“Justification” and the related verb “to justify” are funny words because they can have different meanings depending on the context. In regular modern American English, to justify something (often an action like a big purchase or some bold statement) is to be put on the defensive possibly after being accused. It requires answering the why’s…

Jesus had a marvelous way of confronting people who held worldly beliefs, by turning their views upside down, shaking them out, so his listeners could understand the deeper realities of God. He was a genius at bringing his message down to a common-sense level – often by telling stories, sharply driving home a point leading…

Today’s story from Luke could easily be a contemporary one-act play – a single scene where characters, conflict, and social norms clash together to reveal an unexpected and utterly transformative truth. The set: a well-decorated dining room, simple but expensive looking. The characters: Simon the Pharisee, a curious intellectual with an eye for the interesting;…

Shadows can be both fun and frightening. Do you remember when you were a child, marveling at your shadow, especially in the late afternoon when shadows are long? Or making shadow pictures by holding your hands certain ways? Then there is the other side of shadows. Like the uncertainty of who is approaching you in…

It would be interesting to look more closely at the last two stories we have just heard. They are great stories, and really very important. They both talk about the same things, and they both say two of the really important words of the Gospel. In Galatians, Paul is describing what must have been one…

A good father flies kites with you at the park.A good father takes you fishing.A good father takes good care of you.A good father keeps you out of trouble.A good father loves you (and gives you just a sip of his beer). Bart was 13 years old when he prepared a Father’s Day card that…

The Old Testament lesson (2 Samuel 11:26-12:10, 13-15) reminds us that there are consequences to our actions. King David desires Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his officers. After committing adultery with her, David plots to have Uriah killed in action against the Ammonites. God is displeased and sends the prophet Nathan to confront…

Sweet ever-loving Jesus, bless our minds and hearts to hear your voice. Make us one with your Holy Spirit in love. Fill us with compassion and peace to promote your love and kingdom to all. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto you. In Christ’s Name we…