From a Pastor's Point of View

joekmac

  • Are the Gospel Miracles for Everyone?

    This week I am using the reading from the liturgy found in the Gospel of Mark 1:29-39.  I am drawn to the story not as an interpreter of the story itself, but how the message of healing is one that… Continue reading

  • Lessons From My Mother

    I cannot remember a time when I did not want to be a musician.  I have always enjoyed the art of making music.  As a kid, my sister and I would put on variety shows and take turns singing.  (Yes,… Continue reading

  • The Magnificat of Mary Luke 1:47-55

    This week I chose to skip ahead in the lectionary and preach on a passage that keeps calling to me during this season of my life.  I am led to the Magnificat of Mary (Luke 1:47-55).  One of the things… Continue reading

  • My Mother’s Legacy – The Definition of Love (1 Corinthians 13)

    On a personal note, I offer my gratitude for all who are here today. On behalf of my family words cannot express the incredible display of love that we have encountered. My mom’s life lives on through the generous display… Continue reading

  • God Can Handle Our Complaints

    One thing that I respect about the ancient Hebrew prophets is their unwavering honesty.  Many times God addressed the people regarding their sin, but sometimes the cries and needs of the people were presented to God.  At first one might… Continue reading

  • The Ties that Bind Us Together

    It is approximately 6:20 a.m. and I am sitting in the Midway Airport in Chicago.  To say I am a little anxious is an understatement.  I am flying to Houston to be with my mother through a very difficult time. … Continue reading

  • A Season of Thanksgiving

    My church has claimed the four weeks before Advent as a Season of Thanksgiving.  With that said, I had a very small encounter today that left me with a feeling of absolute gratitude.  I visited my five year old son… Continue reading

  • Redeemed 101

    “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from… Continue reading

  • Our gifts to the world and our gifts to God

    “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matt. 25:21 NRSV). The religious scholars knew that they had Jesus right where they wanted him.  They asked, “Is it lawful… Continue reading

  • The Prayer of Peace

    “Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no… Continue reading