Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

In this episode, I reflect on the Bible’s portrayal of life as a constant battle—not just between good and evil, but a personal struggle where the devil attacks us directly, turning us against one another and even against God. From the moment of baptism, this battle begins, and the fight is relentless. Yet, Christ entered the fight on our behalf. In the wilderness, He faced relentless temptation but stood firm by wielding the Word of God. On the cross, He endured ultimate suffering and still entrusted Himself to the Father, achieving victory over sin, death, and the devil. Lent reminds us to prepare for this ongoing battle. We arm ourselves with God’s Word, standing firm in faith and fixing our eyes on Jesus. His victory is our victory, His forgiveness our strength, and His life our hope. With Christ as our champion, we fight not alone, but with Him—our Christus Victor—now and forever.

Today’s episode reflects on a lesson from childhood—taking responsibility for our wrongs rather than hiding them. Though difficult, this practice taught that sin has real consequences. Likewise, the Church calls us to repentance, not for punishment, but for healing. We cannot make ourselves holy or reconcile with God by our own efforts. Only Christ, who bore our sin and shame, can do that. This Lent, we are called to stand together in prayer, fasting, and charity—not to earn righteousness, but to live out the new life Christ has given us. Now is the time for grace, mercy, and true renewal.

This past week was extraordinary—filled with both sorrow and hope. We gathered for a memorial service for our oldest member, and the very next day, a funeral for the youngest. In the midst of grief, we found confidence, because the Transfiguration of our Lord reminds us of a greater reality. On that mountain, Jesus revealed His glory, standing with Moses and Elijah, speaking of His own exodus—His journey to the cross. Moses, who led the first exodus, stood before the One who would complete the final one, leading us not just out of Egypt, but out of sin and death. And Elijah, who called down fire on Mt. Carmel, foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice—Jesus offering Himself on the cross. We often see suffering and sorrow, but what we hear in Jesus’ words is life, victory, and resurrection. Just as Roy and Philip departed in Jesus, their journey does not end in death, but in glory. One day, the veil will be lifted, and we will stand with Christ, in the presence of all the saints. Until then, we walk this journey kno

Today, we weep as Rachel wept for her children, mourning the reality of death in a fallen world. But even in our sorrow, we hold fast to the promises of God. The prophet Jeremiah spoke of restoration—of children returning from the land of the enemy. That promise found its fulfillment in Christ, who through His death and resurrection has conquered our greatest enemy: death itself. Because Jesus came back from the grave, we have hope. We do not grieve without it. A day is coming when every grave will be emptied, every tear wiped away, and we will be reunited in our true home. Until then, we wait with faith, looking forward to the resurrection and the life to come. Come, Lord Jesus.

Today, we reflect on what it means to not only live well but to die well. Martin Luther once said that the Christian faith is less about living a good life and more about dying a good death. This truth reminds us that our hope lies not in our own efforts but in Christ’s victory. Roy, a faithful servant, exemplified this. Though life brought struggles, he remained steadfast in faith, receiving God’s grace until the very end. His passing was not an end, but a beginning—entering eternal life, secured by Christ’s resurrection. As we remember Roy, we do not grieve without hope. We give thanks for his life and the assurance that, in Christ, death is swallowed up in victory. Until the Last Day, we remain steadfast in faith, trusting in the promise of life everlasting.

Today, we’re looking at the incredible story of Joseph—his betrayal, suffering, and ultimate rise to power in Egypt. But what stands out most is his response to his brothers. Instead of revenge, he chooses forgiveness, showing us what it means to trust that God is in control. Like Joseph, we are free to love, forgive, and live differently, knowing that God goes before us and has our back. In Christ, we don’t just settle scores—we live in mercy. Let’s dive into how that changes everything for us today.

Today, we reflect on what it truly means to be blessed. Jesus tells us that blessing is found not in wealth or comfort but in trust in Him— even in struggle and loss. Too often, we separate faith from daily life, yet true blessing is being rooted in Christ. No matter our circumstances, He remains our foundation. Because of Him, we can live differently—trusting, forgiving, and loving. Blessed are you, not because you feel it, but because Jesus has done it. So rejoice—your reward is great in heaven.

