Drew Downs

Make a New Normal

John the Baptist

  • In Advent, we feel the subversive nature of following Jesus, the seduction of power, and the quiet call to walk into the wilderness. Jesus, John, and the subversive nature of Advent Advent 2C  |  Luke 3:1-6 It must be Advent 2 again, because here comes John! Reading about this wild man in the wilderness is…

  • We cannot run from this responsibility to fix the brokenness and bring Shalom (peace) to our community. Bear fruits worthy of repentance! Because if we can’t do it, GOD will find someone else to do it! GOD can make the children of Abraham from these stones! Preparing for GOD means dealing with problems Advent 3C…

  • When we lighten our hearts, when we give away the sin like plaque that’s collected on our arteries, stifling our hearts and destroying our lives, we can breathe. We can run. We can love.  Preparing a way for GOD’s kingdom come Advent 2C  |  Luke 3:1-6 The Beginning We begin again. We end. We begin.…

  • a homily for Advent 3A Text: Matthew 11:2-11 From Repent to Doubt When John appeared in the wilderness, a wild man dressed the prophet’s part, we caught a glimpse of his vision for the kingdom of heaven. He preached repentance and preparation: turning away from our pasts and toward a new future, living in a…

  • John the Baptist is locked in a cell, full of doubt, wondering what the whole Jesus experiment is really all about. He is left questioning everything. What is my role in this? Was I wrong? What he’s really thinking is this: Jesus isn’t the Messiah. This Sunday’s gospel is Matthew 11:2-11, and just in case…

  • There is something annoying about perfection.Like a gift, wrapped closed, pristinethe brown paper folded, taped, encircledby paper ribbon, then tied–here! A wild bow like straw,like the uncouth prophet emerging from the wildswith lips sticky from locusts and honey,camel’s hair clothing and belt—known simplyas The Baptizer.Scraggly, unblemished, and unknown.We resist opening and sheddingthis rugged, ravishing beautythat…