First Sunday in Lent

Mark 1:9-15 (NRSV) In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

The story of Jesus baptism and temptation works apparently at several levels. Over the years, I've heard many ideas advanced as to why Jesus was baptized. The most recent I have read that Jesus fulfilling the role of the true Israel in that repentance precedes restoration. This role of faithful and true Israel continues in his encounters in the wilderness.

This element of the narrative may well be in the mind of Mark as he wrote and his early readers that were more steeped in the history and experience of the Jewish people. But what about the Gentile reader say in AD 123 who might have been quite far removed from the Jewish story? And what about me in 21st Century Southern California (and you where ever you are on the internet) perhaps reading Mark for the first time? The layer of the march of the history of Jewish faith would be not be obvious?

What comes before

Mark's account of the baptism is set-up by the preceding portion in vv. 4-8.

The ideas that jump at me are that John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin and the people responded to this by being baptized and confessing their sins. The people in this setting are indeed being obedient to God's message through his messenger! This message isn't a new one as many times in the Old Testament, the prophets would proclaim that the people have sinned and need to confess and turn back to God.

The puzzler for us is why Jesus got baptized. Jesus has no sin to confess. His mind is set on the Father already and has no need to "change his mind" (repent) and turn back to God. So why does Jesus do this anyway?

Some, as I have mentioned, have suggested that he was taking on the role of the faithful and true Israel. All well and fine and good. But one might say, he is taking on the role of the faith and true human being also. He is fulfilling what Israel failed to do. He is showing me what I have failed to do but also opening the door to follow him to do what I should do.

For Jesus, the baptism is an outward demonstration of the inward reality: my relationship with God is important, in order to help others, I will demonstrate the importances of repentance and confession of sin by partaking in the baptism.

Thus, for disciples of that time, the baptism is an outward statement of the inward reality: my mind has been changed and instead of rebelling against God, I am now dependent on God to forgive my sins so I can be restored to relationship with him.

The common ground is the relationship with God: Jesus has it and is showing the way so we could have it to.

What comes after

The matter of relationship rises up from the portion of the Scripture immediately after the baptism: "just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.'"

I recall Pastor Darrell Johnson saying (I'm paraphrasing as I don't have specific transcripts of sermons on hand), in the heart of God is a relationship. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are in relationship with each other. Humans, due to sin are in broken relationship with each other and God. Jesus, God the Son, steps into history to help restore relationships.

Professor Fred Sanders described it as: the happy land of the Trinity. And the work of salvation is to bring us into this relationship.

And so, immediately after the baptism, we see this happy relationship:

You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased ...
the Spirit descending like a dove on him ...

By extension, if we repent and confess our sin and turn toward God, we experience a restored relationship with God. John 1:12 says, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

What comes next

After Jesus is baptized, we get a glimpse of the loving relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And after that, we are brought face-to-face that Jesus has a mission and it starts with a dramatic test: And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13 describe the temptation in greater detail. But even from the comparatively terse account in Mark, we have some idea of the scale of this trail.

40 days ...
The number "40" does show up a lot in the Bible and it maybe literal here and in those other occasions. One would prefer to avoid any suspicious numerology about the figure 40. Suffice to say, literal or not, the key point is clear: it was a long time. This was no brief challenge. This was no trivial ordeal.

tempted by Satan ...
This name comes straight from the Greek, "adversary (one who opposes another in purpose or act), the name given to the prince of evil spirits, the inveterate adversary of God and Christ." Thus, not only was the wilderness experience a lengthy one but also against a powerful spiritual enemy.

with the wild beasts ...
Satan was the danger from a spiritual realm, wild beasts were the danger from the physical realm. What might there have been out in the wilderness during those 40 days? Perhaps, lions, bears, wild ox, crocodiles, and hippopotamus or leopards, wolves, caracal, and snakes.

