Author Archives: Robin Garr

Epiphany 3B

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Jan. 25, 2015

Jesus Calling the Apostles Peter and Andrew.

Jesus Calling the Apostles Peter and Andrew. Maesta Altarpiece of Siena, 1308-1311, Duccio de Buoninsegna. National Gallery of Art.

First Reading: Jonah 3:1-5, 10

Today we hear the ancient story of Jonah, the reluctant prophet, who ran from God’s call to prophesy to the people of Nineveh, Jonah has just been spewed out on the beach by the giant fish that God sent to bring him back. Now he is a little more cooperative, and his prophecy has great effect: All the people of this great city accept Jonah’s words, fast and repent! And then God shows God’s forgiving mercy, and decides not to destroy the people after all. (In following verses that end the short book, Jonah is quite angry about this, but God’s mercy abides.)

Psalm: Psalm 62: 6-14

Wait for God, hope in God, trust God above all else. When all others fail, God, our strong rock and our refuge, will reward our trust in God’s power and steadfast love. Others cannot be trusted, the Psalmist tells us over and over again. “On the scales they are lighter than a breath.” But God can always be trusted to repay us all according to our good deeds.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 7: 29-31

No marriage, no mourning, no joy? No things? What in the world is Paul going on about this time? Paul’s letters can sound very confusing to modern ears, but we can usually hear the voice of the Spirit when we understand them in the context of their time and place. Paul was convinced that Christ was coming back very soon, bringing God’s kingdom and a new way of life. Nothing was more important than that, Paul preached. Not husbands and wives, not mourning or joy. All that is passing away, but God still abides.  

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

The ministry of Jesus begins! On Epiphany we heard Mark tell of John baptizing Jesus, and a dove from heaven declaring Jesus the son of God. Now events are moving fast. John has been arrested, and Jesus, it seems, has taken over John’s call to prophesy repentance and declare the good news of God’s kingdom. Then Jesus calls his first disciples, and the journey begins.

Epiphany 2B

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Jan. 18, 2015

The Call of Nathanael

The Call of Nathanael, orthodox icon

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Today’s readings speak to us about listening for God’s voice in the world … and about taking care to discern just what we hear. In our first reading, the boy Samuel – who will grow up to be a prophet as Israel becomes a kingdom under Saul – hears a mysterious voice calling him in the night. He thinks that it his guardian Eli, the high priest and judge, as the Israelites then called their leader. But Eli, who was sleeping, eventually realizes that Samuel is hearing the voice of God. Eli advises the boy to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Psalm: Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17

Even if it is not easy for us to discern what God asks of us, we can rely on God’s full and complete knowledge of our every thought, the Psalmist sings. God knows us, God knows when we move forward and when we sit down; God knows every word that we speak and every word that we think. “How deep I find your thoughts, O God! How great is the sum of them!” We can never know all that God wills for us, but there is joy and hope in listening for God’s voice.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

“Oh, my, Paul is ranting about sexuality again,” this reading might make us groan. Warnings about immorality and sleeping around? Listen closely, though: as happens often in Paul’s letters, he is giving pastoral counsel to a loving, but sometimes troublesome, church community in Corinth. They’ve been arguing. They’re split into factions. Some haven’t been behaving well. Some even believe that their baptism makes it okay for them to behave immorally! Paul’s advice is simple: Listen for God’s voice through the Holy Spirit. Remember that our bodies are parts of Christ and temples of the Holy Spirit, and honor God by doing the right thing.

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Jesus is calling his disciples, in John’s account, one and two at a time. Andrew, Simon Peter and now Philip have heard Jesus’s call. Philip wants to get his friend Nathanael into the growing band. But Nathanael is wary at first. This Jesus comes from Nazareth? That’s not where the Messiah is supposed to come from! But when Jesus speaks to Nathanael in words that seem to echo the Psalm’s “Your eyes beheld my limbs, yet unfinished in the womb,” Nathanael hears Jesus’ call and accepts him as the Son of God and King of Israel.

Epiphany 1B/Baptism of Our Lord

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Jan. 11, 2015

Fra Angelico. Baptism of Christ.

