Author Archive | Jerry Brock

God’s mercy and grace are revealed to those who deserve anything but. The Israelites who wandered in the wilderness complained of no water. They didn’t deserve anything because of their sinfulness, yet God responded in mercy and grace, providing water from a rock. A marginalized Samaritan woman didn’t receive compassion from her community and didn’t […]

Looking at the world today, it is astounding all of the division and conflict that exists in the world, in our church, and in our lives. Into that world comes our Savior who cares about us – and about reconciling us to God deeply. How deeply? Consider that it is about 160 miles roundtrip from […]

Although it has not happened much in the last couple of years, there are some church festivals and recognitions that are assigned a certain day on the calendar.  If it is an important day and falls on a Sunday, we will take the opportunity to recognize it.  Today is one of those days, as September […]

This weekend readings from Holy Scripture celebrate the generosity of God and our calling to reflect His generosity in our lives. Amos the prophet reminds us that God has a big heart for the poor; He is just and desires that we conduct our life’s business with honesty, integrity, fairness, and generosity. Paul’s guidance to […]

The Pharisees thought that purity brings joy to God. Their entire practice of religion was based on purity. The pure ones were considered to be good, righteous, and close to God, even if they did not love or care one bit about their neighbors’ well–being. The impure ones were labeled “sinners.” So when Jesus came […]