God appears in so many unexpected ways. Take Jesus, for instance. He was one unexpected appearance! God became like us to Love us even more. When Jesus arose from the dead and appeared to the disciples, they certainly didn’t expect it. Continue Reading

It was the day of preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which his body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils. Then they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandments. Luke 24:54-55

These words read at the end of the Passion according to Luke, led me to wonder what went through the minds of those women who stayed with Jesus through his passion and death. These faithful grieving women, anxious to anoint Jesus after he was taken down from the cross, remained true to their custom and waited until after the Sabbath to go back to the tomb. Continue Reading

Jesus washes the feet of the of the Apostles John 13:1-15

The Gospel story of Jesus washing the feet of the apostles presents the two sides of service – giving and receiving. I remember one time after surgery a nurse washed not just my feet but my whole body. It was at once humbling and comforting. On the other side of the coin, I remember the time my mother was ill and had an “accident.” I cleaned her up, washed her, and changed her clothing. Continue Reading

“Morning by morning God wakens, wakens my ear to listen…The Lord God has opened my ear…I did not turn backward…the Lord God helps me; therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame…” (Isaiah 50:4b, 5, 7)

This passage from Isaiah used on Palm Sunday gives me encouragement, hope, and desire to seek God.  Each day I can begin anew for God “wakens” my ear, rouses me, gives me a little (or big) shake.  Will I listen today?  If I do, I realize God is my rock.  I will stand erect and walk forward, not backward.  God will sustain me in my search, on my journey.  My desire will be strong “like flint,” and when it strikes the Rock will create a spark lighting the fire in my heart, revealing God’s love in a new way–often totally unexpected.  This is God’s promise.  During the sacred days of Holy Week may our sparks light up the world filling it with new life and peace.

Gospel: Luke 22:14-23

The Church’s title for this Sunday summarizes the liturgy quite well: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. The Liturgy begins with the joyful singing, “Hosanna, Hosanna to the King, the King of Israel.” The people process in to the church waving their palm branches. Less than ½ hour later, we are standing for the Passion joining with the crowds’ chant of “Crucify him! Crucify him!” Continue Reading