There’s been a lot of talk lately about how we, as a society, make, enforce and follow laws. That is a worthwhile and necessary conversation. But, before we can form good answers in the realm of secular law, we, as Christians, must come to grips with how we follow the law that supersedes all laws … Continue reading Love … and live according to the Law
Scripture
Playing the part of Judas
At my home parish, on Palm Sunday we usually divvy up the parts in the Passion narrative from Matthew. It is a long reading — almost two chapters — and it keeps everyone engaged far more than listening to a lay reader drone on for 10 minutes. Each part in the Passion is assigned to … Continue reading Playing the part of Judas
Scripture readings for Wednesday in Holy Week
Faith in the furnace
How do we live when we are surrounded by the fires of life? I don’t mean “How do we survive?” Each of us will die. How and when is in God’s loving hands. What I mean is, “How do we live?” How do we face the fires and storms of this life? And how do … Continue reading Faith in the furnace
“Memento mori” — Finding life in the valley of bones
During this season of Lent, many of you may still be doing your taxes, or maybe recently finished your taxes. And, we often quip that taxes — our paying what is due to Caesar — is one of the two great certainties in this life. The other, of course, is death. For many — perhaps … Continue reading “Memento mori” — Finding life in the valley of bones
Surrender to the river
When I was a child of about seven years old, my family drove from our home in Delaware to Dallas, Texas for a conference my father was involved in. It was the first time in my life I'd seen the Mississippi. My dad woke me, my brother and sister up — we were all asleep, … Continue reading Surrender to the river
Walking away from our golden calves
A few years back I lost my job. It was a good job, with good stability and benefits. And then, one day, it was gone. I soon was recruited for a position in sales. This was a new undertaking for me, and one with which I wasn’t really comfortable. But, I needed a job fast, … Continue reading Walking away from our golden calves
Finding Christ in those left behind
If you had the chance to step outside your door today and find Christ -- to really stand in his presence -- would you take it? If we call ourselves Christian, would we not go to great lengths, undergo great trials, to stand before Christ? How much more, then, should we seek him if he’s … Continue reading Finding Christ in those left behind
There are no shortcuts to the Kingdom
It’s never a good idea when I try to take a shortcut in the car. At some point in the late 1990s, when driving from Newport, R.I. to Delaware, I was certain I had a good shortcut to shave some time off my trip. Somehow, I ended up driving through Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan … Continue reading There are no shortcuts to the Kingdom
Turning the world upside down with forgiveness
How often should we forgive? And, how much should we forgive? This is one of the toughest questions of Christianity. Everything about our culture and human instinct tells us to get even — to exact revenge for any wrong done to us. But, then, we aspire to follow a Messiah who demands we set aside … Continue reading Turning the world upside down with forgiveness
Humility and the power of the servant girl
When you think of finding ultimate wisdom, the meaning of life, the path to inner peace — pick your euphemism — there is a beyond-cliche image that comes to mind, and that gets played out over and over in movies, spoofs and marketing: the seeker makes an arduous climb, at risk of life and limb, … Continue reading Humility and the power of the servant girl
Following the woman at the well
You do not have to look far to see people living in isolation in our society. During the current coronavirus pandemic, millions are living in self-imposed or mandated isolation, to stem the spread of the virus. This has fundamentally changed the way our society lives, works and worships. But, you don’t need a pandemic to … Continue reading Following the woman at the well
Never too far gone
“I’m too far gone from God to make it back.” I’ve heard a number of versions of that statement, from folks who think their mistakes are too momentous, or perhaps too unique, to be overcome by God’s grace. Hearing this always makes me feel sad, and a feeling of urgency washes over me to love … Continue reading Never too far gone
Daring to dream like Joseph
Who among us would dare to dream of walking like Christ? And, if we dared to dream it, would we dare to tell those around us -- both those who love us, and those who deride us -- of our dream? Would we tell the world, “I dream of being a saint,” or “I dream … Continue reading Daring to dream like Joseph
Lent 15 — Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent
To call a person “malleable” is generally not a compliment. In common terms, it means the person’s opinions and values are easily reshaped by the conditions around them, or by the pressure of other people. In our society, where it is valued for a person’s views and values to be unswering, being malleable is not … Continue reading Lent 15 — Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent
