Jesus teaches us through his life and ministry that the only life that truly matters is found by losing our life for his sake. Here is my sermon on Mark 8:31-38.
The Only Life that Matters: My Sermon on Mark 8:31-38
Gethsemane by Mary Oliver
Here is a powerful poem by Mary Oliver about this moment in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus found his disciples sleeping.
Considering Purim during Lent: Seeking and Finding, Darkness and Light, Sorrow and Joy
Here is a very interesting reflection on the festival of Purim, which begins this evening at sunset, and its connection to our Christian lives. I found it very thought-provoking, and I think you will, too.
I posted this last year at Purim 2020 – I think it still has some useful ideas for Christian appreciation of the festival and I have enjoyed looking over the material again. Enjoy! 🙂
In the next day or two, Jewish communities around the world will celebrate Purim. The origins of this joyous festival are found in the book of Esther. And while neither Esther nor Purim are particularly well-known by contemporary Christians; as a festival with a biblical foundation, I would like to suggest that there is much to be gained by Christians reflecting upon Purim. This, I believe is particularly true as we journey through the season of Lent and look towards Easter.
The book of Esther tells us why the Purim festival is observed annually. Purim is at the very centre of the book, and indeed, the reading of the Esther story in its entirety forms a…
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What Does It Mean to Pray “Thy Will Be Done”?
What does it mean to pray, "Thy will be done"? Here is my reflection on this question.
Book Review: Dakota: A Spiritual Geography by Kathleen Norris
Here is my review of Dakota by Kathleen Norris.
Sonnet for Psalm 101
Psalm 101 offers us a pledge to God of integrity and justice. Here is a sonnet that I wrote based on this psalm.
Facing Our Wilderness with Jesus: My Sermon on the First Sunday in Lent
Facing Our Wilderness with Jesus: My Sermon on the First Sunday in Lent
Lent’s Bright Sadness
"Bright sadness is the true message and gift of Lent." - Alexander Schmemann
Out of the Depths I Cry to You by Martin Luther
As part of my ongoing series of "Poems, Prayers, Psalms, and Promises," here is a hymn written by Martin Luther which is a wonderful poem to reflect on for Ash Wednesday.
Pray in Secret: My Sermon on Ash Wednesday
"Shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret," Jesus teaches us. This year, because of this pandemic, many of us are forced not only to pray in secret, but to worship behind our closed door, too. Here is my sermon for this most unusual of Ash Wednesdays.
My Pastoral Ponderings 