Preaching Through the Week

Text: Romans 6:1-11 Theme: Life from death Reflection: I don't remember the day I was baptized; this is good and well, as I was only 34 days old! I do know who was there, standing around the font with me. I do know that the promises made in my baptism continue to this day... and tomorrow... and into eternity. I have had the privilege of sponsoring some very special people to me in their baptism. I have had the honor or baptizing some very special young people in two different congregations. Baptism continues to be a communal celebration within the body of Christ. In this Roman's text, Paul starts with sin and moves to grace. Paul starts with death and moves to life. Paul starts with us and moves to baptism into Christ Jesus. The theme in this writing is starting with the human condition, which leads always to God's promises. We, you and me, are humans in this world, trying to figure out how this world works, and more importantly, how God is active in this world. The...

Text: Matthew 9:35-38 Theme: Compassion Reflection: When you see a large crowd of people, what comes to mind? I imagine, in this gospel text from Matthew, Jesus being overwhelmed by the crowds of people. Jesus had become high in demand. Jesus had gathered quite a following; the preaching, teaching, and healing was a sight to behold. These deeds of power, and words of authority, caught the attention of lots of people. Word spread, as more people followed, more people were invited to follow. Life changed, for those who experienced healing and those who observed it. Today, we see crowds of people gather for a variety of reasons. Music events, sporting events, parades, and marches see large groups of people in one area. Gathering with others for a common purpose brings people, energy, and movements together. With the onset of Covid-19, crowds and gatherings in large groups have happened far less frequently. The compassion Jesus has for the crowds leads to interaction with others...