Not in Kansas Anymore

Hey Toto,

We're in Minnesota!

So, big change - I'm no longer in a congregation and am not preaching every week, so I'm not translating every week... or at all right now. Or for a while, obviously.

I'm back in school pursuing a PhD in systematic theology looking at missional liturgy. So this blog is morphing into a new kind of stream. Anything I seem to be thinking of in regards to my PhD will go up here.

First off, prayers and good thoughts as I face two weeks of tests covering... well... everything. Today its German translation and comprehension.

Lent 5C Gospel - John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. As they ate there, with Martha serving and Lazarus with Jesus at the table, Mary took a pound of pure, expensive, anointing oil of nard, washed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house filled with the sweet smell of nard.

Judas Iscariot, the disciple of Jesus about to betray him, said, "What are you doing? We could have sold this oil for $8,000 and given the money to the poor!" (He didn't say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief and the one who carried the group purse.)

Jesus replied, "Leave her be. She has saved this as preparation for my burial. Y'all will always have the poor, but y'all will not always have me."

Thoughts on this Passage

I know the last sentence here seems harsh, but think about focus. The world is full of people who need help, who need time, who need companionship, but none of us can do all of it. Rather than spreading yourself broadly, but with little effect, focus on what you have now and how those gifts are best used. Pick one way to help, and give it all you have. If Christ is standing in front of you and can be honored with what you have been given, don't be distracted by all the other places you might encounter and serve Christ. God's giving you opportunities to have Christ-centered encounters, so don't get distracted.

Lent 2C Gospel - Luke 13:31-35

As Jesus was teaching in the towns outside of Jerusalem, some Pharisees said to him, "You should leave here because Herod wants to kill you."

Jesus replied, "Go tell this fox to pay attention. Today and tomorrow I'll be casting out demons and healing. In three days, everything will be done. So today, tomorrow, and the day after I have to go my own way, for a prophet cannot be killed outside of Jerusalem

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Who kills the prophets and stones the messengers. How many times have I wanted to gather your children as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But that was not your wish. Look how you neglect your own house! I'm telling you that you will not see what I am until all of you cry out, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Lectionary 3C Gospel - Luke 4:14-21

After being tempted in the wilderness and still in the power of the Spirit, Jesus returned to Galilee. News about him spread throughout the surrounding region, for his teachings in their synagogues were praised by all.

When Jesus went to Nazareth, his hometown, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, like he usually did, and stood up to read. He was given a scroll of the prophet Isaiah, which he opened and read:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

who has anointed for this purpose:

to bring good news to the poor, he sent me,

to proclaim release to the captives

and to the blind recover of sight,

to send the oppressed freedom,

to announce a time which is pleasing to the Lord."

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant, and sat down with every eye in the synagogue watching him. And he said to them, "Today this scripture y'all just heard is fulfilled."