Fra Angelico. Baptism of Christ. c.1441. Fresco, Museo di San Marco, Florence.

First Reading: Genesis 1:1-5

We remember the Baptism of Jesus today, and all our readings speak of creation and new life through God in Word and Spirit. First, in the familiar opening verses of the ancient creation story in Genesis, we can see the idea of God in three persons taking shape: God the Creator is present. God’s Word makes the light shine in the darkness. God’s spirit breath sweeps over the water. In the beginning God creates heaven and earth. In the beginning was the Word.

Psalm: Psalm 29

This striking, poetic psalm portrays God’s powerful spirit wind as a majestic storm. Such a storm might scare us into running for shelter. But it is also the kind of awesome storm symphony that might lead us out on the porch to feel the rain and the wind touch our faces as the mighty storm rolls by. And then we cry out in worship, thanking the God who gives us strength and peace.

Second Reading: Acts 19:1-7

Remember last week’s New Testament reading, in which Paul prayed that God would give God’s Spirit of wisdom and revelation to the Ephesians, enlightening their hearts? Now, in the Acts of the Apostles, we hear about Paul introducing 12 Ephesians to the Holy Spirit. Baptized in John’s baptism of repentance, now Paul baptizes them in the Spirit in Jesus’ name. They joyfully speak in tongues and prophesy as the Holy Spirit comes to them.

Gospel: Mark 1:4-11

Now God’s Spirit moves over the waters again, this time as a dove coming down while Jesus emerges, dripping, from Jordan’s water, baptized by the prophet John, who quickly defers to Jesus’ greater power to baptize with the Holy Spirit. As Jesus begins his public ministry in the opening book of Mark, we hear God’s voice, God’s Word from above, declaring that Jesus is God’s Son, God’s Beloved, in whom God is pleased. When we are all baptized into the Body of Christ, we too become God’s sons and daughters, and our loving God is pleased.

Christmas 2

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Jan. 4, 2015

Adoration of the Magi

“Adoration of the Magi,” Andrea Mantegna, c. 1500. Collection: The J. Paul Getty Museum.

First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-14

We are still in Christmastide: The 12 days of Christmas continue through Epiphany, January 6, and our readings speak of thanksgiving, hope, and joy. Even Jeremiah, often called “the weeping prophet” for the dire warnings of destruction that fill his prophecy, resounds with shouts of praise and joy today. The prophet offers hope for all of God’s people, even those weeping in sorrow and pain. God will comfort all, turn our sorrow into gladness, our mourning into joy.

Psalm: Psalm 84

The Psalmist, too, sings a hymn of joy, and specifically, the joy of worshipping in the rebuilt temple whose destruction and restoration the Prophet Jeremiah had foretold. Even amid the joy of having the building restored, though, the real exultation is not bound by bricks and mortar but rests on the grace and glory found in encountering God.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a

Echoing in Ephesians the reassuring theme that we heard in last week’s reading from Galatians, Paul emphasizes that we are all adopted as God’s children through Jesus. Through this adoption we are freely given God’s grace, a glorious inheritance of great spiritual riches that gives us hope.

Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

The gospels tell us almost nothing about Jesus’s childhood and youth. This intriguing gap is filled only by this short, fascinating story that appears only in Luke’s Gospel. Twelve-year-old Jesus disappears while the family is in Jerusalem, to the horror of Joseph and Mary, who find him three days later in the Temple, impressing the elders with his intelligent discussion. The child reassures his frantic parents, declaring that his place is in his “Father’s house,” the Temple. In the next chapter, in Luke’s account of the baptism of the 30-year-old Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan, we will hear the voice of God announce that Jesus is God’s beloved Son.

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12

One of the most memorable Christmas stories tells of the wise men from the East who followed a shining star to Bethlehem, the village that the prophets foretold as the birthplace of the Messiah. It might surprise us, though, to remember that Matthew doesn’t actually say there were three of them, or that they were kings. They came, following the star. They bore gifts. They knelt and paid homage to baby Jesus as if he were a king … and then they thwarted evil Herod’s plan by heading home by another road. How do we hear God’s voice? What leads us to Jesus?

