiphany is a celebration of the visit of the Magi (the Three Wise Men) to Bethlehem to see the newborn Jesus, symbolizing the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, as represented by these mysterious men of the east. As a child, I was always a bit confused by the story and it seemed like an “add-on” to the drama surrounding Christmas. And, in the category of silly and random childhood memories, I recall a fractured version of the familiar song we sang on the playground (do kids still do this?): 

We three kings of Orient are
Smoking on a rubber cigar.
One was loaded,
It exploded.
Now we’re on yonder star.

(Note: The song I am referencing is We Three Kings of Orient Are, written in 1857 by John Henry Hopkins, rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He would likely have been unhappy with our version of it!)

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”
1958

I also associate this story with a short opera I listened to many times as a child on our old record player, Amahl and the Night Visitors (my parents enjoyed opera, something I never appreciated). Anyway, it was a marvelous story that brought the wise men to life for me (especially when Kaspar, one of the wise men, gave Amahl, the central character, some licorice from his box!).

As always, thanks for stopping by this space each week. I have listed the readings for both 2 Christmas and Epiphany, including common themes, and urge you to work your way through them. One suggestion I would offer this week: take one or two of the eight readings and revisit it (or them) several times, over a few days (John 1 might be a good one!).  My reflection will focus on Matthew’s Gospel for Epiphany followed by a powerful prayer reflection from John Henry Newman and a thought-provoking song related to the visit of the Magi by James Taylor. An eclectic mix this week!       

Readings for 2 Christmas (5 January)
Jeremiah 31: 7-14
Psalm 147: 12-20
Ephesians 1: 3-14
John 1: (1-9) 10-18

Common Themes in the Readings for 2 Christmas (5 January 2025)
Look for the following themes among the four readings for the Second Sunday of Christmas:  God’s faithfulness, the promise of restoration, and the revelation of divine grace. In Jeremiah, God’s intention to gather and restore Israel is clear, as He promises joy and peace to His people. Psalm 147 echoes this theme of restoration, praising God for His care and the renewal He brings to the brokenhearted and the land. Ephesians and John highlight God’s eternal plan of salvation through Christ, who reveals God’s grace and truth, offering redemption and unity for all believers.

Readings for Epiphany of Our Lord (6 January)
Isaiah 60: 1-6
Psalm 72: 1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3: 1-12
Matthew 2: 1-12 (Reflection Focus)

Common Themes in the Readings for Epiphany (6 January 2025)
Look for these common themes among the four readings for Epiphany: the revelation of God’s glory and the manifestation of divine light to the world. Isaiah speaks of the arrival of God’s radiant light, attracting nations to His presence. The Psalm expresses the universal kingship of God, with rulers bringing gifts in recognition of His authority and justice. Ephesians highlights the mystery of God’s plan, revealing that salvation through Christ is meant for all people, while Matthew’s account of the Magi visiting the newborn Jesus shows the recognition of Christ as the Savior by Gentiles from distant lands.

Epiphany Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12: The Visit of the Magi 
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, ² asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” ³ When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, ⁴ and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:

⁷ Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. ⁸ Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” ⁹ When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. ¹¹ On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

reflection: “those magic men, the magi!”  

Adoration of the Magi
Artist: Emmanuel Tzanes
(1610-1690)
Greek Renaissance

The visit of the Magi is shrouded in mystery. The episode is found only in the book of Matthew, written in the mid-80s CE, several generations beyond Christ’s birth. So, who were the Magi, and why are they important for our faith journey two thousand years later?

Let’s start with what we DO NOT KNOW about them. For example, tradition suggests there were three, something that is not at all clear from Matthew’s account — there were likely more. Though often identified as kings and by name (Kaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar), there is no mention of names in the text, and they likely were scholars or priests, as opposed to kings. Further, their visit came perhaps two or three years after the birth of Jesus, so we tend to confuse the time sequence. There is much we do not know.    

So, what DO we know about them, based on the Matthew’s account and reasonable assumptions? They came from the east, likely Persia or Babylon, traveling roughly 700 miles to see the infant Jesus, a journey that would have taken more than a month. They were likely followers of Zoroastrianism, a precursor to Islam. They understood astrology (guided by a star) and prophecy and were familiar with Jewish Scriptures (such as Micah 5:2).  They visited with Herod, asking where they might find the “King of the Jews,” unsettling him beyond measure (recall the Murder of the Innocents). Herod, the Roman Jewish client king of Judea, then deceitfully asked them to find the child and inform him of his whereabouts, so he (Herod) could also pay homage (?) They visited the Christ child, offered gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh), and then left without returning to Herod, as they were warned in a dream to avoid him and his violent impulses. Finally, they went back to their country by another route.

What should we take away from this mysterious and intriguing story in Matthew? Several things come to mind. First and foremost, we learn that the birth of Jesus was revealed to the Gentiles, those outside the Jewish world. The wise men were drawn to see this child — they experienced an epiphany, ultimately rejoicing in the presence of this the infant Jesus. We also learn that those in power, like Herod, were deeply troubled by the story surrounding this child. Challenging Herod’s earthly conception of power, the child must be killed! And finally, in a surprising moment, those wise men of the east had a second epiphany. Riding off into history, forever changed by their experience, they chose Jesus above Herod and returned to their homeland by another road. May we follow their example. 

Soli Deo Gloria! 

prayer/reflection: “the mission of my life” (john henry newman)

John Henry Newman
(1801-1890)

John Henry Newman (1801-1890) was an influential English theologian and poet who played a key role in the Oxford Movement before converting to Catholicism. He became a cardinal in the Catholic Church and was canonized in 2019. Inspired by him, the Newman Movement established Newman Centers on college campuses to support Catholic students with spiritual, social, and academic resources. This movement began in 1883 at the University of Wisconsin to help Catholic students live their faith amid perceived anti-Catholicism. Newman Centers aim to provide social activities, discussions on faith, and mutual support in a secular academic environment. His statement of mission seems appropriate as we turn the page into a new year!   

