“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29 In Part I of this series, we journeyed and surveyed the hardships of doing the work of Jesus among the marginalized. Yet we left each other with the hopeful thought that is found in … [Read more...] about Take Up Your Cross – Part II
Take Up Your Cross – Part I
A recent Gospel reading focused on the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration was fabulous! Jesus and three friends simply dazzled on a mountain top. Just before this sequence, however, was Jesus’ first crucifixion pronouncement. Jesus had just rebuked Peter for not understanding this gift of sacrifice that must happen. Honestly, taking up the cross is no idle matter. It is not … [Read more...] about Take Up Your Cross – Part I
God cannot un-love you
Wow, they did it again! Not only that, they did some other things as well. A recent poll showed that Americans are increasingly becoming non-denominational and perhaps even secular in their world views. That same study showed that much of the exodus from "mainline Christianity" is a result of the political positions and threats of the Conservative Christian Right. That … [Read more...] about God cannot un-love you
The Insanity of Some
Let's face it. Some folk are simply crazy in a Julia Sugarbaker kind of way, “I'm saying this is the South. And we're proud of our crazy people. We don't hide them up in the attic. We bring 'em right down to the living room and show 'em off. See, Phyllis, no one in the South ever asks if you have crazy people in your family. They just ask what side they're on." If you are … [Read more...] about The Insanity of Some
Isolation; powerful estrangement.
“A person is a person through other persons; you can’t be human in isolation; you are human only in relationships.”Rt. Rev. Desmond Tutu The city is opening up. Or, so it would seem. Just today bars now have to place tables outside. Last week it was inside social distancing. One of the rants is the very phrase “social distancing.” Such should be “physical distancing” because … [Read more...] about Isolation; powerful estrangement.
Strange Times
It has been so long since we last got together. So, wash your hands, pour a cocktail, maybe stop by Betty’s later but let’s chat, shall we? The world as we knew it has changed so much that one might not recognize it even though we so desperately want things to be the same. Like it used to be. Or do we really? Perhaps more importantly should we want to go back to a time … [Read more...] about Strange Times
Navigating a World, Social, and Spiritual Landscape
It’s 2020 and the Saints are NOT going to the Super Bowl. It is now just past the Feast of the Epiphany and Mardi Gras is upon us. The world, as our news reports show us, seems to be getting more polarized and divided. The social discourse is virulent and getting more so. Apart from the various wars and conflicts we are involved in, whether geopolitical or economic, we also … [Read more...] about Navigating a World, Social, and Spiritual Landscape
A Christmas Story – The Big Picture
Dear Friends -- We shall not talk of carnival lamps nor bb guns. Nor will we speak of Red Ryder wagons. Neither shall we talk of Angels getting their wings and bells on Christmas Eve. We will, however, speak of the “Big Picture.” Too often, we wrap ourselves in the non-essential elements of the Nativity. How often do we hear a litany of information and conjecture that, … [Read more...] about A Christmas Story – The Big Picture
The Incarnation
The doctrine of the Incarnation is a Gift to the World. I say this because it offers a spiritual foundation that becomes inclusive of our human enterprise. This is not to dismiss other religions or faith traditions. Each of the varied faith traditions offers some fundamental basis. Judaism offers a broad perspective including philosophy, deep discussion of scripture … [Read more...] about The Incarnation
Some Advent Gifts
The following was originally printed in a previous issue. Yet, when re-reading it, I believe it is something that I hope I can share with you again. I also hope that I will see you at one of the many social gatherings that this season offers. Thanksgiving <BURP!> was great. The Saints, “We go’n to da Supa Bowl!” Rain, cold, warm, cold, rain. What a week! Now the … [Read more...] about Some Advent Gifts
