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.