(Renovaré, 25 Books Every Christian Should Read, 2011, 390 pages.) Renovaré is from the Latin word for “renew” or “restore.” It is also a non-profit organization focused on spiritual formation. Their latest project is a list of the top 25 books every Christians should read. On one hand, I have deep respect for many of those who selected this list (Richard Foster, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Richard Rohr, Phyllis Tickle, and Dallas Willard). On the other hand, if I were empowered with... Read more
Four Spiritual Practices for Preaching on Matthew 25 (A Progressive Christian Lectionary Commentary for Nov 20, 2011)
Spiritual Practice I: Visio Divina To begin to reflect on this scripture, I invite you first to slow down. Take three deep breaths. And gaze softly at Robert Lentz’s icon “Christ in the Margins.” What resonates with you most strongly about this picture? What word, phrase, image, or emotion does this image trigger in you? What surprises, excites, or disturbs you about this representation? The name for this icon is “Christ in the Margins,” echoing the call in Matthew 25 to... Read more