Today, we reflect on Peter’s transformative encounter with Jesus. A miraculous catch of fish should have been a moment of triumph, yet for Peter, it revealed the weight of his sin. Faced with Christ’s holiness, he fell to his knees in fear. But instead of condemnation, Jesus offered grace: ‘Do not be afraid.’ This moment was not just about Peter—it is about all of us. We often overlook our own shortcomings until confronted with God’s presence. Yet, as with Peter, Jesus meets us not with judgment, but with forgiveness and a renewed purpose. Now, as the Church, we cast the net of Christ’s mercy, extending His grace to a world in need. Just as Peter was called to ‘fish for men,’ so are we—trusting that Jesus Himself fills the net.

This week on the podcast, we reflect on the fragility of life and the certainty of our Savior. After commemorating Sanctity of Life Sunday, we were reminded again how quickly and unexpectedly life can change. Yet, in the midst of uncertainty, we gather in worship—not to do something for God, but for Him to do something for us. We looked at the story of Simeon, who held the infant Jesus in his arms and saw in Him the fulfillment of God’s promise. Not a distant, powerful God in a cloud, but a God in human flesh, come to save us. That same presence of Christ is with us today—not just in history, but in His body and blood given for us. Because of that, we can live with confidence. We don’t have to fear death, and we don’t have to live in anxious self-preservation. The Savior we need is the Savior we have. Join me as we explore how this truth changes everything.

Today, I reflect on the profound truth that God desires life for us. Not just existence, but a life that overflows with His light and hope, even in the midst of the brokenness we’ve created. Our rebellion turned this world into a “house of doom,” yet Christ stepped into that darkness to breathe our poisoned air, endure our despair, and win us back to life. I explore how this message is tied to Sanctity of Life Sunday and the legacy of St. Titus—a reminder that every life matters to God, from the womb to the tomb. Christ’s victory gives us hope to live as agents of His Kingdom, even amidst wolves. It’s not easy, but in Him, we find forgiveness, healing, and the strength to bring His life to others. How will you let His life transform yours today?

The devastating wildfires in California bring to mind the fragile, unpredictable nature of life. Homes and dreams reduced to ash are heartbreaking reminders that this world isn’t as stable as we often think. In moments like these, some question God, while others wrongly blame the victims. But the truth is, God’s ways are beyond our understanding, and He calls us instead to trust Him. Through the words of Isaiah, God promises, “When you pass through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” This doesn’t mean we won’t face loss or hardship, but that He will be with us, strengthening us, redeeming us, and giving us peace beyond this world’s uncertainties. Ultimately, our hope isn’t in things we build or protect, but in God’s unshakable promises. Through Baptism, we’re claimed as His own, and through the cross, Jesus endured the fire of God’s wrath so we wouldn’t have to. No matter the destruction around us, in Him, we are secure. Come hell or high water, we are His.

On Friday, a sudden snowstorm swept through my neighborhood, reminding me of how the Jewish Christians must have felt when Paul’s radical teaching hit them like a derecho. Paul declared that Gentiles were fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of God’s promises—no distinction, no separation. This message was revolutionary. In Jesus, it’s not about who you are or where you’re from; it’s about what He has done for all of us. This truth is beautifully reflected in the story of the Wise Men, Gentiles who worshipped Jesus alongside Jewish shepherds, symbolizing God’s universal gift of salvation. Today, as we stand side by side at the altar, receiving the same grace, we’re reminded of our shared inheritance. This epiphany isn’t just a historical moment—it’s a call to live united, letting God’s love blow through our divisions and transform our lives.

In this episode, I reflect on a moment that often gets overshadowed by Christmas celebrations but is incredibly significant: Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day. It’s the day God not only gave Him His name—Jesus, meaning “Savior”—but also placed our names on Him. This act symbolizes Jesus stepping into our place, living on our behalf, keeping the commandments we break, and ultimately dying and rising for us. His life became like a divine trust fund, filled with the riches of forgiveness, eternal life, and salvation, made ours through baptism. As we begin a new year, this truth brings comfort and peace. With God’s name on us and our name on Jesus, we belong to Him, secure in His love and promises no matter what the future holds. The Lord blesses and keeps us always.

