Saturday at the Cinema: Is Advent in the Bible?

Nativity Scene Fails

Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Submissive Faith, Courageous Prophet

What was life like for a young Jewish women in first century Judaism? A young woman in her culture-- a child-teenager-- in our twenty-first century culture? Mary would have been considered to be of marriageable age, the responsibilities of adulthood already being thrust upon her. What was life like for Mary engaged to be married, preparing for domestic life and all that her culture expected of her? She was thirteen, or fourteen, or fifteen... mature and wise beyond her years.

What would life be like for Mary after the unimaginable happens?

Scriptures and Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent

Old Testament: Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalter: Psalm 122

Epistle: Romans 13:11-14

Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44
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Unexpected God, your advent alarms us. Wake us from drowsy worship, from the sleep that neglects love, and the sedative of misdirected frenzy. Awaken us now to your coming, and bend our angers into your peace. Amen.

Saturday at the Cinema: How Did Jesus Become God?

Larry Hurtado on an early, high Christology. A divine Jesus is not a later invention.
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Scriptures and Prayer for Thanksgiving Day USA

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 26:1-11

Psalter: Psalm 100

Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9

Gospel: John 6:25-35
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Generous God, you brought us into the abundance of our inheritance. Grant us the faith to be people blossoming with honor and truth, so that we may produce bountifully the firstfruits of justice and compassion, which are pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Scriptures and Prayer for the Reign of Christ

Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:1-6 

Psalter: Luke 1:68-79 or Psalm 46

Epistle: Colossians 1:11-20

Gospel: Luke 23:33-43
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Almighty God, You rescue us from our enemies, that we may serve you without fear. Strengthen us,that we may share in the inheritance of the saints in your kingdom of light. Amen.

Saturday at the Cinema: The Mayflower-- Pilgrims Behind the Myth of the Founding Moment of America