Lent is a time for reflection, soul-searching, confession, repentance, and preparation for the coming grace of God. I’ve always has a suspicion that we Protestants are not quite sure what to do with Lent. The pageantry and triumph of Palm Sunday and Easter are more our style. The church, however,… Continue reading
During the season of Lent when we consider the meaning of the cross, we should observe that the church over the centuries has never settled on one interpretation of the death of Jesus. The New Testament itself understands that the cross has far more meaning than can be squeezed into… Continue reading
My prayer is that the vision I am creating now and which will one day control me is healthy and open enough to allow me to continue to grow and change, for I still have a long way to go. Continue reading
Not too many years ago it was fashionable to view guilt as an unhealthy legacy from a superstitious and unhappy past—from a time which we moderns were prepared to leave behind. Guilt was seen as neurotic, masochistic, and without any redeeming purpose in the lives of individuals or in the… Continue reading
Some church historians believe that the season we know as Lent developed from two practices in the early church. The first practice involved the teaching of the catechumens, those persons who wanted to convert to Christianity. The early church was very serious about informing these catechumens about the faith. The… Continue reading
“Take up your cross and follow me.” For two thousand years the church has found in these words of our Lord the supreme call to discipleship. What the twentieth century martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer called “the cost of discipleship” is summed up in this terse summons of Jesus. But what is… Continue reading
We are all stardust, and that realization grants us the necessary humility, attention, and belonging we need. But it’s also critical that we get our bearings and remember not only where we’ve been but also that we chart a wise and helpful course as we decide where we are going. Continue reading
Around twenty-five years ago we had a joyful addition to our family—a newly weaned basset hound puppy named Lily. She was the sweetest dog with whom we have ever shared our home. Our friend Susie Beamer gave her to us, and I remember when Susie, with Lily trailing behind her…. Continue reading
In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep us engaged in “muchness” and “manyness,” he will rest satisfied. Psychiatrist Carl Jung once remarked, “Hurry is not OF the Devil; it IS the Devil.” (Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline) As… Continue reading
