"Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain?" (Psalm 15:1). The Psalmist tells us the character of such a person -- walks without blame, does what is right, speaks truth from the heart, does not slander, does not harm a friend nor slander their neighbor, disdains the wicked, and … Continue reading A Dwelling Place
Gospel-C
“My Friends,”
The Gospel passages have been concise the last three weeks. There are no elaborate story lines or parables. It is simply the rich wisdom of Jesus. In many respects, it is as though Jesus, after having resurrected and made known his presence, sits down with us informally. You can imagine him sitting in front of you … Continue reading “My Friends,”
Memoriam
The disciple unlocked the door. The small group of faithful walked in and sat around the table. The room was dimly lit, cold, and drab by all appearances. It was reminiscent of that first night, while He was still among them. He unpacked the few belongings for the supper while graciously overhearing the conversation of … Continue reading Memoriam
Daybreak
"They have taken the Lord. They have taken the Lord." It was Mary Magdala's phrase running through his head that kept his feet moving. "It can't be. It can't be true," Peter muttered under his breath. The two disciples ran as fast as they could, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the … Continue reading Daybreak
Vigil
The day in between. The Chaos. Taunting. Jeering. Nailing. Piercing. Blood and water flowing. "It is finished." And bowing his head, Jesus handed over the spirit (John 19:30). Silence resounding. Birds chirping. Green moss growing on the rock where I sit; waiting; praying. A new tomb where He now laid his head. A stone rolled … Continue reading Vigil
Absolution Over Condemnation
The first rock flew and made a hard thud in the sand. Dozens of light brown granules wisped a half circle. The sinner, an older man with a long gray beard walked away. Shortly after there was another hard thud. A second rock landed on the ground. A middle-aged man clenched his fists unsatisfied and pushed … Continue reading Absolution Over Condemnation
Prodigal Son. Loving Father.
"Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me." He put out his hand. So the father, who never denied his sons their free will, divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country... ( Luke 15: 12-13) It … Continue reading Prodigal Son. Loving Father.
It May Bear Fruit…
The owner and the gardener approached the fig tree. It was barren. It stood out from the others that were lush with fruit and green leaves. Their trunks flush brown and soil moist. They appeared to beg permission to produce more fruit. The owner of the vineyard shook his head in disgust, "For three years now I have come … Continue reading It May Bear Fruit…
Prayer transfigures.
"Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray"(Luke 9:28). He looked back and locked eyes with you. He motions for you too to follow him up to pray. Obedient and excited to be called you follow the Lord. You reach a plateau with your companions. Jesus asks you to pray … Continue reading Prayer transfigures.
Checkmate.
"Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry"(Luke 4:1-2). Then the devil came... As Hemingway wrote in A Moveable Feast, "Hunger is a good discipline and you learn from it; but … Continue reading Checkmate.
Pilgrim's Journal 