On this rock

Morning: Psalms 70, 71; Ecclesiastes 11:1-8; Galatians 5:16-24

Evening: Psalm 74; Matthew 16:13-20

When Newfoundlanders hear the phrase, “On this Rock,” they think it’s about their beautiful island.  Well, it is about the solidity that characterizes that place, its capacity to weather storms and remain steadfast of character and spirit.  When Peter recognized who Jesus really was – somehow, incredibly, the power of the cosmos in human flesh – and when he worked up the courage to say it, Jesus said, now there’s something solid to build on, a faith that will see you through.  Build on that faith and you will overcome … even against all the powers of evil!

Beware of what tastes good but isn’t

Morning: Psalm 72; Ecclesiastes 9:11-18; Galatians 5:1-15

Evening: Psalm 119:73-96; Matthew 16:1-12

Have you felt tempted to eat a tasty morsel laden with unhealthy ingredients?  Sweet cakes tempt me. Some of the stories about Jesus are stories about the feeding of multitudes. These stories act like parables to encourage you to nourish your soul with goodness … with the kind of truth, justice and love shown in Jesus.  But, Jesus’ warns about the ‘leaven of the Pharisees’.  In other words, beware of ways of living or believing that are untrue – do not live a lie, or be untrue to yourself.  These may seem attractive but they will not nourish your soul.

The eternal longing for freedom … fulfilled in us

Morning: Psalms 61, 62; Ecclesiastes 8:14—9:10; Galatians 4:21-31

Evening: Psalm 68:1-20, 24-36; Matthew 15:29-39

Isaiah(35) envisions Israel’s deliverance: “The eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.” Jesus fulfils this vision.  He feeds multitudes, too, on a mountain … echoing Isaiah(25)’s mountain vision of a great feast for all peoples. Still today, people yearn for sight, to hear and be heard, to walk, and to find their voice.  Still today, the world longs for its deep spiritual hunger to be fed.  Tell them deliverance is coming ... be part of it.

Being Human … Courage to care for one another

Morning: Psalms 15, 67; Acts 4:32-37

Evening: Psalms 19, 146; Acts 9:26-31

Today is St. Barnabas’ Day.  Before becoming St. Paul’s companion, Barnabas sold a field and gave the money to the apostles. Among the early Christians, no one claimed private ownership; everything was held in common.  As they shared their faith “there was not a needy person among them”.  Barnabas means ‘son of encouragement’ – perhaps he did inspire others to take courage?  Early Christians learned from Jesus that being human is about caring for one another.  And, in the spirit of Barnabas, modern Christians might still aspire to rediscover the richness of our humanity and the will to live it courageously.

Give your heart to what will endure

Morning: Psalms 24, 29; Ecclesiastes 6:1-12; Acts 10:9-23

Evening: Psalms 8, 84; Luke 12:32-40

A woman we know grows vegetables where the soil is poor.  When she hears I plan to garden someday, she says, “Start now; it takes years to build up good soil.”  If something life-giving captures your heart, don’t wait for a better time – there isn’t one.  A professor of mine said, “Read the best books first.”  Jesus says devote yourself now to what really matters: downsize, be generous, focus on life’s real treasures, give your heart now to what will last – be clear about what that is – and you will experience what they sometimes call ‘heaven’... right here.

Spot the hypocrite … but then again, better not!

Morning: Psalm 55; Ecclesiastes 5:8-20; Galatians 3:23—4:11

Evening: Psalm 138, 139:1-17; Matthew 15: 1-20

The Pharisees and scribes criticize those who do not observe the letter of the Law.  Jesus points out that the Pharisees forget the Spirit of the Law; their hands are clean but they are dark inside … They may appear pure and holy on the outside, but they are full of trouble.  Some people say that they have decided to avoid churches because churches are full of hypocrites.  As Jesus pointed out, though, they would do well to remember that hypocrisy is prone to point the finger at others while being blissfully unaware of its own contradictions.

You don’t have to walk on water

Morning: Psalms 40, 54; Ecclesiastes 5:1-7; Galatians 3:15-22

Evening: Psalm 51; Matthew 14:22-36

It’s exhilarating to ‘walk on water’ when the Lakes are frozen in wintertime!  Jesus does not call people, though, to copy him, but to follow in his Way.  There are moments on life’s path when we may be faced with seemingly crazy or impossible challenges. This story of Jesus seems to say: In such impossible moments, keep your eyes fixed on his way of seeing the world.  Then, the storms that life throws your way will not overwhelm you and you will be empowered to bring love, peace and hope to a needy world … as Peter did.