Dear members and friends of the Pacifica Synod, While traveling on the island of Borneo, visiting our sister synod the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, we heard the awful news of the shooting in Thousand Oaks at the Borderline Bar and Grill. Thousand Oaks is the city where California Lutheran University is located, and many Cal Lutheran students frequent Borderline. The University has … [Read more...]
Advent Reflection
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79 Dear members and friends of the Pacifica Synod, May God’s joy and hope fill your hearts in this Advent season as you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. The biblical words … [Read more...]
A Pastoral Letter on the Las Vegas Mass Shooting
Dear members and friends of the Pacifica Synod, I awoke this morning in Chicago (where I am meeting with other ELCA bishops for our semi-annual Conference) to the news of the tragic and senseless shooting in Las Vegas, and the loss of lives of so many innocents. Like you, I am shocked and saddened by this event, the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. I encourage you to be in prayer for … [Read more...]
Jesus and the Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
Now here’s a disturbing story. Jesus encounters a Gentile, called Syrophoenician in the gospel of Mark, a Canaanite here in Matthew, whose daughter is in need of healing. The woman keeps on entreating Jesus, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David,” indicating she clearly understands that Jesus is the Messiah promised by the scriptures. Instead of helping her, Jesus at first ignores her, then lets … [Read more...]
Preaching the Gospel
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." – Romans 1:16-17 Welcome to my blog. I plan to post here with some regularity my thoughts and prayerful reflections on … [Read more...]