"Jesus died and rose from the dead." While not exactly a ho-hum expression, we often take it for granted. Think then, of the resurrection from another angle: What if no one had been there when Jesus walked out of that tomb? Would he have slogged through the streets of Jerusalem, perhaps winding up at Peter’s house? Would he have made his way to...
Read MoreRead More
In third grade, I was put in a coat room at the back of the classroom for being troublesome. The coat room was not a bad place at all. It was actually a lovely place to while away an hour or two. Much better than sitting on a stool wearing a dunce hat (yes, that happened too...
Read MoreRead More
Heads up! (Or, unfortunately, heads off…) One of the most evil women in biblical history shows up in the lectionary (Proper 10, Year B) this Sunday. Her name is Herodias; she’s married to the terroristic Herod, and she is the catalyst for the head of John the Baptist winding up on a platter. She is bloodthirsty, vengeful, selfish, ruthless—and a really bad...
Read MoreRead More
According to a recent poll,* Mother’s Day is second only to Christmas and Easter for church attendance. So when Johnny and Jimmy and Debbie take their mothers to church this Sunday, chances are they will hear a pleasant sermon, see pretty flowers, hear upbeat music. And perhaps enjoy a nice lunch afterward. Yet that sense of “nice,” so prevalent in the...
Read MoreRead More
Almost fifteen years ago, I had cancer. It was a tough time. I prefer acupuncture and yoga, but modern medicine clearly saves lives, and saved mine. My point is this: the valley of the shadow of death is a tough place. You’re surprised by who is there—and who is not. People on the edges surprise you: a kind pharmacy assistant,...
Read MoreRead More
I’m coming out of the closet theologically. On this day, when The Episcopal Church, and several other denominations, celebrate the Annunciation — that event when the angel Gabriel visits Mary with news of God’s astounding plan — I’ll throw my cards down. I’m taking the virgin birth on face value. I come at this issue with the best of liberal credentials....
Read MoreRead More
The story of Jesus’ life and death could have turned out differently, had Pontius Pilate listened to his wife. Kind and intuitive (and unnamed), she is known for these few words: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man [Jesus], for today I have suffered a great deal because of a dream about him.” Matthew 27:19 Allow me to paint the story....
Read MoreRead More
Sensual. Tender. Loving. Discerning. Clearly Mary of Bethany was Jesus' soulmate. How else might we describe a woman who sits at Jesus’ feet, listens carefully to his every word, pours expensive oil over said feet, then dries them with her hair? Jesus has no better friend; no better listener; no better soul partner. The setting: Martha’s small home in Bethany. A scant two...
Read MoreRead More
And the Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us From the Gospel of John, Chapter 1, verses 1 and 14 In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory. In these few words lie the heart of our Christian faith....
Read MoreRead More