The Gospel readings for the present Sunday cycle come from Mark with an occasional reading from the Fourth Gospel during special liturgical seasons. The readings today are here, note that the Gospel is from John today, 3:14-21, Jesus' words to Nicodemus.

In the few moments of reflection between the readings and father's homily, I caught a common theme between the Epistle reading and the Gospel reading. The author of Ephesians writes, "For we are his [God's] handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared ... " and the end of the Gospel's pericope is "But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God."

In my experience, little effort is made to fit the second reading with either the first or the Gospel but today I could find a tenuous thematic connection.

2 Chronicles 36 is a personal favorite ... not because it concludes the book! Actually, I enjoy the work of the Chronicler - he's got a great flair.

The recessional hymn was Amazing Grace and we sang only two verses. How do you sing only two verses of Amazing Grace, I ask you?! And how do people walk out during those verses?!