Jesus faced this under the direction of the Spirit. First, the length gets at the character trait of endurance. Second, the explicit opposition of Satan gets at the sturdy steadfastness of Jesus. The Matthew and Luke accounts focus on the crafty challenges from Satan in detail. Third, the unknown variety of wild beasts that probably come out at night (no LED flashlights then!) reveals courage in the face of unseeable dangers. This experience shows the quality of this man Jesus!

the angels waited on him ...
This episode has implications for how we view difficult situations. We might prefer an easy life but we see here the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness for this test. And Jesus passed the test. He knew the Spirit was with him. He knew that he was beloved of the Father. He knew he was provided for as the "angels waited on him." Jesus knew that his journey to the Cross took a major step forward at this moment. He made it through this bout with spiritual and physical trails. There would be more physical and spiritual pain the rest of the way. And, of course, at the Cross, there would be even more.

Issac Watts in one of his hymns put it this way:

Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

The pain and suffering of the servant Jesus. Lent begins here at the temptation and God provided for Jesus. Lent concludes with the hot boil of the Cross and God vindicated Jesus at the Resurrection!

So Cal Sports Round-Up

Can the LA Kings make a run at defending their Stanley Cup title?

The first step is getting into the playoffs. At the moment, the Kings are on the edge of qualifying for the playoffs fighting for that last spot in the wildcard. There are still around 20 games to go so fans will watch the movement both up or down in the standings will mean whether they get in or out of the playoffs.

On the LA King's site there is a wonderful collection of videos that chronicled their dramatic playoff run in the 2013-2014 season. Seeing those videos vividly highlight the grit and determination needed to win a championship. Am figuring with this team, they can pull it together to make the playoffs. Just hope they can stay healthy enough to get that shot at defending the Cup as the many rounds of the playoffs will take its toll on any team.

Meanwhile, what about UCLA basketball?

In ESPN bracketology, UCLA is listed in the "last four in" group. Upsetting Arizona would be a big plus for their case but that might be asking a lot to beat the Wildcats on their home court. UCLA definitely has to beat the two Washington schools and USC. A run to the finals of the Pac12 tournament would help and even then they could wind up a bubble burst.

The team has gotten better but they have little margin for error as the starting five plays the lion's share of the minutes and score almost all the points. If one or two get into foul trouble or an injury were to occur, they would be out of options as all their games from here on out are pretty much all must win.

Liverpool v Besiktas, leg 1 and leg 2

Markovic given four-game suspension and thus not an option in Europa league play for the two-legs against Beskitas nor the two-legs should Liverpool advance.

Sterling is back on the training pitch but is he ready for a start or limited action?

Who should be on the line-up card for Thursday's Europa League match?

My guesses:
XI:
Mignolet
Sakho, Skrtel, Can
Henderson, Allen, Moreno, Lallana
Sturridge, Coutinho, Sterling
Subs:
Ward, Lovren, Toure (or Johnson), Ibe, Lambert, Balotelli, Borini

Since Sterling is coming back from injury, he will be observed and maybe substituted out at the half or earlier if necessary. Would figure Balotelli will be plugged in when Sterling comes out.

Will be interesting to see if Rodgers opts to go with Sturridge/Balotelli up at the top if he thinks Sterling might not yet be ready for a start. But as it stands, I don't think he is yet ready to put that duo up at the top unless he feels the team needs a jump start as they did against Crystal Palace in the second half.

Wonder if Toure is back and rested yet from African Nations duty with Ivory Coast?

The writers at the Echo all seem to think Coutinho needs a rest. If so, move Ibe into his slot and Coutinho onto the bench or rested entirely. If rested entirely, add Manquillo to the bench.

UPDATE: the line-up is out. Manager and I think alike with the exception he is putting in Ibe and keeping Sterling on the bench. Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Can, Skrtel, Sakho, Allen, Henderson, Moreno, Ibe, Coutinho, Lallana, Sturridge. Substitutes: Ward, Manquillo, Lovren, Lambert, Sterling, Borini, Balotelli.

UPDATE: Liverpool wins Leg One 1-0 on a penalty kick by Balotelli!

UPDATE: The second leg will be interesting as many players will be out for injury. My predictions ...
Starting IX: Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Lovren, Moreno, Can, Allen, Ibe, Sterling, Sturridge, Lallana.
Subs: Ward, Manquillo, Williams, Lussey, Lambert, Balotelli, Borini.

