In Psalm 19, God’s creativity is at the forefront, describing in several analogies the endless possibilities that exist through God. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. Whatever opportunties we are given, we are reminded that the law of the Lord is perfect. As such, we need
When we sang O Little Town of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve I was reminded that it was written by Phillips Brooks. I knew he had been an important member of the clergy in Boston, but not much more. I happened upon Brooks again reading a sermon on Psalm 19 which included a reference to his friendship with Helen Keller. (I further discovered Ascension’s fourth
John 12 has been a selection that I have read repeatedly in a variety of Bibles over the years and thought that I could lay low until I was spiritually more mature. Earlier in Chapter 11, Jesus has brought Lazarus back to life and many Jews witnessed this miracle and believed Jesus. “Many Jews among the leaders, believed in Him, but confessed that they
Hidden quietly and subtly in Hebrews 11 is a core tenet of Christianity: a powerfully concise definition of faith. It’s laid out so simply: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Surely it’s as easy as described, right? Maybe not. In what I believe to be one of the major challenges in my life
Thursday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. – The Very Rev. Tracey Lind, newly retired Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland, will share the insights she has gained following a diagnosis of early stage Frontotemporal Dementia. What wholeness is possible as our mental and physical capacities diminish? How can we embrace life fully and with trust? Dean Lind is one of the most dynamic leaders and
Bible readings may bring about one or more of several emotional reactions for me: Wonder and Awe at the feats attributed to God or His followers (Jew or Christian) — frequently can invoke sheer euphoria; Anticipation — especially in the Psalms pleading for relief from human conflict and pain, physical or mental; Joy — the anticipation is frequently balanced in the Psalms by great
Mother Liz, in a recent sermon, referred to the mystery we call God. I’m awed and bow down before Mystery. Theology and Science meet at the point of mystery. Religion originated, as did science, in the awareness of mystery. Without the consciousness of mystery there would be no intellectual curiosity, exploration, discovery. research, or faith. To comprehend and accept mystery, one must master the
Today’s reading is the story of Abram, his wife, Sarai and their maid, Hagar. As a 21st-century, pink-pussycat-hat–wearing feminist, I recognize Margaret Atwood’s inspiration for The Handmaid’s Tale. I am appalled by the treatment of Hagar by Abram and Sarai. Sarai has her reasons for wanting Abram, 86, to reproduce. The Lord has made a covenant with Abram granting his descendants land. Sarai feels
It is easy to feel God’s presence when we are feeling loved, safe, and appreciated. But when we feel lost, hurt, unseen, abandoned, and unheard it can feel as though God is nowhere to be found. It can seem as though we have been abandoned by God to a point of despairing. We might be tempted to respond in kind to frustration, loss, and
Genesis comes through our Open Door most every Tuesday — while I’m here, 12:00–2:00 — to pray. She’s from Florida, a student at NYU, and adorable. One day she came in, nervous: “I’m taking my Finals!” On her way out I gave her a hug. The following Tuesday, she bounced in happily. “Did you ace them?”