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Lent is a season for acknowledging our shortcomings, for meeting the little voices which tell us that it’s ok to deviate from the “straight & narrow”. Not only do we meet and identify them, we’re supposed to repent–turn it around–and get out of the wilderness. Readings for this first weekend tell the story of Sinfulness and the Voice of Evil which always seems present. You and I usually deal with the guy in the red union suit and pitchfork. but the presence of Evil is insideous: We almost never recognize it until it rears its ugly head. Again.

The reading from GENESIS 3:1-7 tells of God’s Perfection sullied by human wants. “Some have argued that the knowledge of ‘good & evil’ here is not a matter of ethical discernment. It is the desire to make OURSELVES the arbiters of good and evil, assuming for ourselves the role of God.” (Allen C. McWeen Jr., in FEASTING on the WORD, A 2:28) Now having developed ETHICS, humanity has also realized DEATH. The serpent lied when it told Eve that she would not die…

ROMANS 5:12-19 continues Paul’s presentation of Jesus being the Christ, God Himself. If so, then God has extended Grace for all despite our moral judgments of who’s in and who’s out.

MATTHEW 4:1-11 asks us “What’s YOUR famine?” Just when Jesus has been baptized and has seen the Holy Spirit, he finds hiimself in the wilderness for 40 days, more than you can count on your fingers and toes twice. Isn’t that the way? When we’re full of the Spirit, the famine and temptations are stronger? Jesus was tempted to be relevant: making bread for all the world from the stones; to be spectacular: jumping from the peak of the Temple, for all to see his divinity; to be powerful, to have all the kingdoms on earth affirm his leadership. (Henri Nouwen) Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? At least by our standards… Then Jesus got rid of the Voices of Evil–for a time–with his knowledge of Scripture.

So what voices (vices?) have you heard in your wilderness? They vary from you to me, but they still have bite. The Good News is that they can be answered by knowing God. Others have been here before, even the Lord. It’s tempting, isn’t it??

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Each Tuesday we explore scrioptures assigned to the upcoming weekend by the Revised Common Lectionary. C’mon along, and bring a friend! at horacebrownking.com

Most of us live our lives by looking for a Heavenly Sign that we should (or shouldn’t) do/buy something. This weekend of Transfiguration reminds us that these Signs happen all the time, usually when we don’t expect them. Signs of transfiguration acknowledge our dependence on God’s provisions: they can’t be rationalized into business-as-usual. The Season of Epiphany concludes with a roar, as Jesus is revealed to be truly God on Earth.

Moses was called up Mt. Sinai, the mountain of God. (EXODUS 24:12-18) He was there a LOOONNNG time (40 days & 40 nights, just like the Flood; twice what you can count on your fingers AND toes!) And when he finally came down, his face was aglow, so much that his leaders made him wear a veil because his face was so bright. Talking with God will do that to you. Was this a Heavenly Sign? You bet.

2 PETER 1:16-22 helps us to remember the mountaintop experience of Peter, James & John. “We had been eyewitnesses to his majesty”. Peter’s main thrust here is to lift up the brightness of this Heavenly Sign: “You will do well to be attentive to this as a lamp shining in a dark place…” Jesus is the one who will illumine our present-day deeds of mercy, worship and outreach. Here is a call to remember who we are and what we are expected to be. Been on any mountaintops lately?

MATTHEW 17:1-9 is the Transfiguration story: Jesus took his closest friends to witness to them the conversation with the Law and the Prophets. For one thing, it gave Jesus credibility for being on the Team. For another, it showed them that God has the power and desire to be involved with earth-folk; and they were never the same. There are so many messages here (Peter wanting to build a box for God, to keep him handy and out of our hair), but today we focus on the Voice from the Cloud which announces Jesus as God’s Son, just as God did at Jesus’ baptism. Seems to me that there also was a cloud which spoke when Moses went to speak with God… The Voice said to Peter & Company, “keep listening to him”, which extends that mountain to our own.

These readings leave us with more questions than answers: “How does this apply to me? Does my own face glow after worship? Do I pay enough attention to the Law and the Prophets?” When you least expect it, God’s Holiness breaks upon you. “Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises with healing in His wings: When comforts are declining He grants the soul again A period of clear shining to cheer it after rain.”