Would figure if Liverpool needs extra offense, they would turn to Balotelli and if the situation is dire Lambert could sub. If Liverpool is holding off Besiktas and they need a fresh defender, Manquillo could get the call.

UPDATE: Oh, my, Rodger's is pulling the trigger on the triple threat line of Sterling, Sturridge and Balotelli to start! Clearly, going for the early knockout with those three up at the top. The concern is how the back three will play as that trio hasn't been on the field as a unit in quite some time. With this lineup they will pressure and might be vulnerable to the counter attack. But, if all goes well, Liverpool will gain possession and keep possession and allow the three to swoop in like velociraptors causing havoc in the box and get an early goal or two either directly into the net or by drawing a penalty resulting in a PK goal. Would be great if they can get out to a 1-0 or 2-0 lead and then BR can bring in the young plays like Manquillo, Williams and Brannigan.

Transfiguration Sunday

Mark 9:2-9 (NRSV)
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, "This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!" Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

What was it like to have been one of the disciples following Jesus?

Certainly, they would have been moved by his compassion in healing the people who came to him. They would have been in awe of the "physical" miracles of turning water into wine, walking on water, and multiplying food to feed the huge crowds. And there would also be the powerful teaching that inspired hope, called for righteousness, and revealed the love of God.

On this occasion, a smaller subset of the followers got to see the transfiguration.

As good Jewish boys, Peter, James, and John would have been very familiar with the story of Moses and how he got a glimpse of the glory of God on the mountaintop. Thus, this experience would have been terrifying as it happened and upon reflection after the fact, astounding.

As I read the story here in the 21st century, where does my reflections head toward?

First, Jesus is no mere mortal. Between the miracles, the teaching, and the resurrection, this episode would add to the conclusion that Jesus was no mere mortal.

One wonders if this type of thing happened on other occasions when Jesus went off on his own? But that would be speculative. Rather what we have here appears to be an occasion that Jesus wanted to reveal something about himself to Peter, James, and John. It would add another stone in the foundation of their understanding of who he is.

Second, the appearance of Jesus in conversation with Elijah and Moses would plant Jesus as in continuation and culmination of the Jewish narrative arc. Sometimes, people think of the Old Testament and New Testament as separate entities. But it obviously is not disconnected.

With all the quotation of the Hebrew Scriptures by Jesus and by the apostles, there is a clear connection and continuation with the past actions of God. What is clear from the Gospels is that Jesus  was in contention with a particular manifestation of Jewish faith in the from of the Pharisees. We know from Genesis 15:6, "Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness," that Abraham was reckoned righteous by belief/trust in God. That teaching continues into the New Testament.

Third, I think this story tells us something about us a fallible people. These three disciples saw something amazing. Yet, they still stumbled and struggled with their faith even after such a dramatic experience. The Israelites saw fantastic things in the Exodus, yet, they had trouble following the ways that God had set before them. The disciples, seeing the miracles, hearing the teaching, and in the case of Peter, James, and John getting a glimpse of the divine nature of Jesus, often faltered in their faith. Where does that leave us?

Indeed, even with mountaintop experiences in our faith journey, we still struggle. So it shouldn't come as a surprise to us. What we have is a gracious and forgiving God. Peter faltered but is restored (see John 21). Paul was opposed to Jesus initially but was captured by the grace of God (see 1 Timothy 1:12-17). And so the same is true for us today.

Another take home from this episode would be for us to give more thought and appreciation for the Old Testament. It is understandable that Christian churches would focus a lot of time and effort to preaching and teaching the New Testament. However, the fact that Jesus is talking to Moses and Elijah means that the Old Testament is God's story as much as the Gospels and the Acts and Letters are God's story. Paul appeared to make this point in 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.

