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The very nature of God and his ways with us cause us both joy and discomfort. Who can hear Jesus telling us to love our enemies, be generous with the ungrateful, and kind to those who hurt us without wincing at the memory of our resentment and even retaliation? There is inevitable suffering in the lives of the meek and humble. The figure of Joseph and his life of rejection, … [Read more...] about Forgiving Those Who Treat Us Cruelly

By Amy Peeler 1 Corinthians 12 is a passage to which I return often; I would imagine this is true for many of you. The beginning includes Paul’s presentation on spiritual gifts, and this is probably the most applicable section. The one God gives many gifts to the people of God. We can be thankful to God for the way the Spirit has gifted us. We cannot be prideful because the … [Read more...] about You Say What You Are

"My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4) Six stone purification jars, filled with cold water —one can hardly imagine something more dull and dead. But Jesus makes them flow with rich wine, regaling the guests at a marriage feast. St. John is right to call this the first of Jesus' "signs." As with all the miracles in his gospel, this tale from Cana is replete with deep symbolism, … [Read more...] about My Hour Has Not Yet Come

From Commentary on Acts (1555) In Baptism we are washed from our sins; but Paul teaches that our washing is the work of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5) … Our old man is crucified in Baptism, that we may be raised up to newness of life (Rom. 6:6); and whence comes all this save only from the sanctification of the Spirit? And, finally, what shall remain in baptism if it be separate … [Read more...] about Those Excellent Gifts