As we continue our internal journey in Lent -- our journey of penitence, of turning toward God -- it is essential we wrestle with the question of sin, of the devil's persistence in pursuing us and how we're taught to overcome temptation. I write this as a sinner, constantly tempted and often failing in the … Continue reading Sweatin’ in the desert of temptation
Christianity
Lent, and the dustiness of our being
Our entry into this period of self-examination and penitence traditionally begins with the visible mark of ashes on our forehead. If you’re lucky, the mark resembles a cross – the sign of our faith. But, whether you receive the perfect ashen Roman cross or something resembling a smeared Rorschach inkblot, the meaning is the same: … Continue reading Lent, and the dustiness of our being
The Methodist question: passion, pain and the need for grace
This originally was published by CNHI News in the opinion column "Reflections with Purpose." In the difficult and often rocky path of a Christian life, there is perhaps no task more fraught with pitfalls than striking a balance between passion and grace. And grace, my friends, is sorely needed right now as members of the … Continue reading The Methodist question: passion, pain and the need for grace
Amid extremes, a call for radical love and unity
This has been a week of political extremes, from the president’s asinine renewal of a nuclear arms race with Russia to the left’s overly optimistic “Green New Deal.” The political cacophony overshadowed a momentous bit of news. On Tuesday, Pope Francis met in Abu Dhabi with Egypt’s Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar … Continue reading Amid extremes, a call for radical love and unity
The life of Janus: Which spirit will you choose?
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12 In Roman mythology, Janus was the two-faced god of duality: beginnings and endings, peace and war. Where Romans guessed at this dual nature, … Continue reading The life of Janus: Which spirit will you choose?
Finding silence in the noise
This is the third of three devotionals submitted for consideration to "Forward Day by Day," a daily devotional publication of The Episcopal Church. The full month of daily devotionals will be published next January. Revelation 1:10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet. Our … Continue reading Finding silence in the noise
Love and hate in the mirror
This is the second of three devotionals submitted for consideration to "Forward Day by Day," a daily devotional publication of The Episcopal Church. The full month of daily devotionals will be published next January. Psalm 139:21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? The greatest enemy to … Continue reading Love and hate in the mirror
The path of the cross
I recently was selected to write a month of devotionals for "Forward Day by Day," a print and online daily devotional published by The Episcopal Church for more than 500,000 readers. My entries will be published in January, 2020. This is the first of three samples I submitted to be submitted as a "Forward Day … Continue reading The path of the cross
“Stepping Into Fear” — Christian, Jewish congregations hear message of hope, love overcoming fear
ENID, Okla. — Members of at least six congregations of the Christian and Jewish faiths gathered at St. Stephen AME Church Monday evening for an ecumenical service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy. The service, hosted by St. Stephen AME and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, featured an address by Rabbi … Continue reading “Stepping Into Fear” — Christian, Jewish congregations hear message of hope, love overcoming fear
Carrying the Light: A reflection on St. Lucy and Thomas Merton
The following was delivered as a sermon for Noonday Prayers, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Enid, Oklahoma. What do a 4th Century Italian maiden and a 20th Century Trappist monk from Kentucky have in common? That is an odd question. But, since today falls between feast days, I found myself going … Continue reading Carrying the Light: A reflection on St. Lucy and Thomas Merton
