But I, through the abundance of your mercy, will enter into your house. I will bow down toward your holy sanctuary out of fear of you. - Psalm 5:8 "Out of fear of you." I think too many people misunderstand the meaning of 'fear' in the Biblical and theological context. It's not the same as … Continue reading Fear of the Lord and other mysteries
Give my heart more joy
Psalm 4 talks about trusting God when things get rough. I love it. As one who believes in absolute truth that comes to us through Jesus Christ who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," it is comforting in a world where relativism is so prevalent. And what is this absolute truth? That God … Continue reading Give my heart more joy
Keeping “my head high”
"You, Lord, are a shield around me; My glory, You keep my head high." - Psalm 3:4 What an encouraging thought. When you're being attacked, maybe not physically, but with dishonest accusations or disparaging lies of any kind, God is with you. When you live with God's grace and know of His love and mercy. … Continue reading Keeping “my head high”
On Kings and Hope
In Psalm 2 we read about the anointed One of God. This is understood in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Acts, to be referring to Jesus. In fact, in Acts 4:25-27 we see the Apostles directly quote from this Psalm as an explanation of the things they do in Jesus' name. At … Continue reading On Kings and Hope
Prosperity
Rather, the law of the LORD* is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night.b He is like a treec planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever he does prospers. - Psalm 1 I've decided to work my way through the Book of … Continue reading Prosperity
Our Lady of Sorrows
The Gospel reading for today is from John, Chapter 19, verses 25-27. It is short, but powerful. Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, … Continue reading Our Lady of Sorrows
Surrender
Yesterday was my birthday. That's right, 9/11 is my birthday. Hooray. I hope you can identify sarcasm when you read it. I actually thought, as the first anniversary of that terrible day approached, that maybe I would not celebrate my birthday on the 11th of September in successive years. But good friends and loving family … Continue reading Surrender
Matthew 5:38-41
I have been a fan of Jesus' teaching on "turning the other cheek" for a long time now. It's not easy to do, but I base my enthusiasm for this passage on my own experience. I can't say definitively that I was thinking of Jesus' words when I decided to figuratively turn my face so … Continue reading Matthew 5:38-41
2 Timothy 4:1-8
At the end of St. Paul's life, he feels all alone. Many friends have left him, others have betrayed him. He is imprisoned for publicly expressing his beliefs and urging others to believe. He will end his life dying for the faith, a martyr. Many of us know the feeling of being betrayed by someone … Continue reading 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Drowning in Lemonade 