Have you ever thought about how much our hands express—how they touch, create, and connect? In the Christmas story, hands play a surprising role. From Thomas, who couldn’t wait to touch Jesus’ hands and believe, to Simeon, who longed to hold the baby Messiah, hands tell a story of faith, love, and salvation. Jesus came with hands—tiny newborn hands that grew to heal the sick, raise the dead, and embrace the outcast. Even on the cross, when His hands were nailed down, His love continued to reach us. And now, through His Word and Sacraments, He still touches us, blessing us with forgiveness and new life. But what about our hands? Just as Jesus used His to love and serve, we’re called to do the same. Who can’t you wait to get your hands on? How will you use your hands to care, comfort, and bless those around you? This Christmas, let’s remember: Jesus first reached out to us, and one day, He’ll take hold of us again—welcoming us into a joy that never ends.

The birth of Jesus is depicted in many ways, but have you ever considered His manger as an altar? From the moment of His birth, Jesus was offered as a sacrifice for the sin of the world—a sacrificial Lamb who came to destroy the works of the devil and bring us life. This is the glory of Christmas: that the Creator came in love to serve the creatures. Jesus didn’t cling to heavenly power but took on flesh to live, suffer, and die for us. True glory isn’t found in the world’s standards of success but in God’s humble, self-giving love. And this glory isn’t just in the past or something we wait for in the future—it’s a present reality. Jesus still comes to us today, offering His body and blood to forgive, empower, and transform us into His children. As we celebrate His birth, let’s embrace the life He’s given us. A life of love, service, and joy that reflects the glory of our Savior.

The joy of Christmas is almost here, and it’s a joy we need in a world so often marked by sorrow and struggle. But let’s remember: this joy isn’t fleeting—it’s the eternal joy of God fulfilling His promise to save us. John the Baptist was the first to leap for joy at the coming of Jesus, and his joy wasn’t diminished by life’s hardships or even death. Why? Because Jesus came to raise the broken, restore the lost, and bring lasting joy that isn’t dependent on circumstances. The joy of Christmas is real, but it’s meant to be the start, not the end, of a joy that lasts. Through His Word and Sacraments, Jesus is here for us—week after week, year after year—giving us hope, forgiveness, and life. So, as we celebrate, let’s embrace a joy that isn’t confined to one day but carries us through every moment. Come to Jesus—He is here, bringing joy that endures forever. Merry Christmas!

As we journey through Advent, we reflect on the incredible truth: Jesus came to redress our sins, not by punishing us, but by taking the punishment Himself. He brings hope and freedom, replacing our despair and bondage. Yet His work didn’t stop there. He still comes to us today, gently leading us as a Good Shepherd, feeding us not only with earthly bread but with the bread of life—His very Body and Blood. He sustains us with forgiveness, life, and salvation, preparing us for what’s ahead. And soon, He will come again in splendor, no longer hidden or lowly, but in glory. In that moment, joy beyond comparing awaits His faithful ones—a joy far greater than we can imagine. This is the promise of Advent: Christ who came, who comes now, and who will come again to bring us home. Until that day, our prayer remains the same: Come, Lord Jesus! Come now. Come soon. Come save.

Ever feel like life isn’t working out? Whether in relationships, faith, or circumstances, we often wonder where God is or if He’s even with us. John the Baptist might have felt this way in prison, yet he sent his disciples to Jesus for clarity: Are you the one? Jesus’ answer reminds us that God is always faithful. He’s working, even when we can’t see it. Through His Word, Sacraments, and promises, He assures us: He never bails on us. This Advent, look to Jesus—the one who fulfills every promise—born in a manger, crucified on the cross, and here with us now, guiding all things perfectly for our good.

Last week, we celebrated the Good News that Jesus, the holy Son of God, came lowly to restore us to His image through His cross, granting us hope and freedom. This week, we reflect on how He now gently leads us. Unlike flawed earthly leaders, Jesus is the faithful Good Shepherd, guiding us through this life’s wilderness toward Paradise, feeding us with His own body and blood—the manna of heaven that strengthens and nourishes our souls. In this Advent season, we rejoice in His daily care and eagerly await His glorious return, knowing He leads us with peace and sustains us with grace. Come, Lord Jesus!

This week, we prayed, “Stir up our hearts, O Lord,” reminding us that true readiness for Jesus’ coming starts with repentance. Like a pot of soup that needs stirring, our hearts must be stirred to bring hidden sins to the surface—not to shame us, but so Jesus can forgive and transform us. John the Baptist called for repentance to prepare the way for Christ, and his message still calls us today. As we journey through Advent, let the Lord stir up our hearts to repentance, faith, and love, so we are ready to celebrate His birth and await His return. Come, Lord Jesus!