Christmas 1

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 28, 2014

Ancient Orthodox icon of Saint John Theologian

Ancient Orthodox icon of Saint John Theologian

First Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3

Isaiah’s great book of prophecy has reached its closing chapters, the people have returned from exile; even if there is plenty of hard work yet to be done, the mood is joyous and exultant. You may notice that this reading overlaps our Isaiah reading two weeks ago, repeating the appealing images of the people as a joyous bridal pair, looking forward to a new life together, and of God as a nurturing gardener. Now we celebrate the new Zion’s righteousness and praise for God as a example to all the nations.

Psalm: Psalm 147

God’s promises have been fulfilled! Praise the Lord, or in the original Hebrew, Hallelujah! One of the five Psalms of praise and triumph that complete the Psalms, the hymn book of the ancient Temple, today’s Psalm rings in harmony with our Isaiah reading, exulting in the people’s return from exile to rebuild Jerusalem with God’s help. And again we see an image of God as nurturing keeper of a divine garden, sending gentle rain for grass and crops and finest wheat, nurturing food for our flocks and herds and for us all.

Second Reading: Galatians 3:23-25;4:4-7

Note well that throughout his short letter to the Galatians, Paul is arguing in fierce conflict against some in the early church who demanded that gentile converts follow the strict Jewish law. We should be careful not to interpret these words as anti-Jewish or as suggesting that the new covenant abolishes the old. But we can all celebrate his ringing conclusion to this passage, celebrating our joy in being adopted without restriction as God’s heirs and children through Christ.

Gospel: John 1:1-18

While Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels start with the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus, and Mark’s begins with Jesus’ baptism, John’s Gospel is decidedly different. Poetic and spiritual, rather like a hymn, it sings the glory of God’s own word becoming flesh, living among us, lighting up the world. The Word that was in the beginning with God, when God said, “Let there be light,” is now, will be, and in God’s time always has been, incarnate as human flesh, Jesus, God with us.

Advent 4B

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 21, 2014

Magnificat e Visitação, the Visitation and the Magnificat.

Magnificat e Visitação, the Visitation and the Magnificat.

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Does God need a house? King David, consolidating his earthly kingdom, was dissatisfied with the people’s custom of keeping the Ark of the Covenant in a mere tent. David wanted to build a great temple for God to live in. But God, speaking through the Prophet Nathan, dismisses this idea. God lives with the people. God’s home, David hears, is with the House of David, the dynasty of God’s people, the family that Christians would understand as the “family tree” of Jesus. As we hear in today’s Gospel, God gives Jesus “the throne of his ancestor David.”

Psalm: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

The Psalmist celebrates God’s covenant with David, a royal lineage that God established to last forever. Even through the devastation of war and the pain of exile, when Israel and Judah might have wondered if God’s promise had been revoked because of their failure of righteousness, the prophets continued to foretell a new King David, who Christians would recognize in Christ, the Messiah.

Psalm: Canticle 15

In place of a Psalm today we sing the Magnificat, the beautiful words from Luke’s Gospel that we often hear in Morning and Evening Prayer. As we hear in today’s Gospel, the Angel Gabriel has told Mary that she will give birth to King David’s heir, the Messiah. When she feels the infant move in her womb, she rejoices in a poetic celebration that echoes the words of the prophets: thoughts that, perhaps, her son Jesus would hear from his mother: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.”

Second Reading: Romans 16: 25-27

Throughout his letter to the Romans, Paul has encouraged Rome’s Gentile and Jewish Christian communities to heal their differences and get along. Now, in a ringing doxology that concludes the epistle, he emphasizes that God’s covenant with the people, expressed through the prophets, is given for all humanity. Through Jesus we all live forever in glory!

