“Father Forgive Them” Part Three

(9 minutes) After quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr regarding his call for Blacks to forgive those white supremacists who had caused them so much suffering, I ended the previous article by suggesting that there was so much more to be said about the blindness and ignorance of those who… Continue reading

Father, Forgive Them, for They Do Not Know What They Do: Part Two

MLK recognized that “some men are segregationists merely for reasons of political expediency and economic gain.” However, he also realized that many good people were convinced that segregation was good for their families, their nation, and their faith. But all such people are spiritually blind and ignorant. “Millions of Negroes have been crucified by conscientious blindness. With Jesus on the cross, we must look lovingly at our oppressors and say, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know now what they do.’” Continue reading

Father, Forgive Them; for They Do Not Know What They Do: Part One

(10 minutes) Luke’s Gospel tells us that as Jesus was being crucified, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34) What many people do not know is that these words are not found in some of the most ancient Greek copies of the… Continue reading

Thermometer or Thermostat?

MLK was absolutely on target when he called the church to be a thermostat. I suggest it’s time—way past time — for the church to “heat things up.” Or in the words of another Civil Rights hero, it’s time to engage in some “good trouble” for the sake of our integrity as followers of Jesus and for the sake of the common good of all people and this precious, vulnerable planet. Continue reading

Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves: Part Two

Dr. King understood that in addition to a tough mind, the gospel demands a tender heart. He spoke insightfully about the dangers of being tough minded while lacking a tender heart. We must strive to be righteous without being self-righteous. We must be devoted to justice without losing our capacity… Continue reading

Be Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves: Part One

While pastoring in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached a sermon entitled “A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart.” His text was Matthew 10:16 where Jesus said to his disciples, as they began their mission trip to the house of Israel, “Behold, I send you out as sheep… Continue reading

Joy to the World?

I would suggest for any age, and especially for our own time, trusting that love will win, justice will prevail, compassion will heal, and reconciliation will be complete and lasting is absolutely necessary if we are to know joy and have the energy and inspiration to cherish this world and work for those things which make for peace. Continue reading

When is Christmas Over?

Many years ago, there were societies which celebrated twelve days of Christmas. Prior to Christmas, Advent was observed in solemn ways similar to the austerities of Lent and was a time for repentance and preparing oneself spiritually for the coming of the Christ Child. But on Christmas Day, all that… Continue reading

A Franciscan Advent/Christmas Meditation

St. Francis was responsible for the first living creche. He wanted the peasants of his day to know the love of God in a very intimate and profound way. Francis reasoned that they could approach God more easily in a tiny baby than in the regal and overpowering images found… Continue reading