January 2024

We are quickly coming up on Groundhog Day, February 2nd. Folklore has it that we can predict how much longer winter will last according to whether or not a groundhog sees its shadow when it comes out of its burrow. But you are not reading this message in order to learn folklore about weather prognostication. The reason I mention it at all is that, according to Wikipedia (source of all wisdom and knowledge!) the placement of Groundhog Day on February 2nd

“Does anybody really know what time it is”? While this rhetorical question is the title of an old song by Chicago, it becomes a real question today, considering today’s readings. Looking at a calendar, it’s the third Sunday in Ordinary time. But the readings given today for our consideration are some of the same that we’ll hear in Lent. “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” is straight out of Ash Wednesday. And that reading from 1st Corinthians is Advent-like urging

With the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany behind us, it’s time for us to dip into “Ordinary Time” until Lent begins on February 14. (I know—that’s also Valentine’s Day! I’ve been thinking how fun it would be to administer ashes in the form of a heart on Ash Wednesday this year.) In any case, this Sunday (January 14) we have a great Gospel passage in which Jesus gains some new followers. He sees a couple of them following him

Hey Y’all, It’s Epiphany! So let me pose a question and set up a scenario for your consideration. This question will separate the adventurous from the more risk-adverse amongst us. How much would you enjoy a road trip that has an unknown destination? Now take into consideration that you would be roughing it. You’ll either be camping out in the fullness of nature, or relying on the hospitality of the people you encounter to take you in. Thus, you’ll be meeting people