Lazarus becomes ill and his sisters, Mary and Martha, send word to Jesus, hoping he can help. Jesus seems to delay going to them and, by the time he arrives, his dear friend has died. Both sisters express…
A man is told it is his fault he was born blind. Yet Jesus sees it differently. Jesus heals him, but some Pharisees claim it is wrong of him to do so because it is the Sabbath. Again…
A woman going to the well alone, at the hottest time of the day, would appear suspicious in the early first century. Perhaps she is avoiding the judgment of others for something she has done. Yet Jesus is…
Jesus takes three of his friends on a hike up a mountain. There Peter, James, and John see God’s presence shining through Jesus. Then Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets) appear. Suddenly a hidden reality…
After fasting in the desert for forty days, Jesus finds himself tempted three times by the devil. Each temptation challenges Jesus’ identity and mission. Jesus rejects the devil by affirming what he knows to be true — that…
The story of the Epiphany begins with noticing. The Magi noticed a peculiar star and, confident in its significance, followed it all the way to Bethlehem. By paying attention to divine guidance, they found their way. This is what faith…
Grace is defined as a gift of God’s favor, sometimes recognized as the good that emerges in spite of an unfortunate situation. The Holy Family certainly faced their share of hardships, yet grace followed them closely. For instance, Joseph had…
Throughout the thousands of years of Judeo-Christian history, countless names have been given to God. Examples from Scripture include Mighty One, Unshakable Refuge, Anointed One, Abba, Advocate, and the Alpha and Omega. Another title…
Our culture often reduces love to pleasant emotions or something that should come easily. While that notion may mark the beginning of a love journey, it is never its fullness. Love will always ask more of us than we first…