Gaining a heart of wisdom
Blessed are those who read Gospel conversations, divine pronouncements, and follow the trail of Truth back to the nature of God. "Greater than the Temple," "Lord of the Sabbath," His words revealed Divine Prerogatives and a set of priorities wholly out of step with the elite. No Mr.-Rogers-with-a-beard, Jesus used the sharp edge of sarcasm… Continue reading Red Letters–Fiery Words
It's been a long time since I browsed in a Christian bookstore. They're exceptionally rare here in Maine, but on one of my last excursions, I inquired about the poetry section hoping to lay hands on something by Luci Shaw or Marjorie Maddox. Alas, it was not to be on this day. "We don't carry… Continue reading A Literary Pursuit of Beauty, Grace, and Truth
One day, the Gift of all gifts was carried into a public space. Although the Gift could have come with a transcendence too glorious for human eyes, It came instead in the arms of a young Jewish woman. No one noticed, For the Gift was small, Unexpected. Besides-- No one was looking for a Gift… Continue reading Are You Ready to Receive the Gift of Advent?
When the herald sounds the arrival of a Great One, Heads turn. Eyes focus on The Coming. This is the goal, of course, For greatness must be seen. But "Sound no trumpet," said Jesus To those who would do good for others. Fold the bill to hide Ben Franklin's face in the plate. Avoid the… Continue reading Do Good So That Goodness May Be Done
In times of danger and disaster throughout history, true believers have made their mark by running toward the darkness. Whether it was a plague in second century Rome or a twenty-first century hurricane in America's deep south, if we follow Mr. Rogers's advice and "look for the helpers," we might be surprised by how many… Continue reading Run Toward the Darkness with Borrowed Light
What you believe about God matters. Is He malleable, pliable, well-intentioned, but out of touch? A bit like you, only ever-so-much-more-so? Can you embrace the reality of a transcendent, crucified God who preceded matter and interrupted the natural order "to save mankind in the awful shape of man?" (217) What you believe about humanity matters.… Continue reading What You Believe About God Matters
There's a reason why, In the architecture of Your perfect poetry, You ordained that this foundation of a phrase Should bear repeating: "The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah" (Psalm 46:7 and 11) Pausing at Your command to reflect on words that should stop me in my tracks everyday (but, often enough, do… Continue reading Summer Selah
C.S. Lewis described the human condition as a process of always becoming more of what we already are. These are cautionary words for me at this point in middle age, particularly as I consider the possibilities. In Lewis's The Great Divorce, the Teacher speaks regretfully of a seemingly harmless woman who has come to the end of… Continue reading Half Way to Entirely
Welcome the peaceful signs of this new season by Beating your swords into plowshares. Then go till up a garden! Beat those blades back into swords again And do battle against an ensnaring sin. Don't be anxious about What is coming or What might come. Pick a bouquet just for today's table. Turn regret on… Continue reading Welcome a New Season of Peaceful Change
Pilate and Peter (and me) "What shall I do with Him called Christ?" The truth:Â clean hands will not suffice. Your acts of treachery which rise From disillusionment; your cries Of protest which reveal your fear Add to your guilt. Easter draws near. Be still and let the rain of pure Truth fall on you… Continue reading Easter Anthology
Living Our Days 