And finally, we must keep our eyes on Jesus. We get glimpses of him in our "mountaintop" experiences but we also get glimpses of him in quiet moments of reflection. He is worthy of being followed. His exorbitant claims are backed by his deeds and teaching and his life vindicated by resurrection. Mountaintop experiences and quiet moments, these are valuable stones in our foundation of faith. Our life of faith is in the day-to-day meat-and-potatoes of ordinary life where we need to trust in the grace of God for our failings, rely on the strength of the Spirit to live a life of love and goodness, and follow the example of Jesus' compassion and artful truth telling. We keep in mind who he is gleaned from our "mountaintop" experiences as well as more silent and subtle moments where we have met him.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool

Its been a great run for Liverpool but this Saturday in the 5th round of the FA Cup will be a test as to what the line-up card will be like in the post-Gerrard era as he joins Lucas on the injured list.

In addition, one wonders if Sterling will be back from his injury and whether Coutinho may be permitted a rest after logging so many miles on the field.

And, of course, how many minutes does the B. Rodger's brain trust want to put on Sturridge?

Starting XI?
Mignolet
Sakho, Skrtel, Lovren
Can, Henderson, Moreno, Ibe (apparently ineligible for FA competition), Manquillo
Lallana, Sturridge, Markovic
Subs?
Ward, Johnson, Toure (he isn't back yet from African Nations competition), Enrique, Allen, Lambert, Balotelli, Borini

Crystal Palace has been playing better with new manager Pardew so it should be a good match up but I think Liverpool can edge them out even with the depleted line up. Previously, Liverpool defeated Swansea (Dec 29, 2014) and West Ham (Jan 31, 2015) while giving Gerrard a break so the team has enough talent to be competitive and to win!

Go Liverpool!

Liverpool v Tottenham

Big match up Tuesday!

Big question marks for Liverpool:

1. Who does BR plug in for Lucas, now definitely out with injury?
Joe Allen? Or some other option?

2. Sturridge played 34 minutes on Saturday, how many more minutes is he ready for?
If BR sends him in for only one half, is it for the first of the second?

3. How do you utilize Gerrard?
He has logged a lot of minutes lately. Is a tired Gerrard still a better option or does BR roll the dice with one of the younger players either resting Gerrard entirely or limiting his minutes?

4. Who is covering Kane?
Don't see Liverpool "parking the bus." As such, it could be a free-flowing back-and-forth game!

UPDATE: Looks like Sterling is also out for today's match. So what will Rodgers put out on the field? My guess ...
XI:
Mignolet
Sakho, Skrtel, Can
Moreno, Allen, Henderson, Markovic
Coutinho, Sturridge, Gerrard
Subs:
Ward
Johnson, Ibe, Manquillo
Balotelli, Borini, Lambert

UPDATE: 3-2! Mario B hits the game winner!

Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany

Mark 1:29-39 (NRSV)
As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them. That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Epiphany according to Merriam-Webster has a number of meanings. There is the very specific meaning within the church's liturgical year: "January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ."

There is the meaning in a more general sense: "an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being."

And finally, in the most general sense:
"a (1) : a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2) : an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking
(3) : an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure
b : a revealing scene or moment."

Community life

One of the things that appeals to me about the Gospel stories is that they are quite down to earth. In this reading, we can imagine the dusty feet of the Jesus and his disciples as they left the synagogue (Mark 1:21-28) and walked over to Simon and Andrew's home (1:29). In the USA, we are used to our space but in the Ancient Middle East, multi-generational homes were typical. We feel people bumping into each other. And Jesus enters the home and heals Simon's mother-in-law! Upon the healing, we can hear the buzz of excited conversations. The mood is celebratory. One wonders, what was Mrs. Simon Peter like? How excited was she at this miraculous healing of her mom? Did they have any children at this point in their lives? Upon being healed, Mrs. Simon Peter's mother began to "serve them." I would surmise that meant cooking! What was on the menu? The aromas of food fills the air!

As we sit here in 21st Century life, how do people see Jesus in us? How can they have an epiphany?

At one level, of course, how we as individuals live our lives in specific one-on-one interactions with people can reveal Jesus. But equally important, how we "do life together" as communities of faith can reveal Jesus. John 13:35 says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Often times people "belong" before they "believe."

When we gather, there should be the warm glow of good conversation, the taste of delicious food, the comfort of a shoulder to cry on, and the hearty cheer of shared joys. And while this is happening, we invite others who do not know Jesus yet, to join in the fellowship.