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Come along and join the fun of talking about scriptures to be read on the upcoming weekend; at horacebrownking.com

Once, long ago, I lost my overcoat at a football game. A fellow I knew was insistent that I report it. He told me, “Nice guys finish last”. Do we? And does it matter?? (I got my coat back, by the way.) Texts for this Fifth Week of Epiphany remind us that ritual worship is meaningless unless it deals with the oppressed, the homeless and the stranger. They seem to offer Words for Godly Living, and would build our ethic in community with God and those whom God has created.

Some say that Third ISAIAH 1-12 is an indication of God’s anger. But I believe that the Prophet is speaking about the Good Life: “…If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, THEN your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.” A gap exists between those seeking God and the way they live. The more things change, the more they stay the same. “…as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness…” Fasting and other acts of worship are good…but they must involve us with the greater community of the world around us.

St. Paul was upset with the churches in Corinth, and it shows in I CORINTHIANS 2:1-13. If Christ Jesus is the Great Leveler, why have they stratified themselves into factions and polarities? Red states and Blue states? Didn’t Jesus himself say that we’re all in this together? The wisdom of Christ probably is the foolishness of the rest of the world. The good folks of Corinth were–alas!–seeking power; and Paul rightly knew that a person becomes tarnished when Power is an easy fix. I suppose that Nice Guys do run the risk of finishing last…

Which brings us to the Gospel, MATTHEW 5:13-20, which is a continuation of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. YOU are the Light of the World and the Salt of the Earth. How then shall I live? Each of us has to answer this question in a unique manner, for we’re all unique! This reminds me a lot of Jesus’ misunderstood sermon at Nazareth, where he read of the breaking of the yoke and the rod of oppression, and then identified himself with the Announcement of the Kingdom of Heaven. Is this the Light that Shines in the Darkness? In order to spread the light, the Believer has to go INTO that darkness…

Someone in our lectionary group suggested that perhaps pouring the Salt of the Earth on ICE would cause melting. After all, they did arrest a 5 year old immigrant terrorist. In the midst of the heartless headlines, I hope we can all sing “…this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

If the powers of evil don’t get us first, we’ll all be back next Tuesday to explore the readings set before us by the Revised Common Lectionary; at horacebrownking.com

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

We’ve come to the questionable part of the Christian Year–Christmas has come and gone, we’re tired of tinsel, and the WiseMen are still on the horizon. Some of us will feel the urge to go back to bed to wait for the next holiday. Some of us will find that the Christmas Story opened a new door to where we’ve never walked before. And some of us will be glad for the Old Story to be told yet again, to sit quietly while the preacher and the Holy Book call us to serve our neighbor and the folks living under the bridge…

We’ll begin by reading the words of Wisdom as remembered in SIRACH 24:1-12. (Can’t find it? Look in the Apocryphal writings under Ecclesiastes.) Although this passage blatantly lifts up Israel as the only place for God, we still can read: “…my Creator chose the place for my tent”. As we contemplate the Christmas story, we here can see God’s intent to be with humankind. “The Creator god goes on making all things new. Lady Wisdom still receives visitors to her tent.” (Barbara Brown Taylor, in FEASTING on the WORD, A 1:175) Where has heaven touched Earth near you?

St. Paul reads better in Greek than the English translations. Still, we’re confronted by his Letter to the EPHESIANS, 1:3-14, which proclaims Jesus as the Christ (and makes an embarassing foray into predestin- ation). Not left alone to our own wisdom, we are a vital part of God’s enterprise of making us Real. So we’re exhorted to visit the sick, comfort the afflicted, and tell those who grieve that God is alive and well in the ChristChild–and so are we.

The Gospel reading is the prologue to that of JOHN, 1:1-18. Written perhaps 90 years past that First Christmas, John tells his readers that God was so involved with us that “the Word has become flesh and ‘pitched his tent’ among us, and we have seen his glory…” This confirms the Nativity story so well-told that we’ve heard on Christmas Eve. We shepherds have seen this glory face to face, and now we remember with joy the angleic chorus…and affirm this to the waiting populace through our gifts of reaching out and sharing with other shepherds.

Ah, yes; it’s a New Year on the calendar, and mine is still blank. What shall I write on these pages? How has the Christmas Event touched me?

