Faith & Politics Reflections

  WALKING THROUGH THE CHAOS – SUNDAY JANUARY 26, 2025 Luke 4:16-21 “When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then Jesus began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” In this Sunday’s Gospel reading Jesus is invited to give the Sabbath sermon. Note that he consciously selects the words he wants to read, unrolling the scroll to just the right pla...

  BAPTISM ON THE EVE OF TRUMP Luke 3:21-22 “Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." Advent, Christmas and the Day of Epiphany are now over. The Church’s traditional Bible readings through this time have been preparatory. They’ve set the stage. Now the baptism of Jesus starts a new chapter in the Biblical story. You have your own faith walk, your own community and your own rhythms for daily life. Use them. I have written through this season because I’ve needed to – for myself. With the upcoming inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump it is now time to let the dysfunction of what is to come be fully revealed. And we, in turn, will rise up out of the waters to get to work. For those of you who claim some form of baptism at the base of your bein...

NEW YEARS ON THE EVE OF TRUMP While the Gospel of Luke tells a tale of Jesus born into the midst of Roman oppression and poverty, the Gospel of Matthew tells a different story. Matthew reports on strangers from the east who found Jesus in the stars. They came to honor him, while those who should have known better sought his life. In this way they demonstrate the contrast between those with open and receptive hearts, and the entitled who rather kill children than surrender their power. I accept as a challenge for 2025 to be one of those who keeps an open and receptive heart. Undoubtedly this will mean traveling on unfamiliar roads and continually finding another way. With joy I await the Spirit’s leadership for the days ahead. I hope you will join me!