In the passage, what happens next is "they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons."

Christians throughout the generations since Jesus have been committed to healing. That is what Jesus did and that is what Christians have been doing even to this day. In most cities in the USA are hospitals founded by Christians. In the many developing countries some of the best care can be found in Christian missionary hospitals. These are not the work of solo individuals. These are the good works of communities of faithful followers of Jesus!

Pope Francis a couple of years ago said, “I can clearly see that what the Church needs today is the ability to heal wounds and warm the hearts of faithful, it needs to be by their side. I see the Church as a field hospital after a battle. It’s pointless to ask a seriously injured patient whether his cholesterol or blood sugar levels are high! It’s his wounds that need to be healed. The rest we can talk about later. Now we must think about treating those wounds. And we need to start from the bottom.”

The church must be a community of good fellowship and of good works.

Solitary life

The Christian life is lived in community. Yet, there is also a place for solitude. Jesus is recorded here, "In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed."

Each of us is different. Some of us need solitude more than others. But for even the most extrovert, there is definitely a place and a need for time alone in prayer. We don't need to be legalistic about it. There should not be any hard and fast rule as to how much time we allot for solitary prayer, Scripture reading, private meditation, and personal reflection. Simply we enjoy our time with God when alone as we also enjoy our time with God when with others.

Words and deeds

Peter and his companions looked for Jesus and the time of solitude concluded and Jesus said, Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Words and deeds. That is what Jesus did. Words and deeds that pointed people to God and moved them from being under the power of forces that destroyed into the hands of the King who gives life. We should do the same as his disciples, as learners of Jesus, as followers of Jesus, we should do the same.

Time running out for LA Kings?

Don't know if it is time to hit the panic button yet.

There are still about 30 games to go but the Kings have slipped to 12th place (there are 8 slots in the playoffs per conference) and are simply not playing well or well for 60 minutes.

The team did not add any high level players to last year's team via trade or free agency. The feeling was this team had another championship run in them despite being a year older (most of the team is below age 30). Unfortunately, the team has looked sluggish at times. On other occasions they are strong for two periods but lose focus in the third period. The team has the most overtime losses, again another indicator of not having enough in the tank. As hard as it is to admit, the loss of Voynov to legal issues maybe a major factor. He was regarded as the #4 defenseman on the club. With him out, they have had to fit in some journeyman defensemen and the mainstays have had to spend more time on the ice. This domino effect may have weakened the defense especially in the third period when fatigue becomes a factor. And of course, the various injuries to various players adds to the worn down look of the team. Defense has been a strength of the Kings. Last year's squad that won the Stanley Cup allowed only 2.05 goals/game. This year's team is surrendering 2.59 goals/game.

Sustaining excellence is not easy. There is a reason why back-to-back championships are rare. Hoping they can pull it together.

Everton v Liverpool

Regarding the upcoming Everton match, one suspects Rodgers line-up card will be driven by how fit from injury are Lucas, Lallana, and Markovic. If all three are unavailable, look for the regular goalie and back three, midfield of Henderson, Moreno, Manquillo, and Gerrard, forward of Coutinho, Sturridge, and Sterling. Would think Sturridge plays just the first half with Borini coming in for him in the second half. Subs: Ward, Johnson, Ibe, Allen, Borini, Lambert, and Balotelli. Look for all three substitutions to be used since huge Tottenham game is next up.

Busy time for Liverpool FC

Bolton on 2/4, Everton on 2/7, Tottenham on 2/10, three games in seven days!

Daniel Sturridge looks to be a sub for the near term until he gets fully fit again. 

Will be very curious how Rodgers juggles his starting lineups to accommodate so many games in such a short time. They want to beat Bolton to keep their FA Cup hopes alive. They want to beat Everton since they are their crosstown rival. They want to beat Tottenham to continue the climb up the table. So am figuring he will go with his starting 11 in each case but liberal substitutions in the second half.

Don't see an aging Gerrard playing all 90 minutes of all three games. Which game might he be taken out early?

