Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

 What occurred on the Mount of Transfiguration is nothing short of stunning. The sights and sounds are unforgettable. The presence of Moses and Elijah are telling. Jesus’ Transfiguration, the cloud, the voice from Heaven, “This is My beloved Son; listen to Him” (Mark 9:7), all make the same stunning revelation. Jesus is the Son of God. He is the One foretold by Moses and the prophets. He is the One who will glorify the Father in His sufferings and death so that we might share in Jesus’ glory forever and ever.  

 “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” With these words, St. Mark begins his gospel account. With these words, we begin a New Year, a year in which we will explore some of the fundamental questions about Jesus. In today’s text, we see that the teachers of the law ask a good question. However, the answer they provide is a ‘bad’ one. Jesus aids them and us by providing the correct answer and indisputable proof of His true identity.  

 “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” With these words, St. Mark begins his gospel account. With these words, we begin a New Year, a year in which we will explore some of the fundamental questions about Jesus. In today’s text, we see that Jesus is the One who ushers in the Kingdom of God. As King, He calls us to repent and believe the Good News. .

 As we close out 2023, we gather as the people of God to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love. In word and carol, we will remember and rejoice in God's great goodness to us, especially in the gift of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, in whom we have received forgiveness, peace, joy and life everlasting. 

 From the earliest of ages all of us were taught to ‘behave’. We quickly learned that some things are acceptable and unacceptable. It’s acceptable to chew with your mouth closed; unacceptable to burp at the table. During the season of Advent, the terminology changes; it shifts from acceptable and unacceptable to naughty and nice. Again, behavior is key. Good behavior is rewarded. Bad behavior is punished. Tonight’s reading from Titus chapter 3 reveals the unflinching truth about us: We are ‘bad to the bone.” It also reveals the surprising truth about God; He is good beyond belief. And in His magnanimous goodness He sent His Son Jesus in whom and through whom we are saved.

From the earliest of ages all of us were taught to ‘behave’. We quickly learned that some things are acceptable and unacceptable. It’s acceptable to chew with your mouth closed; unacceptable to burp at the table. During the season of Advent, the terminology changes; it shifts from acceptable and unacceptable to naughty and nice. Again, behavior is key. Good behavior is rewarded. Bad behavior is punished. Tonight’s reading from Titus chapter 3 reveals the unflinching truth about us: We are ‘bad to the bone.” It also reveals the surprising truth about God; He is good beyond belief. And in His magnanimous goodness He sent His Son Jesus in whom and through whom we are saved.