Theologian Paul Tillich once said humanity’s “ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically, because symbolic language alone is able to express the ultimate.” Symbols sometimes speak more eloquently, and with far greater impact, than words. While Tillich was speaking of our use of symbols to relate to God, his words hold true on any topic of … Continue reading The symbolism of cowardice and courage
Month: August 2019
Let our prayers be the megaphone of God
“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Those words from C. S. Lewis highlight an important aspect of prayer life for most of us (I know, at least in my past, it's been the case for me): We … Continue reading Let our prayers be the megaphone of God
Healing America’s multiple personality disorder
America recently passed the 400th anniversary of our nation’s two defining, and contradictory, character traits. It was in July and August 1619 the first democratic assembly convened in what would become the United States. And, it was this week in August 1619 the first shipment of slaves arrived on American shores. The first event was … Continue reading Healing America’s multiple personality disorder
Has the American colossus fallen? That’s up to us.
What is in the meaning of a poem? That question has perhaps never had more import than it does now, as we struggle to grasp both the genesis and meaning of our nation’s identity. Emma Lazarus’ 1883 sonnet “The New Colossus” has been a topic of debate in the last week, after the president imposed … Continue reading Has the American colossus fallen? That’s up to us.
The last teaching from the cross
A reflection for the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin As I prepared for the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Mary, the Theotokos, I considered several readings on which to focus. The most natural for me, and the one verse I think most beautifully and succinctly captures the strength, faith, courage and importance … Continue reading The last teaching from the cross
Know your breast density
New law, new technology aim to improve breast cancer detection Enid, Okla. -- One in eight American women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, according to American Cancer Society (ACS). Almost 42,000 American women are expected to die of breast cancer this year, according to ACS, making it the second-leading cause of cancer deaths … Continue reading Know your breast density
Let Christ do the doing
Anamnesis -- A walk into the Real Presence of Christ The most rewarding part of my week usually is when I take the Eucharist to nursing home residents. A chance to pray together, to worship, reflect on Scripture and administer the Sacrament of Unction (anointing with oil) -- this service as a Lay Eucharistic Visitor … Continue reading Let Christ do the doing
Going into the deep
A primer on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius As I mentioned in my last post, our aspirancy group in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma is using the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to prepare us for the spiritual journey toward possible ordination. I had read about the Ignatian Exercises, and more specifically, the Examen, … Continue reading Going into the deep
Forging instruments of peace, one heart at a time
It’s been almost a week since two mass shootings claimed the lives of at least 31 people. In a country that, thus far in 2019, averages more than one mass shooting per day, these latest incidents have raised, yet again, the question of how, or if, we will stem the tide of violence and bloodshed … Continue reading Forging instruments of peace, one heart at a time
Be the child
A first crack at the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius A couple of posts back I reflected on Luke 10:21, when Jesus praises the "Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious … Continue reading Be the child
James R. Neal 