by Administrator | Apr 11, 2022 | Easter
Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and...
by Administrator | Mar 1, 2022 | Easter
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.—from Joel 2:13 I am often drawn to the awe and mystery of God. Awe and mystery are in many ways lost in a world where we believe that we have to or can prove...
by Pastor Tom | Feb 28, 2022 | Easter
Many approaches to the season of Lent begin with our stomach. What appetites might we curb or ignore for forty days? What other comforts filling metaphorical bellies need chastening or redirection? Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness begins, too, with his bodily...
by Bethesda Lutheran Church | May 4, 2021 | Easter
I could imagine giving a Good Friday eulogy on the occasion of Jesus’ death. It would seem far stranger to give a eulogy for Jesus during this seven week season of Easter. He has risen indeed, put aside the funeral rites! What if I were to tell you that “eu-logy” is...
by Pastor Tom | Mar 29, 2021 | Easter
“Christ is risen, Bethesda. Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia!” The resurrection of our Lord is a joke at the expense of sin, death, and the devil. A chuckle that rises up to turn aside tears. A sudden burst of laughter that can’t believe its own good fortune. A...
by Bethesda Lutheran Church | Mar 22, 2021 | Easter, Reflections
“The cross wasn’t God’s response to humanity’s sin. It was humanity’s response to God’s love.”—David Henson I saw the above quote last week on Twitter. I like things that make me stop and look at what is being said. There are lots of...
