These first verses from the second chapter of Matthew are among the most action packed accounts found in the sixty-six books of the Bible. A Hollywood script writer would be hard pressed to match the inspiration and the intrigue, the triumph over treachery.
Lets talk about those strange fellows present in every crèche, highlight of every pageant, subject of story and song. We three kings .... no they were not. The word is Magi, a kind of astrologer priest common to Syria and Iran in those days. But we do owe them a lot, especially the kids.
Ah, yes, The Wise Men. Magi from the east following a star and searching for a child born king of the Jews. Visions of Christmas cards and nativity scenes, complete with camels carrying gold, frankincense, and myrrh dance in our minds’ eye. Yes, we know the story well. Or do we?
I recently read "The Tipping Point," by Malcolm Gladwell. The thesis is in the subtitle: "How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference." For instance, just one tiny book match is all it takes to start a raging forest fire or destroy a home.
As John Wesley wisely observed: “Bring me a worm that can comprehend a man, and I will show you a man that can comprehend the Triune God.”
THE REVEREND DAVID F. SELLERY is the Priest-in-Charge at St. John's Episcopal Church in Salisbury, Connecticut. Fr. Sellery has used film and television to good effect, and was the recipient of the Cine Golden Eagle Award, the Communicator Award of Excellence, and the Bronze Telly Award for his role as Executive Producer for Gate [...]
This morning I'd like for us to listen to Matthew, as we consider yet a fourth sign – the Star of Bethlehem. To be fair, I should tell you that the Star of Bethlehem has been the subject of endless debate over the years.
Jesus commands, "Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them..., teaching them...." Jesus sends us out. Jesus does not use the second person singular but plural. The great commission is not to individuals but to the community of the faithful--the church.
Happy New Year! Yes, I know our New Year began on November 30, but let's give the pagans their day. It's the start of a new calendar year and we're all looking to see what the next twelve months have in store for us.
“One day a stranger said, ‘You must be Henry Troeger's son.’ I said, ‘I don't believe I have ever seen you.’ He said, ‘Oh, no, you have never met me, but a long time ago I worked with your father. When I saw you, I thought, `You are the very image of your father.’"