By John Holbert Lectionary Reflections on Isaiah 63:7-9 It seems altogether appropriate that on this final Sunday of the year 2013 that we look back a bit on the year that is about to end. In my NRSV Bible, the title that stands over our tiny passage for the day (NOTE: these titles are decidedly not part of the received scriptural text!) states, “God’s Mercy Remembered.” And so it appears to be just that, a warm thanksgiving for all that... Read more
“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly….” Luke 1: 52 God in the Belly Full of God, full to birthing, Mary howls: head back, hair tossed, Hands skyward with joy That wrongs are about to be righted, Salvation’s about to be sighted. No more groveling for crumbs of charity: She pronounces justice with crystal clarity. She’s done waiting for the concentrated wealth of the 1% To trickle down magically to the other 99.... Read more
Despite years – and I mean YEARS – of therapy, I still run like a madwomen from my own feelings of sadness, especially during the holidays. Denial has always been my favorite coping mechanism. So this weekend, when my holiday spirits started to dip, instead of looking inside for the cause I started finding fault with everyone around me. My husband said the stupidest things; my kids seemed ungrateful; and friends were ignoring me. I became irritable and grouchy because... Read more
The greeting cards arrive extolling, “Peace on Earth.” They come as messengers, revealing the longings of other hearts. And for a moment they remind me that I too yearn for peace to flood my soul and to encircle our fragile world. Then I consider the violence, injustice, pain and tragedies that surround us. My heart breaks for our dying oceans and all the species that have perished by our thoughtlessness. In the brokenness and chaos of our time, can we... Read more
I recently taught a class on World Religions, at least a few of them, with the theme “Rivers of Wisdom.” Lots of water; some refreshing and clean; some muddy or stagnant or polluted. But there IS water, there IS wisdom to be found in the ancient rivers. We may need to test it before sipping. It seems the wise thing to do. You never know. Wisely comparing rivers got me thinking: while we’re ahhing and awe-ing over the Bethlehem baby... Read more
By Sea Raven Lectionary Reflections for the Fourth Sunday in Advent Isaiah 7:10-16 ;Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-14 The readings for this fourth Sunday in Advent for Year A simply present Matthew’s version of Jesus’s birth, backed up by the familiar prophecy from Isaiah, along with a prayer for deliverance, and the Apostle Paul’s greeting to his community in Rome. The fourth Sunday and Christmas Eve allow plenty of opportunity to... Read more
Yes, we may be weary of the arguing that has already taken place, fearful of the conflicts that might arise, or doubtful that anything will come of our attempts, but I implore you not to give up trying to talk about it. While the cost in relationships, energy, and status could potentially be significant, the potential for lives to be saved, healing to be had, and hope to be restored is worth any risk you take.” — Bruce Reyes-Chow, from... Read more
Since Nelson Mandela’s death, we have been fortunate to reacquaint ourselves with his extraordinary life. As I’ve watched the news coverage of his death and memorial service, a remark on CBS This Morning from a South African struck me as particularly meaningful. He said about Mandela, He emancipated me from the bondage of oppression. Now I know what is peace [and] what is forgiveness. He taught me to forgive and I am now a forgiven person. In life as well... Read more
A few weeks ago, my blog focused on a 7-year old boy’s question: “What ideas do you have about how to stop the mean people?” Since seeing his question on a poster he made and placed on his family’s garage door in my neighborhood, I sought answers to pass along to him. The response was overwhelming. Answers came from all over the country. I passed them on to Lukas’ mother. Lukas was amazed and touched. His parents talked to his... Read more
Two of my favorite Patheos bloggers – Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Bruce Reyes-Chow have published important books this past year that speak of the Christmas message in different ways (and make great stocking stuffers as a result). I’m sharing a bit about each book and a brief Q&A with the authors today and Monday on the blog. “They come here with pressing needs, and they have taught me hope. I’ve seen the miracle repeated time and again, right here in my home.... Read more
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