Rev. Valerie's Reveille

One of the things I love about Bible Study is the opportunity to read one book, one chapter at a time and focus on what it says, rather than looking for themes between several different pericopes (a fancy, academic word meaning “selection”) like we do with the Sunday Lectionary.   As I read Chapters 6-9 of Luke’s Gospel this week I was struck by the numerous accounts of Jesus’s interaction with women and the lack of information about John’s the Baptist’s death.   The Gospel according to John, Chapter 4 has Jesus’s longest recorded interaction with a woman, specifically the Samaritan woman at the well.   However, Luke’s Gospel has more references to women, starting with Elizabeth, Mary and Anna, all the way to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and other women who went to the tomb on Easter morning. While a woman is not listed as one of Jesus’s 12 apostles, it is presumed that there were many women who were Jesus’s disciples and followed that motley cre...

The Gospel of Luke Chapters 3-6 It has been an interesting experience going back to read significant portions of the Gospel of Luke just for the story and not (necessarily) studying the text with an eye toward preaching on a shorter passage.   The arch of the narrative is more evident and interesting details between the different Gospels are brought to life. One of the most awesome parts of Luke’s Gospel that is never read in the course of our Sunday lectionary cycle is Jesus’ genealogy (3:24-38).   This list traces Jesus’ heritage through Joseph for 77 generations with ancestral connections to King David, Noah, Abraham, and all the way back to Adam.   Many scholars and commentators have argued about the veracity of this lineage and how or if it can be proven.   For others, the more important result is the number “77” itself, as it is the number of times Jesus says we should offer forgiveness. I find the list challenging because the mothers are non-ex...

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” Luke 2:34-45 Throughout Lent and Easter, my blog will be dedicated to reflecting on the readings from the Good Book Club ( www.goodbookclub.org – a program sponsored by Forward Movement to encourage the Church to read the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts) from the previous week.   For this week, there are only 3 days of readings since the program started on Sunday and it was the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of Lent when the Church is called to repentance,   reflection and fasting.   It is also the beginning of Jesus’ journey toward the cross and ultimately his death, so the juxtaposition of reading about his birth is a bit startling. ...

Just in case you are unaware, the Church season of Lent begins next Wednesday, February 14 th .   Yes, it is early because Easter is early (April 1 st ), based on the timing of the full-moon after the spring equinox (which happens to be on March 20 th this year).   The season of Lent is a time of reflection and renewal, and opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God and each other.   While some associate that with “giving up” or “taking on,” it is better to think about our priorities and order of our life.   Do we give God our time and attention?   If so, how much?   Would we benefit from more? Absolutely – and Lent gives us the opportunity to make the time to focus on developing our faith. Fortunately, there are many resources to help us on this journey.   I’ll highlight the 3 we will be using at St. Barnabas: On the lighter side of things is Lent Madness – “Want to be inspired by some saintly souls this Lent and have fun along ...