Sharing Our Faith

In today’s first reading (DT 4:1, 5-9), Moses is speaking with the people about  the importance of God’s statutes and decrees. At the end of this selection of verses he changes his focus: “However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor letContinue reading “Sharing Our Faith”

Tuesday March 10

When I was in Indiana this weekend I had the opportunity to listen to my uncle preach. A retired pastor and now 80 years old, he does not get around as easily as he once did. His body may be slowing down but his mind is sharp and clear. His ability to illuminate God’s wordContinue reading “Tuesday March 10”

Monday March 9, Third Week of Lent

I just returned from a long weekend in my hometown in Indiana. I made the trip with my second son, and it was a rare treat to spend so much time with him on the road trip. We had the chance to visit with my parents, uncle, brothers, mother-in-law and sisters-in-law and various nieces andContinue reading “Monday March 9, Third Week of Lent”

Servant Leadership

When Jesus was walking the earth, his country was under occupation. The Romans were the enforcers of his day, and intimidation was their specialty. When Jesus speaks of the rulers of this world he is speaking from the personal experience of living under an authoritarian government. At the end of today’s gospel (Mt 20:17-28), JesusContinue reading “Servant Leadership”

Cure for Gloom and Doom

Today is March 3 and here in the Mid-Atlantic we had some fresh snow last night. This morning it is raining and gloomy out. The readings for today are not improving my mood. Isaiah (1:10, 16-20) addresses the leaders of Sodom and Gomorrah and chastens them to “cease doing evil; learn to do good… ifContinue reading “Cure for Gloom and Doom”

Stop Judging

Today’s gospel reading is from Luke (6:36-38), and since it is only 3 verses long, it bears repeating here. Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. GiveContinue reading “Stop Judging”

Love Your Enemies

When I am hiking and I come to a particularly steep section of a trail, I often take a picture to remember the challenges of the terrain. I love hiking, but hills like this one test my endurance. I stop often and it seems to me that I will not make it to the top,Continue reading “Love Your Enemies”

Reconciliation

When I am out walking the hills with my family I become free. The world’s pressures and cares fall away and I become present to everything around me. It is as if God has taken his hand and wiped my mind clear of what does not matter. Most of my kids feel the same way,Continue reading “Reconciliation”

Ask

Americans do not like to ask for anything. As a culture we are taught the value of independence. Most of us enjoy doing things for ourselves. This tendency to want to feel in control is a drawback when it relates to seeking a deeper relationship with God. In today’s gospel reading, Matthew 7:7-12, Jesus isContinue reading “Ask”

Humility

this is St. Joseph…he is one of my favorites The Psalm (51) today begins with the refrain: “A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” If you are along on this Lenten journey with me because you have a loved one in the LGBTQ community, then you are familiar with humility. WhenContinue reading “Humility”