Monthly Archives: December 2022

Isaiah 45: 8 Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up. What a thought: that salvation and … Continue reading →

Isaiah 53: 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah contains many familiar texts that are tied … Continue reading →

Isaiah 7: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman[a] shall conceive and bear[b] a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. A riddle: what is Jesus’ middle name (assuming, as we little kids … Continue reading →

Luke 1: 78 – 79 In your tender compassion the morning sun will rise upon us, giving light to those in darkness and guiding us in the way of peace. (translation by Sister Jean Wolbert, OSB) This text is from … Continue reading →

John 16: 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. On … Continue reading →

From Psalm 46: 10 Be still, and know that I am God. Everyone should have a little quiet time every day. I was taught this in college; there is no memory that any of my Sunday School teachers ever mentioned … Continue reading →

Luke 1: 12 When Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and was gripped with fear. Here’s the short story of Zechariah’s: he was John the Baptist’s father. He was a priest, whose “team” of priests sometimes had to go … Continue reading →

Luke 1: 26 – 27 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and … Continue reading →

Isaiah 2: 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they … Continue reading →

Psalm 42: 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Martin Luther, the great church reformer, had a dog, Tolpel; his name means “fool.” Luther wrote and told stories about his … Continue reading →