july-26-2009

John 6:1-21

As we begin this five week series exploring Jesus’ teaching on the Bread of Life, we will find that we are exploring the work of God’s grace in our lives. One of the keys to living the Christian life is learning to see God’s ever present grace working in and around us. This week, as we look at Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, we find that God’s grace works miracles in our weakness. Rather than seeing weakness as a bad thing, then, we must learn to see the gift and opportunity it presents us, for, as St. Paul noted, it is where we are weak that we find God is strong.

july-12-2009

2 Samuel 6:1-5,12b-19; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

On the heels of the mission of the Twelve, we are told that “King Herod heard of the deeds of power, Jesus’ name had become known.”  The Good News of Jesus continues to reveal the hearts of men and women.  At the name of Jesus a light is cast upon the darkness of the world and its kingdoms and we get one such glimpse in the court of Herod.  In contrast, the Kingdom of God is where true family, politics, economy, pleasure, and true feasting is found.

july-5-2009

Mark 6:1-13

On the heels of being rejected in Capernaum, Jesus sends out the Twelve disiples to extend the work of His ministry.  We, too, as disciples, have been sent in absolute dependence upon God to join in Jesus’ work of ushering in the Kingdom of God.  All too often, though, we fail to recognize the authority and power that Jesus bestows upon all of His followers.  As we engage this passage, we find how, depending upon God to provide, we can see the mighty power of Jesus working through us!