Audrey Assad's song, I Shall Not Want, is beautiful, including her amazing lyrics. Part, "Litany of Humility," part 23rd Psalm, part Lord's Prayer, it is fitting for our time. Well, it's really timeless. Through the ages people have always grappled with their egos, their desire to be noticed, praised, given credit. But we are not … Continue reading I Shall Not Want
Calming the Storm
Today's Gospel reading for our liturgical year is from Matthew. It's the familiar account of the disciples who are in the boat with the sleeping Jesus when a "violent storm" comes upon them. It says that the boat was being "swamped by waves" in my version. So, you know, that's a little scary. If the … Continue reading Calming the Storm
Self-Deception…
I watched a movie last night called, The Silver Linings Playbook. It came out several years ago and it's a good film. I will warn you there is definitely adult subject matter and adult language. But don't let that stop you from watching. People are different; people are flawed. People are all loved by a … Continue reading Self-Deception…
Thoughts on where we are now
I heard yesterday that not many U.S. citizens are 'proud to be an American' these days, according to a recent poll. I suppose that's understandable, but not for the reasons you'd think. Yes, a lot of terrible things have been going on. Yes, there is still racism in the U.S. which is not something any … Continue reading Thoughts on where we are now
Help Us Accept Each Other
A hymn... Help us accept each other As Christ accepted us; teach us as sister, brother, Each person to embrace. Be present, Lord, among us, And bring us to believe We are ourselves accepted And meant to love and live. Teach us, O Lord, your lessons, As in our daily life We struggle to be … Continue reading Help Us Accept Each Other
You’ve Got To Be Taught
Sunday's Gospel reading included the famous John 3:16. "God so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life." But for me, the next line is just as vital and often forgotten. "For God did not send His Son into … Continue reading You’ve Got To Be Taught
Christ Has No Body But Yours…
Here's something to remember...Amen, St. Teresa, amen! A poem By St Teresa of Avila (1515–1582) Christ has no body but yours, No hands, no feet on earth but yours, Yours are the eyes with which he looks Compassion on this world, Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the … Continue reading Christ Has No Body But Yours…
Thoughts on Mary Poppins
Sometimes, when I don't know what to say, a song shows up that says it for me. And that's today. So, listen to this song by Big Daddy Weave, but read the words, too. Use them as a prayer. Go on. It will do you good. I couldn't help but think of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious when I wrote … Continue reading Thoughts on Mary Poppins
Reflection for today
I applaud and defend peaceful protests. And many times, as in the case of George Floyd's death, they are justified. Speaking up out of desperation is certainly understandable. And peaceful protests to right a wrong or shine a light on an injustice have long been a part of our country's history. Mr. Floyd himself was … Continue reading Reflection for today
On Gardens
I've been hearing a lot of talk about the late 1960's right now. If you're old enough to remember, protests, riots and cities burning are certainly familiar. 1967 began with the "summer of love" but that soon turned into riots and chaos in 1968. That began after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. I … Continue reading On Gardens
