7 April, Locked Doors
In today’s Gospel Story (John 20:19-31) the disciples had locked locked themselves in a room because they were afraid, and Jesus came to them. He said, “Peace be with you,…
Easter 2013
As we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, we do not limit it to something that was once and will happen to us later after we die, but we recall it is ongoing…
March 29, Some thoughts on Resurrection 2
There is significant polarization in the church these days. Folks who still take part in church life seem to be divided into three camps: those who believe that following to…
17 March, Stoning
Today’s Gospel Story (John 8:1-11) is the Woman Caught in Adultery. Church law of those days said she was to be put to death by stoning. The upright men of…
6 March 2013, Excommunication- Part Deux
The Q&A part of the Bishops’ letter states excommunication is the Church’s way of saying a person has done something that harms the Church and also harms the person’s relationship…
6 March 2013, Thoughts on Excommunication
Yesterday’s announcement by the Bishop is a disturbing event in our diocese. Probably it will lead to self-righteous judging and polarization on all sides, always, of course, in the name…
Benedict, “tough choices”
The resignation of Benedict XVI is an historical event. I have no desire to evaluate his papacy. There are already many much more qualified than I who are doing that.…
23 January, fulfilled?
In the Gospel for this coming Sunday (Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21) Jesus in the local synagogue reads the following passage from Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because…
10 January, random thoughts, Heschel
Recently I heard a program about Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. One of the things he said was, “It would be more honest to blame religion for its own defeats; religion…
10 January, Letter from an Army Wife
A few days ago I received the following letter from an Army Wife whom I knew on active duty and for whom I have a great deal of repeat. I…