I am always fascinated by the story of how clergy came to discern and surrender to the call to ministry. Some are more inspiring than others, and this one, written after the ordination of Rev. Janie Koch in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, was particularly so to me, especially in her explanation of the meaning … Continue reading The call to ordination, and to the grace of the Eucharist
Month: September 2018
Who’s supposed to build the kingdom?
As Christians, there’s very little we could do with our time that is more important than prayer. At some point we must get off our knees and enact that which we find in our conversations with God. But, without that prayerful guidance, the work of our hands, hearts and tongues can be aimless, even counterproductive … Continue reading Who’s supposed to build the kingdom?
The bigger issue with Kavanaugh: We don’t even care if he did it
It’s highly unlikely, even if an FBI investigation materializes, we’ll ever know the full truth surrounding Brett Kavanaugh and his accusers. But, there is a bigger issue than Kavanaugh and his alleged misdeeds: As a society, we don’t seem to care if he assaulted these women. I don't know if Brett Kavanaugh is guilty … Continue reading The bigger issue with Kavanaugh: We don’t even care if he did it
God’s will above all
If you're familiar with the Episcopal Church, or certainly if you are an Episcopalian, you probably have heard that we're the church that reads to God. From collects and psalms to Scripture and the prayers of the saints, our services are dominated by reading aloud our devotion to God. Naturally, we all find favorite prayers, … Continue reading God’s will above all
Climbing out of Sheol
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:1-4 Jews of the Old Testament lived constantly … Continue reading Climbing out of Sheol
Political expedience is no reason to ignore rape
This piece originally was published as an opinion column in the Enid News & Eagle on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. Our national attention once again is captivated by the all-too-predictable pattern of hypocrisy and chicanery that surfaces when a woman makes an accusation against a powerful man in America. First, let’s settle one point: … Continue reading Political expedience is no reason to ignore rape
Finding faith at the headsman’s block
An exploration of faith symbolism in Vladimir Nabokov's "Invitation to a Beheading" If I had intentionally sought to write a piece on faith imagery in literature, Vladimir Nabokov would not have been my first choice. It’s unlikely he would have made it into the top ten. C. S. Lewis is the obvious choice, and a … Continue reading Finding faith at the headsman’s block
The way of the cross — The way of Love
Today is the Feast of the Holy Cross, Triumph of the Cross or Exaltation of the Holy Cross — recognized respectively in the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox (Sept. 27) traditions as a day to reflect on the meaning of the cross. As Christians, regardless of denomination, the cross carries easily-recognized significance. It is our … Continue reading The way of the cross — The way of Love
Unity requires an honest view of history
Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 will mark the 125th anniversary of the Cherokee Strip Land Run, the largest land run in history. The following post is a reprint of a column originally published Sept. 14, 2018 in the Enid News & Eagle in Enid, Oklahoma. “History is the version of past events that people have decided … Continue reading Unity requires an honest view of history
Duty requires courage, not skulking in the darkness of anonymity
Democracy dies in darkness. The New York Times should have read that bit of wisdom on the masthead of its rival, The Washington Post, before publishing Wednesday an anonymous op-ed from a senior White House official “working diligently from within to frustrate parts of (President Trump’s) agenda and his worst inclinations.” The unnamed official claimed to be protecting America from … Continue reading Duty requires courage, not skulking in the darkness of anonymity
James R. Neal 