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about. Amen.

James Taylor
(born 1948)

Those magic men the Magi
Some people call them wise
Or oriental, even kings
Well anyway, those guys
They visited with Jesus
They sure enjoyed their stay
Then warned in a dream of King Herod’s scheme
They went home by another way

Yes, they went home by another way
Home by another way
Maybe me and you can be wise guys too
And go home by another way
We can make it another way
Safe home as they used to say
Keep a weather eye to the chart on high
And go home another way

Steer clear of royal welcomes
Avoid a big to-do
A king who would slaughter the innocents
Will not cut a deal for you
He really, really wants those presents
He’ll comb your camel’s fur
‘Til his boys announce they’ve found trace amounts
Of your frankincense, gold, and myrrh

Time to go home by another way
Home by another way
You have to figure the Gods saying play the odds
And go home by another way
We can make it another way
Safe home as they used to say
Keep a weather eye to the chart on high
And go home another way

Home is where they want you now
You can more or less assume that you’ll be welcome in the end
Mustn’t let King Herod haunt you so
Or fantasize his features when you’re looking at a friend

Well it pleasures me to be here
And to sing this song tonight
They tell me that life is a miracle
And I figured that they’re right
But Herod’s always out there
He’s got our cards on file
It’s a lead pipe cinch, if we give an inch
Then he realized it’d take a mile

It’s best to go home by another way
Home by another way
We got this far through a lucky star
But tomorrow is another day
We can make it another way
Safe home as they used to say
Keep a weather eye to the chart on high
And go home another way

Go home another way

And, a reminder: the bonhoeffer book study!

Bonhoeffer and Confirmands 1932

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. Our intention is to do a five-session study beginning on Wednesday 29 January and continuing for each Sunday in February.  Contact me if you have questions!

Faithful Conversations #96

Introduction to readers

“Massacre of the Innocents”
Léon Cogniet (1794-1880)

Beyond Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this week, we observe three Lesser Festivals from our ELCA church calendar: Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (my namesake along with Paul) on Thursday; John, Apostle and Evangelist on Friday; and on Saturday, the martyrdom of the Holy Innocents, recalling the tragic killing of male children by King Herod, who feared a prophecy about a newborn king threatening his rule. This brutal act is recounted in the second chapter of Matthew, including a reference to Jeremiah 31:15:  “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” French painter Leon Cogniet captured the horror of this long-ago event in the terrified look on the young mother’s face, a strikingly modern looking portrait. 

The innocent children who “are no more” have been on my mind this week owing to the recent events at Abundant Life Christian School on Madison’s east side, the 323rd school shooting in the United States in 2024. Something is terribly, terribly wrong. In my 41 years of full-time teaching (that’s roughly 7,800 days), the worst moments occurred when we learned of a school shooting somewhere in the country, a chilling reminder of our vulnerability. The first half of my career included occasional bomb threats (which often came in bunches), but in the second half it was “intruder drills” — learning how to barricade our classrooms, hide, evacuate, if possible, to rally points off school grounds. It always seemed a bit surreal. Such dark news may not seem like a good starting point for discussing the Lectionary, but as Christians there is much for us to consider as we walk in two worlds — both the temporal and the eternal. Our civic engagement flows from our understanding of God’s word, as applied to our daily walk. May we have discerning hearts in these troubled times. This, by the way, is the suggested prayer for December 28th, altogether fitting for this moment (ELW, page 54): 

We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the innocent children of Bethlehem by order of King Herod. Receive into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims. By your great might frustrate the design of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

A couple notes regarding this week’s blog. I have included the readings for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and encourage you to work through them. My reflections will center on the Gospel for the first Sunday after Christmas, the story of young Jesus in the Temple. As always, thank you for your continued interest in exploring the scriptures. Our spiritual journeys evolve, and the key is to stay engaged. As we head into 2025, my offerings here are made with humility — the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know!     

Readings for Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9: 2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2: 11-14
Luke 2: 1-14 (15-20)

Readings for Christmas Day
Isaiah 62: 6-12
Psalm 97
Titus 3: 4-7
Luke 2: (1-7) 8-20

Readings for 1 Christmas
1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26
Psalm 148
Colossians 3: 12-17
Luke 2: 41-52

Common Themes in the Readings for 1 Christmas (29 December)
The readings for 1 Christmas share themes of faithfulness, praise, growth, and community. In 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 and Luke 2:41-52, we see Samuel and Jesus both dedicated to God’s service and growing in wisdom and favor. Psalm 148 calls all of creation to worship and praise God, a sentiment echoed in Colossians 3:12-17, where believers are urged to live in harmony, singing with gratitude to God. Collectively, these passages emphasize the importance of dedication to God, worship, spiritual growth, and nurturing loving, forgiving communities.

“Christ Among the Doctors” (c. 1635)
Matthias Stom (1615-1649)

The Gospel: Luke 2: 41-52: The Boy Jesus in the Temple
⁴¹ Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. ⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. ⁴³ When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents were unaware of this. ⁴⁴ Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ When his parents saw him they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you.” ⁴⁹ He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”^{[ 50} But they did not understand what he said to them. ⁵¹ Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them, and his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years and in divine and human favor.

Reflection: “christ among the doctors”

“Christ in the Temple”
Heinrich Hofmann (1824-1911)

The story of twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple fascinated me as a child and that may have been because of the accompanying picture from Hurlburt’s Story of the Bible.  Among other things, I was always curious as to HOW Mary and Joseph could “lose” their son for three days and how Jesus seemed so nonchalant about the whole situation!  

