Advent is approaching. It’s one of my personal favorite times in the Church year. I recently wrote an article for Bread for The World’s Newsletter about the season and how it can inspire us this year. Take a moment to read the article, and while you’re at it check out the great work that Bread for the World is doing! Here is my article: Advent is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming of Christ, the time before celebrating the... Read more
Thanks to @Greg_Boyd and @rekneworg. For pointing this out. It’s the book of Job and the problem of suffering all rolled up in a Peanuts strip. Great! It’s also all taking place on a baseball diamond so Joseph Susanka can probably get down with this one too. Read more
This afternoon’s question comes from r/christianity. A member writes: I don’t read the OT often. In fact, the last time I read it was five years ago and I hit a wall around Exodus 25 – after the ten commandments and when it becomes about building things, “burnt offerings” and “aromas pleasing to the Lord.” It feels repetitive and, frankly, boring… I think the only sections I actually read were Psalms and a few of the shorter prophetic books… Do you... Read more
The reports are now saying Pope Francis is the most popular person on the internet. The Pope has built up so much good will, the biggest question will be how will he spend all his political capital… (If the whispers I’m hearing are accurate it looks like he might do it by actually ending hunger by 2025). No matter what he does, there is no doubting that Francis is a phenomenon. The Pope is officially the most popular person on the entire Internet. According to... Read more
When atheists question my faith I am often at a lack for words. How does one explain knowing God apart from knowing God? I can’t point to the sciences to justify my faith, for God, by definition, falls outside of what the scientific method is able to perceive. I believe the Bible, but I know it is far from a convincing historical document on it’s own. How can I communicate my faith? It is something only I know as a love within.... Read more
It is being reported that Sarah Palin is concerned about the Pope’s sphere of influence. She seems to echo the fears I have heard from many that all of his talk about serving one’s neighbor, feeding the hungry, and living humbly in solidarity with poor reflects too much contact with the mainstream media: Former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin has said Pope Francis has “taken her aback” with his liberal interpretation of Christianity and has expressed fears he may be... Read more
I love advent, and it’s almost here. Make sure you pick up candles for your wreath, brush up on “oh come come Emanuel,” dust off your “Jesse Tree,” and update your lectionary materials. Oh yeah, and one more thing. Pick up a Whisky Advent Calendar! First came sliced bread. It was the best thing. Nothing could touch it. Nothing, that is, until Drinks By The Dram created The Whisky Advent Calendar! Now returning for a second outing, it still laughs in the... Read more
I am thrilled to see some movement today in Catholic/Orthodox conversation. I can think of no greater testimony of the Gospel than if the church could once again fully breath with both of it’s lungs: East and West without the scandal of schism. Dialogue between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic Churches must be accelerated, senior officials from both faiths said Tuesday. The Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Angelo Scola, and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, met in Moscow while... Read more
Last week I had an Article published over at Millenial Journal where I talked about the vast majesty of the universe and the unique dignity of the human person. I also quote Dorothy Day… Take a look. One of my spiritual practices is to look at NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day each morning. I am humbled by the greatness and beauty of the universe. There is a certain holy fear that staring up at the stars inspires in me. The universe is filled... Read more
Well today is a big day for me and my blog…. The Orant has officially moved to Patheos. What this means is that soon when you try to go to http://theorant.com you will magically be directed here. It also means that there might be a few hiccups in the archived content, and there are some more ads. Many of you have been on a journey with me for a lot of years and have landed here surprised to find everything different… so I thought I’d take some time... Read more
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