Tag: Violence
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I Offer My Tears – Prayers For Israel And Gaza
By geography they are Israelis and Gazans. By ethnicity they are Jews and Arabs. By religion they are Jewish and Muslim. By history they are enemies. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. I wish it were that simple. I wish I could draw a bright line between who is right and who is wrong.… Read more
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Did You Hear The One About The Rabbi And The Priest?
No, it’s not a joke. It’s a deep and growing friendship born of tragedy. A rabbi and a priest were brought together by gun violence. It is, as they say, “a club no one wants to belong to.” And yet it seems new members are continually being added. I joined the club on May 24,… Read more
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And What About You, O God? – My Lament On The First Anniversary Of The Uvalde Shooting
Shortly after Easter I attended a retreat that focused on creativity and spirituality. In one of the workshops we were invited to write our own psalm. I knew that I would write about the mass shooting that occurred in Uvalde May 24, 2022, and the upcoming first anniversary of that tragedy. I was surprised by… Read more
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The Jesus Choice – A Sermon On John 18:1-19:42 For Good Friday
We often come to this day, Good Friday, and talk about what Jesus on the cross did for us. We talk of his death as having accomplished and completed something for us. I think that’s why a little later in the liturgy we will say, “We glory in your cross, O Lord.” More and more,… Read more
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The Reign Of Nonviolence – A Christ The King Sermon On Luke 23:33-43
“The people stood by, watching Jesus on the cross.” The crucifixion in November? What’s that about? Someone even asked me if I was sure I had the correct gospel for today. It is the correct gospel for today and I completely understand their question. Today’s gospel (Luke 23:33-43) feels out of place. It seems strange… Read more
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Reimagining Our Lives – A Sermon On Luke 13:1-9 and Exodus 3:1-15
As I reflected on today’s gospel (Luke 13:1-9) and prepared this sermon I thought about the Russian war on Ukraine, the six million covid deaths worldwide, the collision between a pick up truck and a van that killed nine last Tuesday, the death of my son and other tragedies in my life. Not much has… Read more
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Pray For Ukraine, And Then Act
I often remind myself that if I am going to pray for something I also need to align my life and actions with that prayer. It’s a way of giving existence to the insistence of my prayer. I hope you will join my in praying for Ukraine, and then act. A friend of mine, Fr.… Read more
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It Still Matters – A Reflection On The Feast Of The Holy Innocents, Matthew 2:13-18
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents – Matthew 2:13-18 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the… Read more
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A Call For Change – A Sermon On John 18:1-19:42
Here’s my question. What is the cross of Jesus asking for in your life today? And what is it showing you? Most of us come to Good Friday believing that the cross gave us something. Most of us come to this day saying that “Jesus died for our sins.” I’m not so sure anymore. I… Read more