Scott Lewis

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Year C) June 19 (Genesis 14:18-20; Psalm 110; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9:11b-17)

The early Church Fathers taught that Christ had always been preparing the way for the redemption that would come through the incarnation, crucifixion and resurrection. This is evident in the story from the very beginning of Israel’s history — the wandering of Abraham, still named Abram, and his meeting with the mysterious king of Salem, a man named Melchizedek.

Most Holy Trinity (Year C) June 12 (Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15) 

God is described in countless ways in the Scriptures, confirming that God cannot be contained by any one image or symbol. The ancient sources do not use the theological precision that modern people are used to and can at times appear to be inconsistent or contradictory. This can be confusing to some. The God-language of Scripture inspires the sacred imagination of the reader or hearer, revealing the depths and activities of the divine.

Pentecost Sunday (Year C) June 5 (Acts 2:1-11; Psalm 104; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13; John 20:19-23)

If a hundred believers were asked to explain the nature, role and workings of the Holy Spirit, there would probably be 100 or more answers. Backed into a corner, many have little understanding of the Spirit and its actions. The Holy Spirit has been invoked to bolster authority and to challenge it; to support the status quo and to overturn it; to head in new theological and spiritual directions and to retreat behind the fortified walls of tradition.

Ascension of the Lord (Year C) May 29 (Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:17-23; Luke 24:44-53)

Our worldview and understanding of the cosmos are very closely linked with our theology and image of God. If one changes, the other must also adapt. Although this is usually met with resistance, these changes have occurred many times in the past and will continue to do so.

Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year C) May 22 (Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10-14; 22-23; John 14: 23-29)

What must one do to be saved? This is an age-old question and is fraught with many related issues. What does it mean to be “saved,” and from what? This is not as obvious as it might at first appear, for there have been different answers to those questions depending on when, where and under what conditions they were asked.

Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year C) May 8 (Acts 13:14, 43-52; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9, 14b-17; John 10:27-30)

Religious people often are reluctant to hear new things. There is a great deal of comfort in what is known and predictable. Anything that disturbs this sense of the “way things are” is suspect and is seen as a threat. Nearly every new direction that religious thought has taken has been greeted with resistance, rancour and sometimes even violence. One need not look farther than the battlelines that have been drawn in the contemporary Church.

Third Sunday of Easter (Year C) May 1 (Acts 5:28-32, 40b-41; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19)

There are some words that just cannot remain unspoken. They burn within and demand to be shouted from the rooftops. Jeremiah the prophet discovered that when he tried to resign as prophet and not speak the name of the Lord anymore. He could not contain himself.

Second Sunday of Easter (Year C) April 24 (Acts 5:12-16; Psalm 118; Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19; John 20:19-31)

The people of Jerusalem must have sensed and felt the power emanating from the group of Jesus believers gathered in Solomon’s Portico. Many wanted to join them but were hesitant or afraid — it all seemed so strange and new. And yet many did join them, and their numbers continued to grow.

Resurrection of the Lord (Year C) April 17 (Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18)

The message that the apostle Peter preached after the Resurrection was short but powerful. He stuck to the facts, relating the many good things that Jesus had done and the souls He had helped. More importantly, Jesus was empowered by the Spirit and God was with Him.

Passion (Palm) Sunday (Year C) April 10(Isaiah 50:4-7; Psalm 22; Philippians 2:6-11; Luke 22:14-23:56)

There is no lack of people or groups who feel that they have a duty and calling to loudly proclaim their beliefs. It often seems like we are being bombarded from all sides by very shrill, intolerant and angry voices. What is to distinguish them from the prophet described in Isaiah? Just one more voice?