Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

The story of the death of John the Baptist is meant to serve as a prelude to the story of Jesus’ death. It’s meant to provide an example of what happens to people who present themselves as spokesmen for God.

The disciples’ message was one of repentance–a call to change of heart, to acceptance of the kingdom that Jesus offered. God wants to give you a new life. Be open to it.

The encounter in the temple with Simeon and Anna show us people finding God in their midst where they had been looking all along.

Like David, we too are called to love those who have done us wrong, perhaps in demanding dimensions. Interpersonal relations are seldom simple.

Jesus has power over evil. He can free afflicted individuals and control whole armies of demons. Jesus can liberate us too, if we let him.

The followers of Jesus still experience storms today. But Jesus’ power can handle any storm. It’s up to us to have enough faith in him not to be afraid.

The seed–the promise of the kingdom–has its own vitality. It doesn’t require any human intervention to come to harvest. Each of us is a place where God’s word grows.