See what the eldest son fails to recognize: we always tend the fatted calf for our brother’s return. We receive strengths of spirit and nurture them in order that they might benefit all people.

Although fear of divine punishment may no longer motivate us today, to turn around, to repent, to say “I’m sorry”, to make amends, to reorient ourselves toward loving God and loving our neighbor… Scriptural memory can encourage us and nourish us.

How remarkable that the almighty Son of God eschews the regal image of the lion, or the mighty image of the ox, and chooses instead the nurturing image of a mother hen. To anyone who complains that maternal imagery for the divine is a new-fangled innovation, I present the ancient words of today’s Gospel.

By Jesus’ model, when the world turns to selfishness and judgment, we do not overcome those trials by returning aggression for aggression; we do not give cruelty for cruelty.

As we enter into this season of Lent, what lies and falsehoods will you let go of and how will you be held in the love of God in the community you find yourselves?

This is why we do this. This is why we gather together, and this practice of holding one another in both the joy and pain every week is to affirm that we don’t only understand God as being in the highlights, but God’s presence is indeed part of our interwoven existence encompassing all parts of the spectrum.

The miracle is this:  Jesus knows how to win in such a way that no one should lose. 

Despite the story the world tells us, blessing cannot be measured by material possessions, corporate titles, prestigious degrees, or anything we can earn or achieve. To be blessed is to be stripped of the illusion that we can save ourselves.

To continue the growth of these last years, we must now accompany the widening of our congregation, with a deepening of the same …

Every 5-6 years February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation, falls on a Sunday. The day where Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus’ identity and call him a “light to the nations.” Where do you see the light of Christ? Who has been a light bearer for you?