Interestingly, beyond the birth story, this is the only episode we are offered from Christ’s formative years, and it is the first time we hear him speak (we will next hear from him at age 30). There is much to unpack within the verses. We learn that Mary and Joseph travel to Jerusalem each year for the festival of the Passover, an arduous journey of 100 miles that would have taken 8-10 days. Jesus’ age (12) puts him on the verge of manhood in Jewish culture (13). Further, we witness a dramatic moment between Mary and her son when they find him. She is clearly frantic and distressed, as any parent would be who has spent three days trying to find their child! 

And, perhaps most importantly, we are brought into this intriguing moment when the young Jesus is sitting in the Temple among the teachers (sometimes referred to as the “doctors”). We learn that this charismatic young boy amazes those in the audience with his questions and insights that day, not unlike the response many years later by the travelers on the road to Emmaus recounted in Luke 24. And standing off on the side, Mary and Joseph are astonished to see their boy holding court with the elders. His response to Mary’s anxious inquiry indicates that he is aware of his calling, his special role in history, at a young age. What a moment! And even though we know where this story is going, let’s stay with this moment for a time and like Mary, “treasure these things” in our hearts.

 Soli Deo Gloria!

prayer: “do well the few things” (henri nouwen)

(Note: The Nouwen meditation seems especially fitting in light of the school shootings) 

Henri Nouwen
(1932-1996)

The more I think about the human suffering in our world and my desire to offer a healing response, the more I realize how crucial it is not to allow myself to become paralyzed by feelings of impotence and guilt. More important than ever is to be very faithful to my vocation to do well the few things I am called to do and hold on to the joy and peace they bring me. I must resist the temptation to let the forces of darkness pull me into despair and make me one more of their many victims. I have to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and on those who followed him and trust that I will know how to live out my mission to be a sign of hope in this world. (The Nouwen Society Website, 21 December 2024). 

Musical Offering: The Wexford Carol 

The Wexford Carol is a beloved traditional Irish Christmas carol. It is also known as The Enniscorthy Carol, as it was originally collected by a folklorist named Grattan Flood in Enniscorthy, a town in Ireland’s County Wexford. The lyrics, which are in English, date back to the 12th century. As is the case with all very old songs, the history is a bit hard to track, but it appears that the lyrics were added to the tune much later, and it is not believed that the lyrics were originally in the Irish language.

(Source: LiveAboutdotcom) 

Enjoy this version of the song from the Clare College Choir, Cambridge!

Good people all, this Christmas time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done
In sending his beloved son

With Mary holy we should pray,
To God with love this Christmas Day
In Bethlehem upon that morn,
There was a blessed Messiah born.

The night before that happy tide,
The noble Virgin and her guide
Were long time seeking up and down
To find a lodging in the town.

But mark how all things came to pass
From every door repelled, alas,
As was foretold, their refuge all
Was but a humble ox’s stall.

Near Bethlehem did shepherds keep
Their flocks of lambs and feeding sheep
To whom God’s angels did appear
Which put the shepherds in great fear

Prepare and go, the angels said
To Bethlehem, be not afraid
For there you’ll find, this happy morn
A princely babe, sweet Jesus, born.

With thankful heart and joyful mind
The shepherds went the babe to find
And as God’s angel had foretold
They did our Saviour Christ behold

Within a manger he was laid
And by his side the virgin maid
Attending on the Lord of Life
Who came on earth to end all strife.

There were three wise men from afar
Directed by a glorious star
And on they wandered night and day
Until they came where Jesus lay

And when they came unto that place
Where our beloved Messiah lay
They humbly cast them at his feet
With gifts of gold and incense sweet.

 

And, a reminder: the bonhoeffer book study!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. Our intention is to do a five-session study beginning on Wednesday 29 January and continuing for each Sunday in February.  Contact me if you have questions! 

Faithful Conversations #95

Introduction to readers

Filmstrip Projector
c. 1958

Bupe Kibiki of Tanzania

Due to my age (b. 1957), I carry around layers of memory from the world of 1950s and 60s Lutheranism. An Advent message of joy from Bupe Kibiki of Tanzania came into my inbox this week, triggering one such memory –that primitive piece of technology known as the “filmstrip” (click here or on her photo if you want to view her message). Yes, those filmstrips in Sunday School or Luther League transported us beyond our small world into the global presence of Lutheranism represented by missionaries working in exotic lands (sidebar: it was a unique thrill if the teacher asked you to assist with the filmstrip!). The joy-filled message from Bupe Kibiki came from the website of the Lutheran World Federation, a communion of Lutheran churches established in 1947 in Lund, Sweden. The LWF brings together 149 member churches (including the ELCA) from over 99 countries, representing more than 78 million Lutherans worldwide. Rooted in the Lutheran tradition, the organization addresses issues such as poverty, climate change, gender equality, and peacebuilding, working ecumenically to promote the common good. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the LWF stands as a powerful reminder that we share our version of the faith with millions of people across the world!      

As always, thanks for your continuing interest in exploring the scriptures! In keeping with our walk through the various prophets for several Sundays, I have included a short video summarizing the book of Micah which I encourage you to watch. My reflections will focus on Luke’s Gospel and especially Mary’s presence — and I am including a few more verses than called for in the Lectionary.  

Reading for Advent 4
Micah 5: 2-5a
Psalm 80: 1-7
Hebrews 10: 5-10
Luke 1: 39-45 (46-55)

Common Themes in the Advent 4 Readings
Look for these themes as you work through next Sunday’s readings: hope, fulfillment of prophecy, and divine intervention. Micah 5: 2-5a speaks of a coming ruler from Bethlehem who will bring peace, while Psalm 80: 1-7 expresses a longing for God’s restoration and salvation. Hebrews 10: 5-10 highlights Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s will, and Luke 1: 39-45 (46-55) celebrates Mary’s faith and the coming of the Messiah, showing God’s intervention through humble means. Together, these texts emphasize God’s promises being realized through the coming of Christ, offering salvation and peace to all.

The Old Testament Reading: Micah 5: 2-5a

The Prophet Micah
The Ghent Altarpiece
Hubert van Eyck (c. 1385/90-1426)

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. ³ Therefore he shall give them up until the time     when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. ⁴ And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth, ⁵ and he shall be the one of peace.

