XLIX I HAVE WHAT I NEEED I shall not want…Psalm 23:1 During this time of pandemic, many of us have discovered that with the classic Rolling Stones’ song “you can’t always get what you want.” Our family orders groceries online to be delivered at our home. As we go down our list of items, often we can’t find products we took for granted a few months ago – paper towels, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, that special cut of meat, a... Read more
XLVIII GOD’S CARE FOR US The Lord is my shepherd…(Psalm 23:1) or the week ahead, we will be reflecting on Psalm 23. I invite you to read it daily as an anchor for your spiritual life in this time of pandemic. These days I know a bit about shepherding. Each weekday our two grands, nine and seven, come over for homeschooling and companionship while their parents are working at home. I know we have all heard the phrase about “herding... Read more
XLVII. GOD WILL SUPPLY OUR NEEDS (5/2) My God will supply all your needs according to his riches and glory in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19) Mahatma Gandhi once said that there is enough for our need but not for our greed. In this time of pandemic, we are discovering what’s really important. Two months ago, who would give a second thought to toilet paper, paper towels, and hand sanitizer? Who would have thought we would have to strategically look for... Read more
XLVI. I CAN DO ALL THINGS (5/1) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) From the vantage point of prison, Paul makes this remarkable affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I am sure he is not talking about flying faster than a speeding bullet or breaking down the walls. I believe that he is speaking of our ability to open to the power and wisdom God gives him each new... Read more
XLVI RITUALS THAT HEAL (4/30) Keep on doing the things you have learned and received and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9) A good life joins order and novelty. In times of crisis, we need novel responses in order not only to survive but to thrive. We also need predictable spiritual practices, rituals, and behaviors. During this time of pandemic, I still do my morning prayers, daily walk on the beach, and writing. I still take... Read more
XLV. LIVING AFFIRMATIVELY (4/29) Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8) These days, I am limiting my news intake. Not because I am in denial, but because in a time of conflict, I believe that bad news can be addictive. Like passersby on the freeway, we don’t want... Read more
XIV. GRANT US YOUR PEACE (4/28) The peace that passes all understanding will guard your minds in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:7) We need God’s peace. Our world has been turned upside. We are concerned about the future for ourselves and our nation. Nearly every day, we weep over the death tolls and the lives taken by this pandemic. We are confused about the spread of disease and troubled by the conflict between economics and human life. We need God’s peace.... Read more
XLIII. THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE INTERCESSORS (4/27) Do not worry about anything, but with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. (Philippians 4:6) Theologian and biblical scholar Walter Wink asserts that the future belongs to the intercessors, “those who believe and pray the future into being.” At this time of pandemic, we need to pray. We need to pray for the wellbeing of our planet. Prayer, at its best, widens our concern beyond self-interest... Read more
XLII. ON BEING GENTLE UNDER STRESS (4/26) Let your gentleness be known to everyone. God is near. (Philippians 4:5) It goes without saying that the pandemic has turned our world upside down, especially among our children and persons living with disabilities and poverty. Many of us are more impatient than usual. We may yell at the television, a slow computer, or a spouse or child. Even our companion animals may bear the brunt of our impatience. The philosopher Nietzshe asserted... Read more
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The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 10,2020
The Adventurous Lectionary – The Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2020 Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-15, 15-16 I Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14 On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, the heart of the lectionary readings is John 14:1-14. This reading is both inspirational and challenging. During this time of pandemic, Jesus’ assurance, “do not let your hearts be troubled” truly hits home. Without denying our anxiety and concern for ourselves, loved ones, and the nation, Jesus’ words with his disciples,... Read more