In the gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his earthly ministry with "The kingdom of God has come near." or "The kingdom of God is at hand." In our lives as Christians, one of the great privileges is to catch glimpses of the kingdom of God as it comes near. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 3b – 21-January-24”
The gospel story for today tells about Philip bringing his brother Nathaniel to meet Jesus. As we come to the Table, remember that the invitation that Philip brought to Nathaniel extends to us all, for we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Epiphany 2b – 14-January-24”
This morning we remember the baptism of Jesus which marked the beginning of his earthly ministry. At this Table, we remember his death, which marks it's end. In both cases, the events show Jesus' obedience to God's plan "so that all righteousness could be done." … Read the rest “Alternate Table Meditation (Gospel) for Baptism of Christ B – 7-January-24”
The wisemen brought three gifts to Jesus. Gold, the metal of kings, incense, used by priests in worship, and myrrh, used in preparing the dead for burial. That third gift was a symbol that Jesus death would have great meaning. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Ordinary 1b – 10-January-21”
When Simeon and Anna recognized who Jesus was as Mary and Joseph brought him to the temple, it wasn't because he looked any different from any of the other children with other parents in spite of all those old pictures that show Jesus, Mary, and Joseph with massive halos around their heads.… Read the rest “Table Meditation for Christmas 1b – 31-December-23”
The idea of Jesus being Emmanuel (God with us) is often difficult to get our minds around. Theologians have argued since John wrote the words we heard earlier just exactly what they mean so I'm not going to try to define it absolutely.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Christmas B – 25-December-23”
In the gospel reading for today, we hear the story of Mary who, when told the incredible news that she would be the mother of Jesus, said with simple humility, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Advent 4b 24-December-23”
John the Baptizer knew he was not Elijah. Yet he took up the role that Jewish tradition said Elijah would take: He announced and prepared the people for the coming of the Lord. We aren't Elijah either, nor John, but we too can take up the mantle and prepare the way and announce the Lord's coming. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Advent 3b – 17-December-23”
Both the Gospel and the Old Testament reading today talk about God's Good News coming into the world. One place we hear and receive that Good News is here at the Table, where we hear that God loves us so much that God would not let anything come between God and us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Advent 2b – 10-December-23”
The Gospel reading for today tells us about recognizing signs of Jesus' coming, but let's turn our attention to signs that Jesus was already here. We stand before this table, which Jesus gave to us to remember him.… Read the rest “Table Meditation and Prayer for Advent 1b – 3-December-23”