** Note: If you want to spend a few minutes gaining a better understanding of the book of Micah, CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO! And further, if you are interested in more of these types of videos, they come from The Bible Project, a site you may want to explore! 

The Gospel: Luke 1: 26-56
²⁶ In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, ²⁷ to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” ²⁹ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. ³⁰ The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. ³¹ And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³ He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” ³⁴ Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” ³⁵ The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. ³⁶ And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. ³⁷ For nothing will be impossible with God.” ³⁸ Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

³⁹ In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, ⁴⁰ where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit ⁴² and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. ⁴³ And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? ⁴⁴ For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. ⁴⁵ And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Mary’s Song of Praise

Virgin Mary
(A.I. Generated)

⁴⁶ And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.
Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹ for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name;
⁵⁰ indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
⁵² He has brought down the powerful from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has come to the aid of his child Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
⁵⁶ And Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

Martin Luther
Augustinian Monk

Preface to this week’s reflection: This is an updated version of my posting from Advent 3 in 2023. Let me also add the following short explanation of how Lutherans differ from our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers regarding Mary. Martin Luther’s attitude toward Mary was complex (no surprise) and evolved over time. He acknowledged her unique role in salvation history, for example, as indicated by the following excerpt of his Christmas sermon of 1531:  “[She is the] highest woman and the noblest gem in Christianity after Christ . . . She is nobility, wisdom, and holiness personified. We can never honor her enough. Still honor and praise must be given to her in such a way as to injure neither Christ nor the Scriptures.” That final sentence encapsulates Luther’s objection to what he saw as excessive prayers or the attribution of mediating powers to her (similar to his attitude toward the Saints). While he continued to honor Mary as “Theotokos” (God-bearer) and believed in her perpetual virginity, he firmly opposed the idea of her being an object of intercession or veneration beyond what was biblically grounded. What a time it was in the years around 1517 when these debates were in the air!   

Reflection: “mary’s radical and ancient prayer” 

 One thing I learned early on as a teacher was this: stories bring history to life, and that revisiting the same story time and again allows us to see it from different perspectives and with richer meaning. In this 4th week of Advent, we revisit a compelling story, embodied in the two passages from Luke’s Gospel, the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel’s announcement to young Mary, and the Magnificat, her prayerful response. I have heard these stories any number of times in my life but am seeing them (again) in a new light in 2024, especially the Magnificat. Let me explain.

Young Mary and the Annunciation

First, let’s consider Mary and her world, especially from our vantage point in December of 2024, amidst the troubling events surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas War. While I have heard about her from a young age, especially at this time of year, I must admit not engaging more fully in her story. This Judean teenage girl (perhaps only 13!), swept into history by miraculous forces, lived a life like no other. From lowly circumstances, and a virgin, she learns in a spiritual encounter with Gabriel, that she will bear a son destined to be the Messiah for her people, and far beyond. Can we even imagine how her mind must have been racing at this moment? In what can only be described as a depth of faith that dwarfs anything I can understand, she responds with a calm and submissive courage (verse 38). And second, what of this dramatic prayer, the Magnificat (Latin for “magnify”)?  As Debi Thomas, Minister of Formation and Discipleship at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, California points out in a 2020 essay on these texts points out, Mary’s prayer comprises the longest set of words spoken by a woman in the New Testament. Further, that the prayer was soaked in Jewish women’s history, echoing the words and stories of Miriam, Hannah, Judith, and Deborah (Note “Hannah’s Prayer” in 1 Samuel 2: 1-10). Most astonishing, however, is the radical and subversive nature of the prayer, what Thomas calls Mary’s fiery justice song. Read it again focusing on the highlighted verses (51-53). Our friend Dietrich Bonhoeffer, called the Magnificat the most passionate, the wildest, one might even say the most revolutionary hymn ever sung. Oscar Romero, Salvadoran Catholic Priest, murdered in 1980, later canonized, drew comparisons between Mary and the poor and powerless in his community. Indeed, the Magnificat has been banned more than a few times by those in power who fear its message. As we move toward the celebration of our Lord’s birth, we would do well to hear and reflect on his mother’s fervent prayer with fresh insight. As scholar Kenneth Craycraft asserts, A lowly birth to a lowly woman ushers in the magnificent fulfillment of God’s offer and promise of salvation.

Soli Deo Gloria!

 prayer/musical reflection: “some children see him”   

Wihla Hutson (1901-2002)

Alfred Burt (1920-1954)

Some Children See Him was composed by Alfred Burt, an American jazz musician who produced an annual Christmas carol from 1942 through 1954 with an old family friend, Wihla Hutson who looks right out of central casting for any lutefisk supper I ever attended as a child!  This song was produced in 1951 and I’m sharing an especially fine interpretation of it from James Taylor. The lyrics are below. 

Some children see Him lily white
The baby Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white
With tresses soft and fair

Some children see Him bronzed and brown
The Lord of heav’n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown
With dark and heavy hair

Some children see Him almond-eyed
This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed
With skin of golden hue

Some children see Him dark as they
Sweet Mary’s Son to whom we pray
Some children see him dark as they
And, oh they love Him too

The children in each different place
Will see the baby Jesus’ face
Like theirs, but bright, with heavenly grace
And filled with holy light

Oh lay aside each earthly thing
And with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King
‘Tis love that’s born tonight

‘Tis love that’s born tonight

And, a reminder: the bonhoeffer book study!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. Our intention is to do a five-session study beginning on Wednesday 29 January and continuing for each Sunday in February.  Contact me if you have questions! 

