[I originally wrote this post three years ago, the last time these readings came up in the lectionary, and it was still the message that was on my heart for them. If you'd like a more focused discussion of the Beatitudes, please see my two posts on them from the Back to Basics series, here … Continue reading What God Requires of Us: A Reflection on Micah 6.1-8 and Matthew 5.1-12 [Re-Post]
Last week, we saw how the departure of some of John the Baptist’s disciples to follow Jesus was not a rejection of John’s ministry, but its fulfillment, and how, as followers of Jesus we too much point to him through our thoughts, words, and actions. Today’s readings bring our attention to the second half of … Continue reading The Ups and Downs of Fishing: A Reflection on Matthew 4.12-23
John the Baptist, or John the Forerunner in the Eastern traditions, is an interesting figure. So important a figure was he in the early first century that a religious sect formed around him that lasts to our own day, and our Christian Gospels felt the need to dedicate a significant amount of valuable page space … Continue reading Mission Accomplished: A Reflection on John 1.29-42
On Sunday, we were presented with both good news and a challenge. The good news was the light — the divine, uncreated Light, the Wisdom, Word, and Power of God — has shone into our dark world (where the darkness will not overcome it). The challenge is to walk in that light when it’s so … Continue reading When Light Shines in Darkness: A Reflection for Epiphany 2026
Longtime readers will know that one of my favourite images when discussing theology, faith, and the life of the Church is light. Not only is it the guiding metaphor of the upcoming feast of Epiphany (which is on Tuesday, though many churches choose to celebrate it today), but I think it actually works for the … Continue reading A Light for All People: A Reflection on John 1.1-18
Matthew Root 