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Scriptures to be read this weekend focus upon God”s alternative to the business-as-usual stance of the world around us. We cringe about the shootings in Minneapolis and the bombings in other American cities. We realize that Jim Crow hasn’t died, he was merely sleeping. Headlines are always “Somewhere Else”–yet our own prejudices drive us to violence and wished-for destruction. We of the community of Christ have reneged on our promises of peace and justice to those we meet. Even those who grab the best seats, or cut us off in traffic…

The Prophet MICAH in 6:1-8 presents this scene of a loving God affirming the alternative to a recalcitrant people (them? us?) When God commands “Answer Me!”, God isn’t being an awkward parent, but saying “Talk to me! I’m really listening to you!” Have we forgotten our Story? Rehearsing the strengths of being Godly leads to restoring the original Right Relationship. “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Easier said than done, says Paul to the CORINTHIANS in 1:18-31. God still decides to come to us, both in the Birth of Jesus and the way God has entered YOUR life. God has chosen to influence by anointing the “alternative”: the low-born, the poverty stricken, the hungry, the little old lady who’s homeless… One born in a manger and riding into town on a donkey. “[God] is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us the wisdom of God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.'”

Which brings us to the Beatitudes, MATTHEW 5:1-13. Who says that the poor in spirit would inherit the Kingdom of Heaven? And who affirms the peacemakers, the merciful and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? God in Christ does, yet again lifting up the alternative. These are not entrance requirements, but affirmations of you and me. I hear a reprise in here of Micah’s trifecta, which means that we don’t hafta be Great fo be a Disciple.

The world is full of those who know the way–just look at the self-help bookshelf at Barnes & Noble. God gives a better way, an alternative,to violence, dictatorship, and detention of those who don’t look right. “Then rang the bells, so loud and deep, God is not dead, nor does {God| sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.”

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come to this spot on Tuesdays for a discussion of the readings for the upcoming weekend according to the Revised Common Lectionary; horacebrownking.com

It’s the Dark of the Year–but it”s getting lighter. This Third Week of the Season of Light calls us back to the spread of the Good News. Having peered into the manger, we’re instructed to go into the world by another way, affirming that the Kingdom of God has indeed drawn near, and letting our light shine. Many of us are very discouraged by the way things are going on the national and international scene, and people of non-Aryan stock and background are threatened with persecution. (If this is “Great Again”, I don’t know what he’s smoking.) But God is still in charge, even though we may walk through the Valley of Death…

We begin with a well-known prophecy of ISAIAH, 9:1-4: The people of Israel have been threatened by the Assyrians, and things look pretty grim. But Isaiah speaks of God’s continued light: the “yoke of their burden” has been broken. Isaiah has seen the hope of an intruding God, who calls the People to walk bravely down this new path, not cringing at the shadows. This will lead the Believer into all the world, even if the path is often stony.

Paul’s “first” letter to the CORINTHIANS is full of exhortations to not be divided into parties (Cephas vs. Apollos, or Red States vs. Blue States), but to put on the fullness of Christ, the power of salvation from those things which tarnish the world. (1:10-18) Even those whose worship and service is unlike ours are our brothers and sisters.

MATTHEW 4:12-23 tells about the call of Jesus to four wannabe disciples, James & John, Simon Peter & Andrew, who left what they were doing (fishing) to follow the Christ. (It doesn’t say anything about their father/boss Zebedee, who was left knee-deep in fish…) This story is not about ESCAPE to a better place, but about how God continues to break into the world. Then “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.”

Richard F. Ward reminds us that “Oppression…does not have the last word. Those who live in the land of the ‘deep darkness’ of political, social, or religious oppression in any age are not living outside the sight of God; they will see God’s light, and upon them it will shine.” (FEASTING on the WORD, A 1:271) “Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul–how can I keep from singing?”

