Celtic Odyssey

Mark 8.31-38 (MSG; adapted): 1 He then began explaining things to them: “It’s necessary that the Son of Man proceed to an ordeal of suffering, be tried and found guilty by the elders, high priests, and religion scholars, be killed, and after three days rise up alive.” He said this simply and clearly so they couldn’t miss it. 32-33 But Peter grabbed him in protest. Turning and seeing his disciples wavering, wondering what to believe, Jesus confronted Peter. “Peter, get out of my way! Satan, get lost! You have no idea how God works.” 34-37 Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? 38 “If any ...

Mark 1.9-15 (MSG; adapted): 1 9-11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You’re my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” 12-13 At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him. 14-15 After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.” Other Readings: Genesis 9.8-17; Psalm 25.1-10; 1 Peter 3.18-22 ~~~ ~~~ In our Lectionary Reading today, we’re presented with a foundational text for the Lenten season — Jesus’ forty days and nights in the wilderness. This was a time of intense struggle and testing for Jesus. It could be said...

As I stood waiting for my ride this morning, I was contemplating the pipe and tobacco I was smoking. The tobacco I’ve been smoking lately is Sutliff’s Edward G. Robinson’s Pipe Blend . It’s a mildly aromatic blend made up of Burley , black Cavendish , and just a pinch of Latakia . It’s topped with some dark fruit flavor (possibly plumbs) and liquor that compliments the tobacco very well. Overall, it’s a very nice, mellow smoke. It could easily be an “all-day” blend. But what I was really thinking about was the pipe I was smoking the EGR in. It’s a Savinelli Arcobelano 626 . The 626 is a bent apple shape and one of Savinelli’s most popular shapes. One can find it in just about every series Savinelli makes. This little pipe is just such a pleasure. It’s got a great shape and weight. The stats break down like this: Length: 5.30 in./134.62 mm. Weight: 1.30 oz./36.85 g. Bowl Height: 1.63 in./41.40 mm. Chamber Depth: 1.36 in./34.54 mm. Chamber Diameter: 0.77 in./19.56 mm. Outsid...

Mark 9:2-9 (MSG): 1 2-4 Six days later, three of them did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any bleach could make them. Elijah, along with Moses, came into view, in deep conversation with Jesus. 5-6 Peter interrupted, “Rabbi, this is a great moment! Let’s build three memorials — one for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” He blurted this out without thinking, stunned as they all were by what they were seeing. 7 Just then a light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice: “This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him.” 8 The next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing nothing but Jesus, only Jesus. 9-10 Coming down the mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. “Don’t tell a soul what you saw. After the Son of Man rises from the dead, you’re free to talk.” The...