"Jesus presents a clear message about the selfish pursuit of wealth and hoarding of resources. The parable features a rich man as the main character, but like all parables, the message extends beyond the details. Great wealth is not a prerequisite for hoarding. One does not have to be rich to have

"The devil's plot and plan never had a chance because of the preemptive work of Jesus attending to his mind and spirit so they may be strengthened to compensate for his body's self-imposed weakness. This moment is witness, test, and testimony. It's also training for what will come.

"When we read the gospel accounts, one may get a sense that Jesus and the disciples were entering a smooth, safe, and welcoming environment. But, what if they struggled to get there? What if the height of the mountain greeted the small prayer group with discomfort and disorientation alongside the

scientific discovery and advancements as revelation and gifts from Creator. A good measure understands that the creation of relentless chaos is not only antithetical to the gospel, but it also attempts to reverse the good work of creation when Creator brought order to chaos as the primary strategy

"A good measure insists that our sanctuaries remain safe harbors for the persecuted and pursued. A good measure declares the humanity and value of every human being as being formed in the image of God not despite their diverse identities but, in truth, because of them. A good measure recognizes

"This is not the kindom of God. Woe to the world that continues to reject the way of Jesus and allow entire people groups to live in hunger and subpar living conditions as well as lacking access to health care, education, and economic opportunity.

"Courageous ministry may reveal enemies in circles of neighbors and perceived friends. Loving them requires truth telling even when it proves costly and jeopardizes power, privilege, and position. The body of Christ must reclaim its collective prophetic voice, agency, and actions

"To be clear, it is not just the person of Jesus that gets rejected; the message threatens the systems of power and calls the people to choose. Will they also follow the leading of the Spirit? Will they recognize that the good news is primarily for those in need of good news not those who are

"Mary demonstrates concern for the honor of a human couple that the reader never hears. Their identities remain shrouded in the background. Their absence does not suggest their names are a mystery. Rather, their identities are not important to the telling of the story. Their needs get met.

"Jesus, in this pericope, does not speak with words. He communicates with his actions, positioning himself among the people. That is his identity, God with Us, not just at birth but throughout his life. The Voice does the speaking, and Spirit descends. The Trinity reveals their fullness, union, and

Habari gani?

"Epiphany means more than observation; it does not occur without comprehension. Revelation with understanding marks the significance of this day and the season that follows it. More than that, the season provides only a fraction of emphasis for the mission of Creator in the world:

"Mary, the prophet, understands the import of the assignment she has received. Mary, the mother, may struggle to reconcile the imagined future of her child and messiah with the young person who still needs parental guidance to navigate the world.

"Coming into the world, for Jesus, reflects a sacrifice as significant as picking up their cross. Birth, like death, reflects a painful, bloody, and violent transition. While Jesus commits to fulfill the establishment of the kindom even with the sacrifice of death,

Published one week early--Happy Thanksgiving!
"Both Paul and John shared an urgency and earnestness in their public ministry. Both devoted the fullness of their lives to the gospel. Neither served as an apprentice in the way of the twelve first called by Jesus.

of empire. A righteous branch is called to maintain joy as a manifestation of the kindom while being agents of justice in the world. The season of Advent, as we reflect upon the coming of the Word made flesh and dwelling among us, challenges us to make our love incarnate, our hope unmovable,

"The realities of life compete against our commitment to joy. As Carroll suggests, preoccupation is not the same as vigilance. Being alert differs from being fixated. Living into the kindom of God requires a dual residency. We give allegiance to the reign of God while being surrounded by the impact