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

You’re invited to join us every Tuesday to be confronted by the scriptures scheduled to be read on the upcoming weekend by the Revised Common Lectionary; at horacebrownking.com

Sad to say, some folks have never heard about God. And some others have heard, yet neglect to worship or to live Godly lives. In this season of “Aha!”–Epiphany–we see the light identifying Jesus as the Christ, and attempt to see where he’s coming from. We who have looked in the manger now are instructed to live changed lives, to come into the behavior of Jesus.

ISAIAH 49:1-7 is the Second Servant Song. The Prophet is encouraging both Babylonian Jews and those yet in the homeland to see how God’s hand is stirring the pot. It’s not enough to be the Chosen People; they (we) are expected to Change the World: “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Believers are called beyond their human weakness to show their enduring life in Christ. “The Servant has been prepared by God for nothing less than to bring the glory of God into view.” (Stephanie A. Paulsell, in FEASTING on the WORD, A 1:244)

We don’t know much about Sosthanes, but we do know that Paul includes him in the greeting to the CORINTHIAN Church(es), 1:1-9. This passage has been included because it speaks of God’s enrichment of the Believers there in every spiritual gift. At some distance, we can affirm that this grace was shed onto the Corinthians in order that they might Change their World, and thus ours. Paul in effect is saying, “Don’t be afraid to be identified with Jesus and his teachings: point to the Christ in all your dealings.”

JOHN, the great storyteller, lifts up the importance of John the Baptizer in 1:29-42. He (the Baptizer) not only tells the story of the dove of the Spirit that descended at Jesus’ baptism, but he also points him out to Andrew and the unnamed other. They followed Jesus, and began to Change the World. “Master, where are you staying?” “Come and see.” That’s the dialogue through all the centuries. How far will you go? How far will you stay away?

One of my favorite songs from childhood is this one, and I bet you know it too: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine….let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” Aha! The spirit of Epiphany…

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Won’t you join us every Tuesday to be confronted by the scriptures assigned by the Common Lectionary to be read on the upcoming weekend? At horacebrownking.com

Christmas is over, and now the work begins. What work? Well, living as though you had seen the ChristChild. What have you said that needs retracting? What DIDn’t you say when the opportunity presented itself? Have you been the recipient of exotic gifts, and now are wondering to whom to give them? Are there folks right around you who need words of cheer and gifts of kindness and compassion? The work of Christmas is ready to be begun.

ISAIAH of Babylon gives us the first of the Servant Songs, 42:1-9. Who is this servant? It’s the one who has looked into the manger. God has a special place for this (or these): “Here is my servant, whom I uphold…” And later, Isaiah tells of one who doesn’t harm a bruised reed or a dimly burning wick…and boy, do I qualify for either! This servant is committed to justice, to giving new sight (insight?) to the blind, and to releasing the prisoners from dungeons and darkness. “New things I now declare.”

ACTS 10:34-43 introduces Peter’s sermon at Caesarea. He speaks of the universality of Christ, how Jesus forgives the sin of all who call on his name, and how believers are commanded to do “good”. He says that we’re all invited–expected–to pick up this new life and include the oppressed wherever we find them. Some folks didn’t know of the Servant passages, but were still invited to join others who’ve peered into the manger.

Today we remember the baptism of Jesus, and maybe our own. MATTHEW 3:12-17 tells us about it. The most memorable thing was the Voice, which proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God, the Beloved. And our own baptisms, whether or not the Voice or the dove was perceptible, also were announced as being marked by this Spirit. One of the things we promise, or promised for us, is the quest for justice and righteousness. Matthew places this event right at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry; from there he was led by the Spirit into temptation, and conversations with the Evil One.

I usually try to end my blog with a hymn apropriate to the day. Fortunately for me, wiser minds than mine thought that “Splish,splash, I was taking a bath…” didn’t really cut it. So I lovingly present to you the third verse of “When Jesus Came to Jordan”: “Come, Holy Spirit, aid us to keep the vows we make; This very day invade us, and every bondage break.” –Fred Pratt Green, 1973 For you, 2026 is well begun!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Remember your baptism and be glad by joining in the conversation about scriptures to be heard on the upcoming weekend; every Tuesday at horacebrownking.com