Lectionary Reflections

  Theme Transfiguration Sunday presents us with two incredible (almost unbelievable) stories. In Mark, Jesus is transfigured on the mountain top and communes with two of the great prophets of Israel: Moses and Elijah. In 2 Kings, Elijah is lifted up and passes on his mantle as Israel’s prophet to Elisha. The symbolism of these two stories presented together reminds us of Jesus’ role as God’s Prophet in the world. Furthermore, the position of the transfiguration in Mark’s Gospel, reminds us that Jesus is a different kind of Messiah than what God’s people were expecting. Scripture Readings Mark 9:2-9 - Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain where he was transfigured before them. His clothes became white and Elijah and Moses appeared and spoke with him. Peter desires to set up three shelters for them. A cloud appeared and covered them and a voice came from the cloud declaring: “This is my Son whom I love, listen to him.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 - Unbelievers who are p...

  Theme This week’s readings speak boldly of the greatness (transcendence), but also the accessibility (imminence), of God. The same God who created the universe and everything in it continues to care for humanity and will provide strength to the weak, healing to the broken, and liberation to the oppressed. In Mark, Jesus continues to heal and drive out demons. In Corinthians, Paul preaches the Gospel so that others can experiences God’s gifts. The Psalmist declares God’s goodness and that God delights in those who fear Him. In Isaiah, God’s glory will be revealed as the weary renew their hope in God and grow strong. Scripture Readings Mark 1:29-39 - After teaching with authority in the temple, Jesus visits Simon and Andrew and heals their mother-in-law. That night, people brought a whole bunch of sick and demon-possessed people to Jesus to heal. Jesus healed many, but never let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early the next morning, Jesus went off to a s...

  Theme This week’s readings speak to us about how we listen and respond to God’s call. In John, Jesus invites Philip and Nathanael to follow him. Samuel contains one of the most well known passages in Scripture of a person hearing and responding to an audible call from God. In Corinthians and the Psalm, we are reminded that the God who calls us has created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. Scripture Readings John 1:43-51 - Jesus invites Philip to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael who says that nothing good can come from Nazareth. When Jesus sees Nathanael coming, he declares that he is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit. He tells Nathanael that he saw him while he was under the fig tree. Nathanael then declares that Jesus is the Son of God and King of Israel. Jesus says that while Nathanael believes because of this, he was see much greater things than that. He will see heaven open, and the angels of God descending on the Son of Man. 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 - Alt...

Theme This week is Baptism of the Lord Sunday where the lectionary invites us to reflect on Jesus’ baptism at the hands of John. The readings this week encourage us to reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and in the world. In Mark, the Spirit descends on Jesus and assures him of God’s approval. In Acts, we see the disciples are empowered by the Holy Spirit in their own baptism. In the Psalm and in Genesis, we are reminded that God’s Spirit is continuously creating and is present in all of God’s Creation. Scripture Readings Mark 1: 4-11 - John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John was wild and unkempt, but attracted many people to get baptized by him. He declared to prepare the way for one more powerful than him who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus came and got baptized by John. Jesus saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove, also hearing a voice claim...

I am excited to continue writing and releasing weekly reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary once again. The past couple of months were tough to navigate individually and as a family so I ended up taking a much-needed mental health break from posting weekly to my blog. I have used this time to refocus in preparation for continuing with new vigour in 2024. In 2023, the Lectionary took us on a journey through the Gospel of Matthew. This was the first year of the RCL known as Year A. In 2024, Year B of the RCL will be taking us primarily through the Gospel of Mark.  The Gospel of Mark The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels found in our bibles. It is often referred to as the action  gospel. This is because its stories are usually short, to the point, and full of action.  Authorship: Although the title suggests that the Gospel was written by someone named Mark, it is generally agreed that it was written anonymously for a gentile audience. The title of Ma...