Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Psalm 51 (consider amending or eliminating altogether) 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Good news on Ash Wednesday?  Many people stayaway from Ash Wednesday services because of the ashes, doom, and gloom they identify with the Ash Wednesday message. In their eyes, it’s all about sin and mortality, guilt and punishment, and what good can come from focusing on such issues?  But, perhaps, Ash Wednesday is a bit like Lysol; it gets rid of the germs... Read more

A few months ago Rick Santorum asserted that there is always a need for a “Jesus candidate” and implied that his credentials made him ideal for the position.[1] Yesterday, Santorum challenged President Barack Obama’s Christian beliefs, suggesting that President Obama’s vision of America and Christianity is “not about you. It’s not about your quality of life. It’s not about your jobs. It’s about some phony ideal.  Some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible. A different theology.”... Read more

One of my favorite books is Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals, in which Goodwin reflects on Lincoln’s sagely leadership of a cabinet, many of whose members opposed both Lincoln and one another prior to Lincoln’s election and, at times, during Lincoln’s presidency, one of our nation’s darkest hours.  With the future of the nation at stake, Lincoln creatively synthesized opposing factions, transforming polarization into contrast for the well-being of the United States. One of my teachers Bernard Loomer saw... Read more

When I was a small child, Valentine’s Day was a big deal.  Though I hadn’t yet discovered the joys of romance, I recall my excitement at going to the store with my Mom, buying two packs of valentines for fifty cents, and then writing notes to all my classmates and my teacher, who got a special one, especially if I had a crush on her.  The cards’ messages were pithy and to the point: “Be my Valentine” or “Be Mine”... Read more

Just a few days after the celebration of Christmas, the light of Bethlehem is eclipsed and the dark shadows of life return to the stories of young Jesus.  Tucked between Christmas Day and the Feast of Epiphany (January 6), the Massacre of Infants or Slaughter of Innocents is remembered.  In the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Episcopalian traditions, this moment in the biblical story is recalled on December 28; the Orthodox tradition sets aside December 29 as a day of mourning... Read more

In my final reflection on Mark’s healing stories, I want to focus on Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?” The fact that Jesus healed his blindness, responding both to his physical condition and the reality of his social location as an outcast, most likely blamed for his disease, is important, but perhaps more important is Jesus’ willingness to let us dictate the terms of our healing. Jesus’ question isn’t accidental. He is asking... Read more

In another curious passage, the disciples discourage people from bringing their children to Jesus. (Mark 10:13-16) We don’t know their motivation, perhaps they see the children as a nuisance to their Teacher, or they believe that they will only get in the way of Jesus’ more important business. Once again, Jesus rebukes them. “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” I imagine Jesus having great fun playing with children; perhaps he told them stories for the... Read more