Beheading of John the Baptist

Readings: Jeremiah 1:17-19; Mark 6:17-29  You could hardly have two readings more calculated to contradict each other than these. The first is bracing with promise: you will be a pillar of iron, a wall of bronze; they will not overcome you. And it’s quite a ‘they’ arrayed against the prophet: kings, princes, priests, and people. …

Feast of the Transfiguration Year B

Readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10  We’ve reached here the highpoint of Jesus ministry. Literally. In recent weeks he’s raised the dead, he’s made a meal for a multitude out of scraps and gleanings, he’s walked on water … and everywhere the crowds are following him in droves. These are his glory …