Gospel: Luke 1: 26-38

As Advent draws to a close and the joy of Christmas and the birth of Jesus draws near, we hear Luke tell the familiar story of the Angel Gabriel’s visit to a young Palestinian woman named Mary. Through God’s Holy Spirit this young virgin will give birth to a son named Jesus, who will inherit King David’s throne and rule over an eternal kingdom. She responds to this amazing news with simple, trusting acceptance: “Let it be with me according to your word.” And then, in following verses, she will go on to utter the poetic, prophetic words of the Magnificat, the Song of Mary.

Advent 3B

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 14, 2014

John the Baptist in the Wilderness. . Jusepe de Ribera, c.1635. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain

John the Baptist in the Wilderness

First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

It’s Rose Sunday! Today we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, and our Advent readings start to turn from the hope and fear of end times and Judgement Day to thoughts of the Incarnation, the Messiah, the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. The Prophet Isaiah speaks to the people returning from exile to a devastated Jerusalem, assuring them that God’s good news comes to the poor, the oppressed, captives and prisoners. Later, according to Luke’s Gospel, Jesus will read these same verses in the synagogue at Nazareth, declaring that this scripture was fulfilled on that day.

Psalm: Psalm 126

Today’s Psalm sings the people’s joy at God’s promise through Isaiah having been fulfilled for the people, as it joyfully exults that God did, indeed, restore Jerusalem’s fortunes. God has been good. God has turned the people’s tears into songs of joy; their weeping into a bountiful harvest.

Psalm: Canticle 15

In place of a Psalm today we sing the the Magnificat, the beautiful words from Luke’s Gospel that we often include in Morning and Evening Prayer. The Angel Gabriel has told Mary, a virgin, that she will give birth to the Messiah, the heir of King David. When she feels the infant move in her womb, she rejoices in a poetic celebration that echoes Isaiah and that, perhaps, her son Jesus would hear from his mother: “He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly.”

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Closing his short first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul builds on his prior verses that had urged the people to be prepared in prayer and rejoicing for Christ’s return. He encourages them to be faithful and filled with the Spirit, seeking to do good and avoid evil so as to be ready – “sound and blameless” – when Jesus Christ returns.

Gospel: John 1:6-8,19-28

The Advent readings weave together in a pattern as this week’s Gospel shows us John the Baptist quoting the verses from Isaiah that we had heard in last week’s First Reading. Now, says John, he is in fact the voice crying out in the wilderness, calling on the people to make straight the way of the Lord. This is to be done not for his own sake, says John, but to make way for the one who is coming after him – Jesus – who is so much greater that John is unworthy to untie his sandals.

Advent 2B

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Dec. 7, 2014

Baptism of Jesus

Baptism of Jesus, Mosaic, Arian Baptistry in Ravenna, 500s

First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

God is coming, so make the way ready. God is coming, so make ourselves ready. This Advent theme, following on last week’s readings, comes full circle in today’s Lectionary, beginning with the Prophet Isaiah and returning in the opening verses of the Gospel according to Mark. Last week’s Isaiah reading took us to the end of the book, when the people have come home to a devastated Jerusalem, filled with fear and hope. Today’s verses – familiar through their use in Handel’s “Messiah” – look forward to their return from exile. The prophet prays that God will comfort us, lead us like a shepherd, gather us like lambs in God’s protecting arms.

Psalm: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

Today’s Psalm echoes Isaiah’s message, remembering the time of exile and rejoicing that God’s comfort, indeed, did come to the people. Yes, the people behaved badly. They sinned. But God has forgiven our iniquity, blotted out our sins, and returned us to the land in righteousness and peace. The straight highway that Isaiah foretold has become a path for God’s feet.

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a

The latest letter included in the New Testament, this second letter in Peter’s name was likely written down a century or more after the crucifixion. After so many years, Christ’s expected return had surely become a concern for the early church. What did this delay mean? Perhaps God’s time is not like our time: “One day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” Still, be patient, the author urges God’s people. Live holy and godly lives. Be at peace, and wait for God.

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Think about this: These are the first words of the first Gospel written, set down perhaps 30 or 40 years after Jesus died on the cross. Mark begins not with the birth of Jesus nor his death and resurrection, but by declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark portrays John the Baptist proclaiming the words of Isaiah. John stands as God’s messenger preparing the way for Jesus, the one so powerful that John is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. Jesus is coming to baptize us with the Holy Spirit!

