The fact remains that we do not produce anything. We don’t manufacture widgets or grow plants. What we do is tell a powerful story of how we have experienced God’s work in the world. What grows, as a result, is not the Church, but the Word, the story, itself. It is God that plants, nurtures,
Wednesday in Holy week is known as Spy Wednesday because on this day, the gospel recounts, Judas made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces. We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual
Jesus underwent a legal trial – but it was all a sham since the outcome had already been determined by the leadership of the people – “better for one man to die . . .” There are times in life when the processes we rely on to protect fail to do so. This is hard
It is never easy to pray on the passion and death of Jesus. Once we begin to meditate and reflect on Jesus’ death, it brings us perilously close to our own – not that such pray will lead to the end of our physical life – rather that this reflection makes us confront the reality
When I undertake to reflect on sin and my sinfulness, I can never forget that I begin this work recognizing that I am a sinner who is loved. The history of God’s people testifies to the truth that God seeks to free us from everything that gets in the way of loving ourselves, others, and
The Scriptures are filled with a history of humanity’s sinfulness. Even though we prefer not discuss this notion – sin – we can’t escape it. It’s all around us. As difficult as it is to discuss the sin we see all around it is even more difficult for me to acknowledge that this reality is
As Lent treks forward, my initial zeal begins to wane — badly. Just like people resolve all kinds of good and decent things at the beginning of the year (New Years’ resolutions – remember them?), we all resolve to “do something” for Lent. The most sincere desires might result in more prayer, deeper meditation and
What might it be like to be closed off totally from God’s love? I can’t even imagine that would be possible. Just as I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose totally the love of my mother or my father. No matter how bad things may have gotten between one or another of
For a very long time, I have struggled with the reality of sin and evil in the world. Scholars of philosophy call this struggle the quest for a “theodicy” – otherwise known as “the problem of evil.”I am afraid we will all be totally frustrated if we simply see evil as a “problem” – likened
It’s very easy when thinking about God’s plan for our lives to have the attitude: “it’s all about me.” Yes, it’s true that God cares about every intricate detail in our lives. In fact, Jesus said that even the hairs on our heads are numbered. We can also mistakenly think that God’s plan is always
