In the bitterness of her soul Hannah prayed to God with many tears . . . . 1 Samuel 1: 10 Elvin Semrad, a renowned psychotherapist in the last century, used to tell his students that “The client is either sad, mad, or afraid. Everything else is superficial.” Today we hear the story of Hannah…[read more]
One day Elkanah offered sacrifice. He used to give portions to Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; to Hannah, however, he would give only one portion, although he loved her more, since Yahweh had made her barren. Her rival would taunt her to annoy her, because Yahweh had made her barren. And this…[read more]
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made…[read more]
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me with the commission to announce good news to the poor, to proclaim release to captives and recovery of sight to the blind; to send off the oppressed with liberty, to proclaim an acceptable year of the Lord. Luke…[read more]
The Lord bless you and keep you! / The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! / The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace! Numbers 6: 24-6 Today begins a new year. As the years pass and I enter into the later and more vulnerable and fragile…[read more]
Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of the human race, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overcome. John 1: 3-5 Today is the…[read more]
The love of the Father cannot be in anyone who loves the world, because nothing the world has to offer–the sensual body, the lustful eye, pride in possessions–could ever come from the Father but only from the world; and the world, with all it craves for, is coming to an end; but anyone who does…[read more]
“Behold, this child is destined to cause the fall and the rise of many within Israel, and to be a sign that is disputed—indeed, a sword will cut through your very life—so that the calculations of many hearts will be revealed.” Luke 2: 34-5 The gospel today describes the encounter of Mary, Joseph, and their…[read more]
Then what was said through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “A voice was heard in Ramah weeping and much lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children, and she was not willing to be consoled, because they were no more.” Matthew 2:17-8 If we say, “We are without sin” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not…[read more]
“What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1: 66 This question is asked by those who have witnessed and heard about the miraculous naming of John the Baptist. They realized in that moment that “the hand of the Lord” was with this child. It is…[read more]
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