Faithful Conversations #94

Introduction to readers

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
(1828-1914)

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain has been on my mind this week. College professor, soldier, and politician, Chamberlain was best known for his heroism during the American Civil War. Enlisting at age 34 in 1862, he most notably commanded the 20th Maine Regiment at the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1863) where his epic defense of Little Round Top was crucial to the Union’s victory. After the war, this amazing man became a politician, serving as the Governor of Maine and later as a U.S. Congressman. A lesser-known episode in his war experiences came after he was severely wounded in the battle of Petersburg (June 1864). In excruciating pain and facing death, he penned these words to his beloved wife Fanny: “I am lying mortally wounded the doctors think, but my mind and heart are at peace — Jesus Christ is my all-sufficient savior. I go to him. God bless and keep and comfort you . . . To know and love you makes life and death beautiful.” (Let’s imagine Fanny receiving such a letter!) Having visited both the Gettysburg and Petersburg battlefields, Chamberlain’s powerful testimony regarding Jesus Christ left such an impression on me when I first read his letter.  Among other things, his words bring a much-needed clarity for the Advent Season. My sense is that he understood the nature of the authentic joy the Apostle Paul is talking about in this week’s Philippians passage. As Christians living in our deeply cluttered, harried, hate-filled, and chaotic world, we have a Savior — an all-sufficient Savior, and that is enough!     

As always, thanks for your continuing interest in exploring the scriptures! My reflections this week will focus on the passages from Zephaniah Philippians. And two suggestions: first, take one reading per day and spend time with it; and second, utilize the four-question approach with each reading as noted here: 

1. What is something new you learned from the reading? (NEW)
2. What is something that caught your attention and made you think? (REFLECT)
3. What did you read that relates to other reading you have done? (RELATE)
4. What would you like to discuss from the reading? (DISCUSS)

Reading for Advent 3
Zephaniah 3: 14-20
Isaiah 12: 2-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Luke 3: 7-18

Common Themes in the Advent 3 Readings
Look for these common themes in this week’s readings: joy, salvation, and hope. All the readings highlight the theme of rejoicing in the Lord, with Zephaniah and Isaiah proclaiming the coming restoration and deliverance of God’s people, calling for songs of praise and celebration. Philippians emphasizes joy in the Lord and peace through prayer and trust in God, while Luke’s message of repentance and the coming of the Messiah prepares the way for the ultimate salvation. Together, these passages reflect the larger Advent themes of anticipation, inner transformation, and the joyful expectation of God’s saving work.

The Old Testament Reading: Zephaniah 3: 14-20

** Note: If you want to spend a few minutes gaining a better understanding of the book of Zephaniah, check out the video below! And further, if you are interested in more of these types of videos, they come from The Bible Project, a site you may want to explore!   

The Second Reading: Philippians 4: 4-7
⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. ⁵ Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: “Gaudete in Domino semper!”

The Prophet Zephaniah
Russian Orthodox Icon
18th Century

The third Sunday in Advent is known Gaudete Sunday. The name derives from Roman Catholic tradition and the opening words of the traditional Introit (opening chant) for the Mass on this day: Gaudete in Domino semper (“Rejoice in the Lord always,” a reference to Philippians 4). The day is marked by a slight relaxation of the penitential tone of Advent, symbolized by the use of a rose-colored (instead of purple) candle on the Advent wreath in many churches. Gaudete Sunday highlights the joyful expectation of Christ’s coming, both at Christmas and in the future Second Coming. (If you want to know more about the traditions surrounding Gaudete Sunday in the ELCA, and especially the Advent Wreath, check out this article). 

As you know, Advent affords us the opportunity to hang around with several Old Testament prophets and this week, Zephaniah takes center stage. He prophesied during the late 7th century BCE, a tumultuous period for the Kingdom of Judah, under the reign of King Josiah. This era was marked by religious reform as Josiah sought to return the nation to proper worship, but also by the looming threat of foreign invasion. Assyria, once a dominant power, was in decline, and Babylon was rising, signaling an impending shift in regional power dynamics. Zephaniah’s prophecies, which emphasize the coming “day of the Lord” and divine judgment, reflect the anxiety of this time (not unlike our own), while also offering hope for the faithful remnant amidst the destruction that was to come. Like all the Old Testament prophets — these men and women who spoke for God — Zephaniah’s message is one of both judgement and salvation. The passage included for Sunday picks up on the second part of that and echoes like a rousing pep-talk across the centuries. Read it with that in mind. 

Saint Paul
Rembrandt (1606-1669)

Writing more than six centuries later (and while under house arrest in Rome!), Paul’s admonition to the Christian community in Philippi, reflects the anticipatory JOY voiced by Zephaniah.  Throughout the letter, Paul expresses gratitude for their generosity, encourages unity and joy despite challenges, and emphasizes living a life worthy of the gospel. Offering Christ as the ultimate example of selflessness, Paul urges the Philippians to stand firm in their faith as they await Christ’s return. Like many of our Christian ancestors of his generation, Paul was executed under the Emperor Nero as part of a wave of persecutions between 64-68 CE. His clear and direct language in next Sunday’s passage, stand as a reminder for us — JOY is not a fleeting vapor that comes and goes. Rather, it is an attitude, a decision, and a gift for us to share!  

Soli Deo Gloria!

prayer: The Advent Attitude (from Henri Nouwen)

Dutch Theologian
Henri Nouwen
(1932-1996) 

In the beginner’s mind there is no thought ‘I have attained something.’ All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something. The beginner’s mind is the mind of compassion. When our mind is compassionate, it is boundless.”

I like these words. Also very important for Advent. Open, free, flexible, receptive. That is the attitude that makes us ready. I realize that in Zen you are not expecting anything or anyone. Still, it seems that all the things Shunryu Suzuki tells his students (above) are important for Christians to hear and realize. Isn’t a beginner’s mind, a mind without the thought “I have attained something,” a mind opened for grace? Isn’t that the mind of children who marvel at all they see? Isn’t that the mind not filled with worries for tomorrow but alert and awake in the present moment?