Would think the Bolton match up provides the best chance for some rest for Gerrard in the second half should Liverpool grab the lead in the first half. In the "farewell" tour for Gerrard, I'm sure he will want to be on the field against Everton. Likewise, his leadership will be needed against Tottenham as a win allows Liverpool to jump to sixth place over the Hotspurs.

Who comes out of the game when Sturridge goes in for the second half?

Looks like Sterling, Coutinho, Lallana, and Markovic will use their speed to press opponents. Sturridge will come in and give one of the four a break, likely Lallana or Markovic.

If Rodgers needs more striking power, who is the second one off the bench? Borini? Lambert? Balotelli? Am guessing Borini?

UPDATE: Against Bolton, Henderson, Borini, and Sturridge got in as substitutes. Lallana, and Markovic came out with injuries while Sturridge came in for Allen for offense as they were down 1-0.

UPDATE: Regarding the upcoming Everton match, one suspects Rodgers line-up card will be driven by how fit from injury are Lucas, Lallana, and Markovic. If all three are unavailable, look for the regular goalie and back three, midfield of Henderson, Moreno, Manquillo, and Gerrard, forward of Coutinho, Sturridge, and Sterling. Would think Sturridge plays just the first half with Borini coming in for him in the second half. Subs: Ward, Johnson, Ibe, Allen, Borini, Lambert, and Balotelli. 

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching -- with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Beginnings, part I

Each Gospel starts in its own way. Analogies I have heard used to explain the benefits of there being four Gospels have included: it is like 3-D movies - one account is good but having all 4 together gives a picture with depth; it is like a multiple speaker stereo system - you can hear the notes with just one but it isn't really magical until you get all the speakers going; it is like a symphony - each instrument is needed to combine to result in glorious music.

Matthew starts with a genealogy (Matthew 1:1-17) that would mean something to the likely Jewish readers of the Gospel when it was first circulated. Mark jumps right in (Mark 1:1) and is direct and to the point throughout. Luke gives the stories of Elizabeth and Mary (Luke 1:1-55) that reflects Luke's careful compilation of Jesus deed and words and a particular interest in people who would be deemed "outsiders." John (John 1:1-5) goes big with an ode to Genesis to highlight the majesty of the incarnation God of the universe dwelt among us in flesh and the new creation made possible by that incarnation.

Beginnings, part II

But how does each gospel describe the beginning of Jesus' public life in terms of a detailed story about his words and deed? In light of an episode widely seen beyond the inner core of early followers?

John in chapter one had episodes of personal invitations to follow him. But it isn't until John 2 that there is the highly public event of Jesus turning the water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11). This miracle is in line with the creation theme. God who brought the heavens and the earth - all the stuff of the visible world into existence - would have no difficulty turning water into wine. Additional themes one can draw from the water to wine episode was the abundance of the wine (v. 6) and its high quality (v. 10). This is the God who has come to dwell among us! One who gives good gifts and in abundance!

But one wonders how many people knew he was responsible for it? The servants who filled the jars with water as instructed by Jesus would have known (vv. 5-8). I would image they probably would have told people and word would have gotten out! Certainly, the disciples were moved toward belief (v. 11) from this event.

Luke says generally in 2:14-15, "Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone." But it isn't until the reading of the Isaiah scroll in the Nazareth synagogue (vv. 16-21) that we hear the voice of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke:

He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Jesus intends to touch the lives of the "outsider" (the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed)!  What Jesus had done up to that point in Luke and what he will do in the following chapters is the fulfillment of Jesus' vocation as described in the Isaiah scroll.

Matthew recounted Jesus baptism in chapter 3 and his temptation in the wilderness in chapter 4. We quickly find out that Jesus began to proclaim the Kingdom (4:17), to teach and heal (4:23-25). It is in chapter 5-7 that we get Jesus in longer form. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus demonstrates himself to be the true interpreter of the Law. Again, consistent with Matthew's objectives to place Jesus as the continuation and fulfillment of God's narrative arc through the Jews.

Let's go back to the lectionary Gospel reading again.

Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)

They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him!" And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, "What is this? A new teaching -- with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him." At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

In this healing, Jesus displays authority over unclean spirits that tormented the man. In the next healing, Jesus cures a fever in Peter's mother-in-law (1:29-31). Word spread quickly and "all who were sick or possessed with demons" were brought to him for healing. Jesus has authority over both types of conditions: physical and spiritual sickness. Mark would continue to highlight Jesus authority as shown through healing of a leper (1:40-45), a sickness with a high social outcast dimension. Then, Mark shows Jesus taking a gigantic step by using healing of the paralytic (2:1-12) as an opportunity to highlight that he as authority to forgive sins which is the ultimate problem we have.

In addition to the physical healing, notice that "They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority." Certainly, people who got healed would see that Jesus had authority. And certainly, healthy people seeing others getting healed would see the authority of Jesus. But there was something powerful in his teaching. His message was changing the direction of people's lives. One could imagine that people were turning away from sin and self and fixing their eyes and hearts toward God. People would find themselves leaving despair and be buoyed by hope. Is it not also a miracle when we get transformed from dead religious ritual to a living and active love of others? Is not forgiveness of our sins before a holy God a truly powerful and magnificent thing?

The Gospel of Jesus Christ (1:1, 14, 15) is powerful! It changes the status quo of our lives!

Knowledge isn't enough

Another striking part about the reading is the response of the unclean spirit, "I know who you are, the Holy One of God." Sounds like correct high Christology!

And indeed, as we sit here in the 21st Century, it isn't enough to "get the theology" right. Rather, what we need is a willingness to follow where Christ is going and participate in what he is doing for the Kingdom of God is on the move already and we are to join in. We get the honor of participation. It is not up to us to "make it happen." Rather, we are to follow the Spirit's leading and in obedience be available to be with people that God is reaching. And as a result of God's power, the status quo of people's lives get changed and we all rejoice together.

Check out 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, "What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building." Amen!

The 2014 Summer Transfers

The manager always takes the heat when things don't go right.

Looking at the on-the-field performance, things were looking grim in the fall. However, the team has been doing better. They still aren't getting as many goals in line with their possession and shots toward the goal but they are getting wins and draws. So hats off to the coaching squad.

The owners of Liverpool FC, I have discovered recently, are from the USA in the from of the Fenway Sports Group based in Boston!

One thing they will have to look at is the people involved in the 2014 summer signings.

What I don't know is what was really expected of the signings going into the season as I wasn't following Liverpool then.

I'm figuring if you are getting paid 10 million pounds a year, you should probably be on the field a fair amount. For the curious, here is the Liverpool weekly salary. For comparison, see Chelsea.

Below are the summer signings and my brief observations
Adam Lallana (Southampton, £25m)
Getting minutes on the field and seems to be fitting into the speedy offense mindset Rodgers wants. Four goals so far puts him on track to match his previous season at Southampton.

Lazar Markovic (Benfica, £20m)
Getting minutes on the field and seems to be fitting into the speedy offense mindset Rodgers wants. But I would think they expected more goal scoring?

Emre Can (Bayer Leverkusen, £9.8m)
Getting minutes on the field. Seems to have been an important part of the defense in the recent revival of Liverpool competitiveness.

Rickie Lambert (Southampton, £4m)
Not a lot of playing time. Not a lot of goals scored unlike his previous two seasons at Southampton. But given his salary, perhaps he was expected only to be a substitute and to start only when other players need a break or suffer from injury.

Mario Balotelli (Milan, £16m)
It is not working out so far.

Divock Origi (Lille, £10m)
Still at Lille so no record at Liverpool yet to consider.

Alberto Moreno (Sevilla, £12m)
Getting minutes on the field consistently in mid-field.

Dejan Lovren (Southampton, £20m)
Haven't seen much of him. Was supposed to shore up the shaky defense. At such a high price, at this time, would have to say he has turned out to be a questionable acquisition.

Javier Manquillo (Atlético Madrid, loan)
Haven't seen much of him. As a young player, he may have been brought in to serve in a substitute capacity.

Busts as of now:
Balotelli and Lovren

Seems to be working out:
Can, Moreno

Wait and see:
Lallana, Markovic, Lambert, Origi, Manquillo