Author Archives: stmichaelssurrey

Sunday Reflection: In this year’s lectionary, we do not have the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. There is no waving of branches and declaring him the Messiah. Instead, this passage focuses on his torture and death. … Continue reading →

Christ’s desire for Israel was that they might have known Him in an intimate relationship as their Messiah. Several days before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He expressed that desire when He said after being confronted by some Pharisees, O … Continue reading →

In the wilderness Jesus did not engage with the devil’s temptations. He simply quoted the Word of God in scripture. God’s Word has power, even over the demons. Jesus’ experience teaches us that there is nothing wrong with being tempted. … Continue reading →

Sunday’s Reflection: The transfiguration of Jesus follows immediately on the scene where Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah – Luke 9:20. That scene ends with Jesus’ teaching on the coming glory of God’s kingdom to be experienced by … Continue reading →

Each of the four Gospels tells of the call of the first disciples. Luke’s account is distinctive. This is the only account of the call stories to mention the great catch of fish. The crowds are pressing in on Jesus, … Continue reading →

Luke’s account continues Jesus’ remarks and records the hostile response of the congregation. This story is a paradigm (a Greek verb meaning “to show,” “example” or “pattern”) for Jesus’ ministry and for the ministry of the church. Jesus’ preaching begins … Continue reading →

In our Gospel reading of John 2: 1-11 – Jesus performs his first miracle by turning water into wine.  It was a sign of his divine sonship.  We might understand that Jesus and his family were invited to a wedding because they … Continue reading →

2021 Advent Resource: “The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus Centered Life” is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It’s a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. This curriculum provides a pattern for understanding how we can live the Way of Love … Continue reading →

2021 Advent Resource: “The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus Centered Life” is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It’s a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. This curriculum provides a pattern for understanding how we can live the Way of Love … Continue reading →