Today in the Spirit

IThe Fourth Sunday in Advent, explicitly titled “Annunciation” Sunday in the BCP (but not to be confused with the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25), focuses our attention in worship on God’s work preparing for the coming of Messiah in the hearts of those who would become Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph.

In all three years of the lectionary cycle, at Advent 2, the Church moves us suddenly from the consideration of the second coming of Jesus to the first—and there we will stay throughout the remainder of the season leading into Christmas.

In all three years of the lectionary cycle, at Advent 2, the Church moves us suddenly from the consideration of the second coming of Jesus to the first—and there we will stay throughout the remainder of the season leading into Christmas.

In Year C, the Gospel of Luke will be our guide, emphasizing themes in that book such as life in the Holy Spirit, the place of prayer in our discipleship, global mission, God’s concern for the poor, and his judgment on the rich who are found abusing the poor.

Late in Year B, we follow Mark’s account of Jesus traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem for the last time.

Late in Year B, we follow Mark’s account of Jesus traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem for the last time.

Late in Year B, we follow Mark’s account of Jesus traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem for the last time.

Late in Year B, we follow Mark’s account of Jesus traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem for the last time.

Late in Year B, we follow Mark’s account of Jesus traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem for the last time.

Late in Year B, we follow Mark’s account of Jesus traveling with his disciples toward Jerusalem for the last time.

When it comes to assigning accounts of Jesus’ ministry that appear in all three Gospels, as a rule, we find that the church most often chooses Mark’s version for placement in Year B. This is probably because so much of the rich material unique to Matthew or Luke must be included in the Year A…

In Mark 10:2-16, the assigned Gospel reading for Proper 22B, Mark (and Matthew) has placed back-to-back Jesus’ teachings on marriage and divorce and receiving the kingdom of God like a child as the first teachings he delivers on the road to Jerusalem. In the region of Perea, east of the Jordan, we find Jesus responding…