On this day, Christians continue their annual journey into the depths of Lent. On this Second Sunday in Lent, we descend deeper in our journey into a world of spiritual poverty and desolation. In particular, we see the desolation wreaked by rejecting God’s Word—preached and incarnate: “This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant” (Jeremiah 26:9,…

During the season of Lent, the Christian returns to the wilderness and meditates upon his journey to the cross and open tomb of Jesus Christ. Since he is united to Christ through the waters of Holy Baptism, this journey involves the Christian’s own death and resurrection, dying and rising with Christ in the Sacrament (Rom 6:3–4). This faith and life therefore also…

Transfiguration is truly the bridge between Epiphany and Lent. Now, as the road to the cross nears, we are given a special glimpse of His glory and hear the voice of the Father telling us to listen to Jesus. Only in hearing and listening to Jesus, and in knowing that He is truly the One who deserves all glory, will we be…

The Old Testament Reading from Genesis shows that God has been in the salvation surprise business before, as Joseph’s true identity is unveiled to his brothers. Much of what happened to Joseph (and will happen to Jesus) is difficult to watch, and yet Joseph’s reflection has not caused him to doubt God’s providence or trust in his own determination. Rather, he trusts…