(6 December 2024 Entry: Accessed from the Nouwen Society Website)

update on the bonhoeffer book study!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship, is an excellent book for Christians to read heading into 2025! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. Besides on-line, copies can be purchased at regional bookstores — BAM in Eau Claire or Barnes and Noble in LaCrosse. (Note: Apparently The Cost of Discipleship is flying off the shelves and not available through normal on-line outlets. We will continue to be resourceful about that and hopefully the fact that we are not starting our study until late January will help!). Also, I should mention that Mary Beth and I had the opportunity to see the film on Bonhoeffer currently playing in theaters and both enjoyed it immensely! It captures many aspects of his story well. 

Here’s the plan for our study: 

Prior Preparation
It will be helpful to read Bonhoeffer’s book, or a good portion of it, prior to the start of our study (although it certainly will work to first experience the book during the study). 

Study Format
Our study will focus on four key themes from Bonhoeffer’s book. Each week will include a chapter selection, key themes, discussion points, and reflection questions. No prior knowledge is necessary, and you will not be put on the spot to read aloud – our format will be simple and informal!

Schedule
We are offering this as part of our preparation for the Lenten Journey that starts in early March this year. We will gather for one evening session (including a film), followed by four sessions on Sunday mornings. The Sunday morning sessions will be from 10:45-11:45.

Wednesday 29 January: “An Evening with Bonhoeffer” (5:00-7:00 p.m.)
To kick off the study, we will meet at 5:00 at ELC to watch a powerful documentary on the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, followed by a discussion and overview of the study.
Sunday 2 February: Costly Grace vs. Cheap Grace (Focus on Chapter 1)
Sunday 9 February: The Radical Call for Discipleship (Focus on Chapter 4)
Sunday 16 February: The Ethics of the Sermon on the Mount (Focus on Chapter 12)
Sunday 23 February: The Church as the Visible Community of Disciples (Focus on Chapter 30)

let me know if you are interested in being part of the study, or if you have questions. email or text! (pstrykken@gmail.com or 715-299-0311). 

And We continue to meet on sundays at 10:45 for those that want to participate in some in-person discussion of the lectionary readings. our next meeting is on 15 december. join us in the library — All are welcome!

Faithful Conversations #93

Introduction to readers

Two thoughts to get started this week. First, I have Bonhoeffer on the brain right now and this line from The Cost of Discipleship jumped out at me this week:  “Cheap grace is preaching forgiveness without repentance; it is baptism without the discipline of community.” That phrase — the discipline of community — could be interpreted a number of ways, but one way to think of it is that we need each other. The faith journey is not an “island experience,” but rather, involves regular spiritual disciplines, including membership in a faith community. More on Bonhoeffer at the end of the blog. 

Second, time and the importance of context have been on my mind this week, prompted by the Malachi reading and Luke’s Gospel. Each week in the Lectionary, we are communicating with spiritual ancestors who walked this earth twenty centuries (or more) ago. And though their time and place are utterly foreign to us, I suspect if we could speak to them directly, we would quickly find common ground. Like them, we are navigating a broken world and living in that tense middle ground between what was and what is to come. Let’s see what they have to say to us this week!    

As always, thanks for your continuing interest in exploring the scriptures! My reflections this week will focus on Malachi and Luke’s Gospel. I will also share a hymn that is especially fitting for Advent 2. And two reminders: first, take one reading per day and spend time with it; and second, utilize the four-question approach with each reading as noted here: 

1. What is something new you learned from the reading? (NEW)
2. What is something that caught your attention and made you think? (REFLECT)
3. What did you read that relates to other reading you have done? (RELATE)
4. What would you like to discuss from the reading? (DISCUSS)

Reading for 2 Advent
Malachi 3: 1-4 (or Baruch 5: 1-9)
Luke 1: 68-79 
Philippians 1: 3-11
Luke 3: 1-6

Common Themes in 2 Advent Readings
Look for the following themes as you walk through this week’s readings: preparation, purification, and hope for salvation. Malachi 3:1-4 speaks of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord and a refining process to purify God’s people. In Luke 1:68-79 (replaces the Psalm), Zechariah’s song praises God for raising up a savior and calls for the people to walk in the light of peace and redemption. Philippians 1:3-11 emphasizes the growth in love, righteousness, and readiness for the day of Christ. Finally, Luke 3:1-6 highlights John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way of the Lord, urging repentance and the leveling of obstacles for the arrival of God’s salvation. Together, these passages focus on spiritual readiness and the transformative power of God’s coming.

The Old Testament Reading: Malachi 3: 1-4: The Coming Messenger
3 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. ² But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like washers’ soap; ³ he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. ⁴ Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord, as in the days of old and as in former years.

** Note: If you want to spend a few minutes gaining a better understanding of the book of Malachi, check out this video!  

The Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6: The Proclamation of John the Baptist

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, ² during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. ³ He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, ⁴ as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

Reflection: Malachi and john 

The word prophet has Greek and Latin derivation and means an interpreter, spokesman, proclaimer; a harbinger. In the spiritual realm, we think of prophets as people who speak for God. Malachi and John both fit the bill (as does Zechariah, also included in this week’s lection).  For roughly a thousand years (1450-400 BCE), God sent prophets to the Israelites — think of Moses and Malachi as the bookends. The time between the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, and the events of the Gospels in the New Testament is often referred to as the Intertestamental Period and lasted for roughly four centuries. Because it was a period of prophetic silence, we tend to ignore this era. Further, it should be noted, that one significant outcome of the Reformation within emerging Protestant churches was the disavowal of the Apocryphal writings — think 1 & 2 Maccabees, 1 Esdras, Judith, Tobit, the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach or  Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch, among others — that highlight the intertestamental period.  (Note: It is interesting to note that Baruch 5: 1-9 is listed as an alternative first reading for this week. If you want to get further into the story of the Apocryphal writings, have at it!).