Advent 1B

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 30, 2014

The Prophet Isaiah

The Prophet Isaiah, Lorenzo Monaco, 1405-10

First Reading: Isaiah 64:1-9


One clear idea rings through today’s readings as Advent begins: God is coming. God may come quietly, quickly; God may come amid fire and upheaval. We had better be ready. Near the end of this great Old Testament book of prophecy, Isaiah speaks while the people are returning home to Jerusalem from exile at last. They must face up to harsh reality: This is not the city they knew, but a devastated landscape with a destroyed Temple and a remnant of defeated people. Oh, God, the prophet cries, come down! Show your might, restore your people. Form us into something new … and please forgive our sins.

Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18

The Psalm, too, calls on God to hear the people’s prayers, set aside God’s anger, and restore Israel. The people have suffered. God’s punishment has forced them to endure their enemies’ derision and laughter. They have eaten and drunk their tears like bread and water. Please, God, the Psalmist pleads: Shine the light of your countenance upon us, save us, and we will never turn from you again.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Paul opens his first letter to the Corinthians in the formal style of ancient Greek correspondence. He greets and thanks the people of this church, and in doing so reassures them that Jesus Christ will soon return and find them strong and free of sin. Thanks to the grace and peace that God has given them, they will reflect God’s faithfulness in the fellowship of Christ.

Gospel: Mark 13:24-37

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of his hope for God to come and bring justice after the first destruction of Jerusalem. Now, while the Romans are destroying the city and the temple again, the Evangelist Mark hopes for Jesus’ return in power and glory. It is no wonder that Mark uses apocalyptic language as he imagines Jesus speaking of the signs and portents that will accompany his return. In three quick images, Jesus warns of a tumultuous time; advises his followers to watch for signs of his return; and urges them to be on the watch. Like the wise bridesmaids with their oil-filled lamps, we are wise to be ready, be awake, be alert.

Christ the King A

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Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Nov. 23, 2014

Mosaic of the Last Judgment

Mosaic of the Last Judgment from Ravenna, Italy c. 520CE

First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24


The long Pentecost season ends today, a festival day long known as Christ the King. For many of us, the idea of kingship may seem an echo of old times. But today’s readings suggest that Jesus Christ is a different kind of king, not a traditional patriarch but a loving shepherd. Ezekiel’s prophecy spoke to Israel in exile, praying for a new King David in a new Jerusalem where those who have suffered will be restored. For Christians, it’s hard not to look back and see Jesus reflected in these ancient verses, understanding Jesus as the perfect image of God in human form.

Psalm: Psalm 100

This joyous hymn, which Episcopalians may recognize as the Jubilate in Morning Prayer, carries out the image of God’s people as the protected sheep of God’s pasture, joyously singing thanksgiving and praise.

Psalm (Track 2): Psalm 95:1-7a

This joyous hymn, which Episcopalians may recognize as the Venite in Morning Prayer, carries out the image of God as king and shepherd. We are the protected sheep of God’s hand, joyously singing thanksgiving and praise.

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23

After spending a few weeks with 1 Thessalonians, perhaps the earliest of Paul’s letters, we now turn to Ephesians, a later epistle most likely written by a first century Christian a generation after Paul’s death. Perhaps working out the early church’s growing understanding of Christ, the author declares that God the creator has placed the resurrected Jesus at God’s right hand and given him authority over all things in heaven and in the church, his body on earth.

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Matthew now concludes his series of parables on the kingdom of heaven with this familiar reading. Recognizing the face of Jesus in the face of a hungry, thirsty, homeless person, sick and naked and oppressed, isn’t always easy, but Matthew leaves us in no doubt that this is the way to make God’s kingdom happen. Then Matthew turns from loving our hungry neighbor to warning that those who fail to do so will earn eternal punishment. This is a hard teaching. Do you think that Matthew is saying that, once we know what Jesus asks of us, we ignore his call at our peril? But remember, too, that the one who judges us is the one who loves us the most.