Author Archives: stmichaelssurrey

God’s Mission, Our Mission: Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord, I am with you always, to the close of the age. Matthew 28:19, 20 Today, we celebrate what we call the Ascension of the Lord. It is the time … Continue reading →

I am the Vine, You are the Branches:  Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! If last week’s lesson ended on the note of disciples glorifying God the Father through the bearing of “much fruit,” then this week’s continuation that fruit fairly bursts … Continue reading →

I am the Vine, You are the Branches:  Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Easter is the unearned gift of grace. We have work to do, but not as lone rangers. We are called to stay connected to the vine, faithfully and … Continue reading →

You are witnesses:  Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Easter is the unearned gift of grace. The reflective season of “going in” that Lent provided (no matter what disciplines we undertook, nor even how well we attended to them) explodes on Easter. Of course, … Continue reading →

Peace Be with You:  Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Easter is the unearned gift of grace. The reflective season of “going in” that Lent provided (no matter what disciplines we undertook, nor even how well we attended to them) explodes on Easter. Of … Continue reading →

We Are Easter People:  Alleluia, Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord as we emerge from the Lenten season of waiting and watching. We’ve walked with Jesus through the wilderness into Jerusalem and to the … Continue reading →

Walk with Jesus: Abundance, not scarcity. The costliest of ointments poured out for Jesus. A man carrying a jar of water – work usually reserved for women – shows the way to the Passover meal. Pilate may have had generosity as … Continue reading →

Bearing much Fruit: Jesus continues the preparation of his followers. The hour has almost arrived for “the Son of Man to be glorified.” Whatever could he mean, his disciples wonder? So, Jesus selects a concrete image, one they will all have … Continue reading →

Take Up Your Cross: Just prior to our Gospel reading today, Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they offer the various responses that they have heard from others. “But who do YOU say that I … Continue reading →

Temptation and Prayer: In the first two Sundays of Lent, Mark, brilliantly succinct, reveals the preparation Jesus experienced. During the next three Sundays John adds shimmering lights on Jesus’ ministry before we plunge into the Crucifixion, where we watch, from wherever … Continue reading →