The four hundred years of prophetic silence, of course, does not suggest that nothing was happening during those years! Without getting too far into the weeds, the Intertestamental Period was a time of cultural fusion, political turmoil, and religious development that profoundly influenced the Jewish world into which Jesus was born. These historical dynamics provided the language (Greek, think Alexander the Great), infrastructure (Roman — think Roman Empire), and theological context (Jewish messianic hope — think the rise of the Pharisees and Sadducees) for the rapid spread of Christianity in the first century. Context, context, context. (I am reminded of Galatians 4:7: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children”). 

Saint John the Baptist (c. 1630)
French Artist: Valentin de Boulogne (1591-1632)

Malachi, then, identifies a messenger (3:1), a forerunner to the Messiah in the person of John the Baptist (compare Luke 1:17 and Malachi 4:6, Matthew 17:12 and Mark 9:11, and John 1:21). Writing four hundred years later, Luke identifies John as the messenger, placing him in a very specific context (Luke 3: 1-2) which equates to roughly 26 CE. Notably, he identifies both the political context (the rule of Tiberius, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philipp, and Lysanias) and the religious context (the priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas). The “word of the Lord” (verse 2) came from this eccentric prophet, this radical man who lived in the wilderness, wearing animal skins and eating honey. I try to imagine how we would respond to such a figure today! The internet would be going crazy! 

What should we take away from these readings? In my imagination, I see Malachi shouting across the centuries, foretelling John’s arrival. And like the prophets of old, John arrives and makes us uncomfortable — read on into verses 7-14 if you need a reminder.  John is not an easy guy, and six months after his arrival on the stage, he suffers a gruesome death, a reminder that both John and Jesus will rock the establishment of their day. Yes, John speaks to us across time, urging us to wake up. His call for repentance is an invitation to think differently about our lives — a command to change direction with urgency! Let’s call this the excitement of waiting.      

Soli Deo Gloria!

prayer and musical Reflection: A voice crying in the wilderness (elw/255)

James Lewis Milligan
(1876-1961)

James Lewis Milligan was a British-born poet who had a long and varied career. This hymn, written in 1930, directly references Isaiah 40:3, but also fits with this week’s Malachi passage. Milligan ultimately emigrated to the United States in 1911 and is buried in Toronto Canada. The performance linked below comes from the National Lutheran Choir which is centered in the Twin Cities area.   

1 There’s a voice in the wilderness crying,
a call from the ways untrod:
Prepare in the desert a highway,
a highway for our God!
The valleys shall be exalted,
the lofty hills brought low;
make straight all the crooked places
where the Lord, our God, may go!

2 O Christians, you bring good tidings;
get up to the heights and sing!
Proclaim to a desolate people
the coming of their King.
Like the flow’rs of the field they perish;
like grass our works decay.
The pow’r and pomp of nations
shall pass like a dream away.

3 But the Word of our God is eternal;
the arm of our God is strong.
He stands in the midst of the nations,
and he shall right the wrong.
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd,
the lambs shall gently hold,
to pastures of peace shall lead them,
and bring them to his fold.

update on the bonhoeffer book study!

Bonhoeffer and Confirmands 1932

We will be studying Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship as we start the new year. The goal will be for people to read it between now and the end of the year in preparation for several in-person sessions at ELC in early 2025. While giving us an opportunity to dive into some Lutheran history, Bonhoeffer’s book remains incredibly relevant for 21st Century Christians! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. 

Our plan for the study is taking shape. Look for a schedule that will include a “Bonhoeffer Night” in January including a powerful documentary, followed by four sessions on Sunday mornings (10:45-11:45) for exploring the book. 

let me know if you are interested in being part of the study! email or text! (pstrykken@gmail.com or 715-299-0311). 

And We continue to meet on sundays at 10:45 for those that want to participate in some in-person discussion of the lectionary readings. our next meeting is on 8 december. join us in the library — All are welcome!

Faithful Conversations #92

Introduction to Readers:
Welcome back and to Year C of the three-year Revised Common Lectionary cycle (2024-25). Year C focuses on the Gospel of Luke. The Old Testament readings are of prophetic proclamation in chronological order and will highlight Jeremiah. The New Testament readings (or second readings) are mainly from Galatians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and 2 Thessalonians. Sunday is a good reminder that as Christians, we walk in two worlds and our New Year starts now! Here is a breakdown of the upcoming Christian calendar: 

The Liturgical Calendar

Advent: 1 December through 23 December 2024
Christmas: 24 December 2024 through 6 January 2025
Time After Epiphany: 7 January through 4 March 2025
Lent: 5 March through 16 April 2025
The Three Days: 17 April through 19 April 2025
Easter: 20 April through 11 June 2025
Time after Pentecost (Ordinary Time): 12 June through 26 November 2025 

This week, then, marks the start of the Season of Advent. The word Advent derives from the Latin, adventus meaning “coming.” And while we tend to emphasize the birth of Jesus (looking back), Advent also boldly reminds us of Christ’s second coming (looking forward), as noted in this week’s Gospel. Amidst the stress foisted upon us by the overt consumerism and rush that infuses this time of year, Advent calls Christians to pause, to wake-up, to focus on Christ’s presence in our lives — and to seek God amidst the chaos that surrounds us.

As always, thanks for visiting this space again this week! My reflections will focus on the passage from Jeremiah and the words of Jesus as recounted in the Gospel. I will also share a hymn that is especially fitting for Advent 1. Also, realize that I offer hyperlinks for further reading, so be alert for those.  And a reminder to work through the four readings utilizing the four-question approach:

1. What is something new you learned from the reading? (NEW)
2. What is something that caught your attention and made you think? (REFLECT)
3. What did you read that relates to other reading you have done? (RELATE)
4. What would you like to discuss from the reading? (DISCUSS)

Reading for 1 Advent
Jeremiah 33: 14-16
Psalm 25: 1-10
1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13
Luke 21: 25-36

Common Themes in the Readings Advent 1
Look for these themes in the readings for next Sunday: hope, watchfulness, and God’s faithfulness. Jeremiah speaks of the promised coming of a righteous king who will restore justice, instilling hope for a better future. Psalm 25 echoes a plea for guidance and deliverance, trusting in God’s steadfast love and mercy as the faithful await His salvation. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul encourages believers to live in holiness while anticipating Christ’s return, fostering a spirit of preparation and prayer. Finally, Luke highlights the need for remaining awake and steadfast as we face trials in this life, with the assurance that God’s kingdom will ultimately prevail.

The Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 33: 14-16
¹⁴ The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. ¹⁵ In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ¹⁶ In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

The Gospel: Luke 21: 25-36

The Coming of the Son of Man
²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. ²⁶ People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
²⁹ Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; ³⁰ as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. ³¹ So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. ³² Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Exhortation to Watch
³⁴ “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, ³⁵ like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

reflection: “wide awake!” 

Pin Worn by Wide-Awake Members in 1860

Lincoln in May of 1860
After Receiving the Republican Nomination

164 years ago, Abraham Lincoln became our 16th President. He received less than 40 percent of the popular vote in a brutally contentious four-way contest. Between the November election and his inauguration in March, seven southern states seceded from the Union, a precursor to our Civil War. One of my favorite episodes stemming from the 1860 election was the rise of the WIDE-AWAKES. Comprised mostly of young men, they were an imaginative, vocal, and often militant group supporting the anti-slavery Republican Party and its chosen candidate. Their name derived from the practice of holding torchlight parades and rallies (including in Wisconsin), and emphasis on being AWAKE to the moral and political issues of the time, particularly slavery and its expansion. Wide-Awakes saw themselves as actively engaged in the fight for justice, freedom, and reform, contrasting with those they viewed as complacent or asleep, if you will. They helped propel Lincoln to victory and their message remains relevant in 2024!

“Cry of prophet Jeremiah on the Ruins of Jerusalem” by Ilya Repin (1870)

The readings for Advent 1 spur us to wake up and be alert in our chaotic world. More than 26 centuries ago, the prophet Jeremiah was writing to a devastated people. The mighty Babylonian army had ransacked Jerusalem shipping thousands of Jewish people off to captivity, turning their world upside down. In that terrifying moment, the Prophet of God warned the “days are surely coming” when “justice and righteousness” shall return! In our interpretive framework, we hear those hopeful words to mean the coming of Jesus Christ, hence their inclusion in this week’s readings. But there’s more. As Julia M. O’Brien of Lancaster Theological Seminary and Moravian University asserts, the entire book of Jeremiah centers on the larger theme of judgement. Time and again, the Prophet hammers the Israelites for their waywardness from God (it’s actually tough to read!). My sense is that we should not read this as a finger-pointing exercise aimed at “those people back there,” but rather as a commentary on the lack of “righteousness and justice” in our time and place. Jesus echoes these words in the passage from Luke. Verses 25-26, for example, seem eerily descriptive of our time, a period of distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 

As we walk into Advent 2024, then, let’s imagine being in that Jerusalem temple crowd listening to Jesus, and may we take his words to heart. Let’s not become consumed with the worries of this life, but rather, **WAKE UP, focus forward, and spend our time doing God’s work in the world, as we prepare for Christ’s return!

Soli Deo Gloria!

**Note: As I worked on this blog in the past couple of days, I could not help but think of how the word “woke” has come into our political jargon. The term’s origin traces to the African-American experience, and referred to being aware of social injustices, particularly those related to racism and inequality, and staying alert to systemic issues. Over time, it evolved into a broader concept encompassing awareness and advocacy for various social issues, including gender equality, climate justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. However, it has also become a contentious term, with critics using it to label what they perceive as excessive political correctness or performative activism. As a result, “woke” can carry both positive connotations of social consciousness and negative connotations as a polarizing or pejorative term, depending on the context. 

prayer reflection: “Wake awake, for night is flying” 

Wake Awake, For Night is Flying is a powerful hymn (436 in the ELW) from Philip Nicolai and seems especially fitting with this week’s lectionary. A Lutheran Pastor (and a “PK”), Nicolai studied in Wittenberg from 1547-49 and was soundly influenced by Luther who died a year before Nicolai’s arrival.  He ultimately served in five different parishes in Germany during his ministry. Written in 1597 in Unna during a devastating plague during which many of his parishioners died, the stirring hymn offers hope amidst desperate times. Enjoy the version below offered by the Luther College Choir.

Philipp Nicolai
(1556-1608)

Wake, awake, for night is flying,
the watchmen on the heights are crying;
awake, Jerusalem, at last.
Midnight hears the welcome voices,
and at the thrilling cry rejoices:
“Come forth, you maidens! Night is past.
The Bridegroom comes! Awake;
your lamps with gladness take!”
Alleluia!
Prepare yourselves to meet the Lord,
whose light has stirred the waiting guard.

An Announcement Regarding an Adult Education Opportunity! 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(1906-1945)

We will be doing a book study on Bonhoeffer’s classic, The Cost of Discipleship as we start the new year. The goal will be for people to read it between now and the end of the year in preparation for several in-person sessions at ELC in early 2025. While giving us an opportunity to dive into some Lutheran history, Bonhoeffer’s book remains incredibly relevant for 21st Century Christians! We have ordered several copies of the book and also hope that many will purchase it for themselves. In addition, be aware that a film on Bonhoeffer will be coming out around Thanksgiving, and my intention is to reference the book and Bonhoeffer’s life within the blog as well.

let me know if you are interested in being part of the study! email or text! (pstrykken@gmail.com or 715-299-0311). 

We will meet on Sunday 1 December after church in the library, for those that want to participate in some in-person discussion of the lectionary readings. our pattern typically is to take one of the readings, apply the four-question approach to it, and let the discussion flow from there!  All are welcome!