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Bring your friends and join the conversation every Tuesday as we’re confronted by readings to be heard on the weekend according to the Common Lectionary; at horacebrownking.com

It’s Christmas! Now that the wrappings and ribbons are history, now that we’ve basked beneath the well-trimmed tree, it’s time to welcome the ChristChild and listen for the angels. They may have been drowned out by all the posturing of politics and the anxieties of shopping, but their song remains: “Peace on Earth, and Good Will to all mankind”. The Shepherds (washing their socks by night?) jumped up and went to the Holy Place. We’re to follow their lead, going to the Holy Places we know. There we may hear–

ISAIAH 63:7-9, in which God claims all of us as God’s children. …”(God) has shown them according to (God’s) mercy, according to the abundance of (God’s) steadfast love.” Even though the Exiles have returned to their homeland, they still endure hardships. Third Isaiah reminds them of the long history of God’s intercession on behalf of the People, even we fatigued post-Christmas People. Christmas is a wonderful time to recount the intimacy of God’s redemption, to tell the stories of God’s Salvation. I mean, who needs a GPS when we have angels?

The letter to the HEBREWS 2:10-18 reminds us that Jesus is our brother, saving us from slavery to death and the devil. Christmas should affirm that Jesus has indeed become like all humans. We’re reminded of the story about a man looking out of his window on a stormy night and pitying the flock of sparrows trying to be warm. “Maybe”, said he, “if I open the garage door, they’ll come in!” But when he did, the noise spooked the sparrows and they flew away. The man said, “If only I could be one of them, I’d lead them to safety.” How can we preach the Christmas story ourselves?

The Gospel, MATTHEW 2:13-23, tells about the Flight to Egypt, and the ensuing return to Nazareth. Why? Because Joseph had messages from angels, and thereby kept Jesus alive. Note that he followed these directives without dismissing them as foolish. Wasn’t he already the earthly father by accepting the words of an angel? Do heavenly visions still come, or are we seduced by the glitter of being a consumer? In the midst of our angst, does the Holy yet appear?

“Still through the cloven skies they come, with peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing, And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.” (Edmund H Sears, 1849) O Lord, help us not to miss the angels! A joyous Christmas to all!!

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Rejoice with the scriptures assigned by the Common Lectionary every Tuesday! at horacebrownking.com

Don Saliers says, “In complicated times–politically, socially, economically–the yearning for some sign of promise and hope in the form of a new leader is still very much with us”. (FEASTING on the WORD, A1:76) It’s the Fourth Week of Advent, and churches are busier than ever. In the midst of this busy-ness, allow yourself to welcome this new leader in the form of the ChristChild. PEACE is more than good wishes on the cards we send to our friends.

ISAIAH 7:10-16 is often used as a proof-text for the coming of Jesus. As prescient as the Prophet was, he spoke to Ahaz about a regime-change which was to come. Including this confrontation in our Scriptures calls the hearer to question how God is inserting God’s-self into our own fears and inadequacies. What is it like to trust God in all these murky times? Where have you seen a sign of hope on your travels and in the news?

How does Paul greet the ROMANS in 1:1-7? With the announcement of Jesus as the Christ, the One who has given him the apostleship and impetus to nurture the Church, even in places he’s not yet visited. We still hold his words of praise and admonition as meaningful to our daily lives, encouraging us to view the Holy Child as God’s revelation of Good News in a troubled world. Some have understood this letter to be an invitation to a life of faith and hope, even as oligarchs and crooked politicians try to engulf us.

MATTHEW 1:18-25 introduces the Christmas story with the agony of Joseph, who was about to scrap the whole thing–but an angel appeared to him in a dream, telling him not only to accept the Child, but to name him Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins”. Do we still need a savior? Does our immersion in shiny things separate us from living in the Kingdom? What Christmas announces is One who will show us a different way. Can we trust Jesus enough to follow him?

This blog is full of questions, and maybe that’s appropriate for Advent. “Surely the culminating call of the Advent season is a call to renew our commitment to Christ and his purposes for us in and for the World.” (David J. Wood, op.cit. A 1:88) May Christmas increase your love and hope for Peace on Earth and Good Will to All.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Every Tuesday we examine the Scriptures to be read according to the Common Lectionary…Come join us at horacebrownking.com