Yesterday, we saw how Julian came to understand that God turns everything intended for evil to the good of the faithful. This idea turns the idea of sin and its relative importance on its head. And, versed as she was in a medieval monastic spirituality that emphasized the the dangers of sin, this probably came … Continue reading Sin is Nothing
The theme of sin and temptation to sin runs all through today’s Sunday readings. There’s the story of the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden from Genesis, Paul’s reflections on the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin, and the Gospel reading features the temptation of Jesus in the desert. As one might expect … Continue reading Strength against All Devils: A Reflection on Matthew 4.1-11
Welcome to Lent, the time of year when we shine the light of the Gospel into our own hearts in humble self examination. As I mentioned on Sunday, this year, our guide through Lent will be the wonderful English mystic, Julian of Norwich — in thirty-nine short, daily reflections. Over the twenty years since I … Continue reading A Posture of Faith: A Reflection for Ash Wednesday 2023
On the eastern side of Vancouver Island there’s a stretch of highway that cuts across a local summit. At this highest point, the forest suddenly breaks away, revealing a stunning vista: On a sunny day, you can see across the fertile green of the Saanich Peninsula, past the Gulf Islands, all the way to Mount … Continue reading Into the Luminous Darkness: A Reflection on Matthew 17.1-9
For the past couple of weeks, our Sunday readings have focused on the essentials of our faith. This hasn’t been in terms of doctrine — no creeds or catechism — but in terms of our posture before God and the world. Two weeks ago, we looked at the common assessment in the Law, Prophets, and … Continue reading The Moment of Decision: A Reflection on Deuteronomy 30.15-20
Matthew Root 