Jesus Fulfills Isaiah's Prohecy

Let us contemplate the words of Luke
As he tell us of the quiet beginning of Jesus ministry.

Jesus returns home to Nazareth on the Sabbath

And reads from Isaiah's scroll
A prophecy of one chosen by God
To proclaim the good news to the poor.
Jesus closes the scroll
And announces his destiny.
He fulfills the prophecy.
He is the anointed of God,
As proclaimed on the banks of the Jordan
By a descending dove,

In Nazareth

A small village huddled

In the shadow of a great city.

Sepphoris, the ornament of Galilee,
Where Mary's parents lived
When she was born.
Where Joseph plied his trade
With the help of his eldest son,
Jesus.
A city more Roman than Jewish.
Sepphoris,
Never mentioned in the Bible
But where Jesus walked to maturity.
In Nazareth, 
Jesus reads Isaiah for his mother
While the streets of Sepphoris echo in his mind.
 
   

New Year's Resolutions for 2013

"Finally, brethren, what ever things are true,

Whatever things are honest,

Whatever things are just,

Whatever things are pure,

Whatever things are lovely,

Whatever things are of good report:

If there be virtue, and if there be any praise,

Think on these things."

Paul speaks to us through the ages

With his guide to New Year's resolutions.

In 2013,

Let us search for truth,

Focus on being honest not only to others

But to ourselves.

Support justice

For the least of these brothers of mine.

Strive to not be harsh or cruel

To those around us

And affirm the hopes and dreams of others.

Let us

Focus on the beauty within,

Fill our minds with hope,

Shun that which diminishes others,

Praise those who do right.

May we turn to God in prayer 

When our world grows dark

And

Remember

That we are not alone.