Tuesday, June 26, 2018 | Reflections
Many months ago, a faithful parish ministry leader came to me, frazzled that she would be unable to attend our annual parish cleanup day. People say the best sermons are the ones the preacher most needs to hear, and my advice to her was good advice for me, too: Trust...
Tuesday, June 26, 2018 | Reflections
June 21, 2008 -Day 19 Complete, 25 km “It’s normal.” For my friends along the Camino, Manuela and Paco, it’s normal to take an American they’ve only known for a few days and sit with her at the medic. It’s normal for them to be concerned and encourage me...
Monday, June 25, 2018 | Reflections
Scripture tells us that John the Baptist is born a half year before his cousin Jesus, so we celebrate John’s nativity six months prior to Christmas. John the Baptist seems to hold little in common with most of us. I don’t know many people who live in the woods, eating...
Monday, June 25, 2018 | Reflections
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (From the Third song of Isaiah, BCP 86) John the Baptizer, the cousin...
Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Reflections
The young mother’s words pierced my heart: “Why did God let this happen?” Her toddler was near death, and the doctors were at a loss as to how to help. It seemed like God was asleep at the wheel, and I felt helpless. All I could do was watch and wait and weep with...
Sunday, June 24, 2018 | Reflections
I Samuel 17 There is a saying, often attributed to Oscar Wilde that goes like this: “Be yourself because everyone else is already taken.” Good advice, I think. And, I think it would have been good advice for just about everyone in today’s story too....
Saturday, June 23, 2018 | Reflections
I live in a small town with a robust arts community. Painters, woodworkers, potters, and weavers attend to their crafts, regularly showcasing their handiwork and creativity in public venues. I am amazed by how intricate and tactile their work is—the slightest finger...
Saturday, June 23, 2018 | Reflections
Great God, Father/Mother, Creator, Loving Jesus, brother, teacher, savior, Gentle Spirit, powerful guide, I honestly don’t know where to start. There are so many things to say that they all seem to be whirling about like numbered balls in a bingo cage. Everybody prays...
Friday, June 22, 2018 | Reflections
A friend of mine often says that it’s not the virgin birth or the bodily resurrection that he has trouble believing. He can’t understand the grace of forgiveness. Indeed, the concept of forgiveness may be one of the hardest to grasp in the life of a Christian....
Friday, June 22, 2018 | Reflections
Readings for the feast day of St. Alban, June 22, 2018: Psalm 31:1-5 Wisdom 3:1-9 1 John 3:13-16 Matthew 10:34-42 I’m guessing that from the photo of the statue I provided with my reflection today, you have already discerned St. Alban’s ultimate fate....
Thursday, June 21, 2018 | Reflections
Jesus’ disciples are an ideal small group: enough people to divvy up important tasks but not so many as to lose focus and identity. They are also deeply flawed: naysayers, fickle-minded, easily distracted, anxious, contemptuous, and deceitful. To put it simply, they...
Thursday, June 21, 2018 | Reflections
Matthew 18:10-20 ‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.’ – Matthew 18:10 Many years ago, when I was coordinator of a state coalition...
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 | Reflections
My friend Jim is an avid hiker. He must enjoy charity cases because he occasionally invites me to join him! I don’t know much about hiking, but I enjoy Jim’s company in the beauty of God’s creation. I have learned two handy rules about hiking: Wear good shoes, and...
Wednesday, June 20, 2018 | Reflections
Luke 6:43-44: No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. Here we are, on the cusp of the new millennium’s third...
Tuesday, June 19, 2018 | Reflections
As a child, I was taught to eat what was put on the table and to give thanks for those who prepared it—or go without. One evening, I chose to test this policy by refusing to eat and beginning a hunger strike. A patient woman, my mother called my bluff and put my plate...
