One of the big questions in any religious or philosophical tradition is ‘What does a good (or holy) life look like?’ Often there are two poles, which we might call the ‘purity’ pole, where goodness is judged by adherence to rules and strictness of behaviour, and the ‘celebration’ pole, where goodness is judged instead on … Continue reading Of Water and Wine (And Joy!): A Reflection on John 2.1-11
There was a time a few years ago when I was feeling particularly low. It wasn’t a clinical depression, nor was it just the usual frustrations of work, dating, politics and whatnot. It was more of a pervasive feeling of being isolated, invisible, misunderstood, and anonymous in the world. Then one evening, my spiritual director … Continue reading Called by Name: A Reflection on Isaiah 43.1-7 and The Baptism of Jesus
I was recently reminded of a bumper sticker that was popular among Christians about twenty years ago that read, “Wise men still seek Him.” It’s a lovely (if gendered!) sentiment, using the figures of the Magi, those Astrologer-Priests from the ‘East’ who visit the baby Jesus, as examples for us of what wisdom looks like. … Continue reading Wise Men Still … : A Reflection on Epiphany 2022
We're at the point in the liturgical year when the calendar is moving very quickly. Over just the past ten weeks or so we've zoomed through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, and we're now just three days before the start of Lent. And, in those churches which follow the common lectionary, that means … Continue reading Hearts Unveiled
Sometimes the Scriptures are a goad, a spur that drives us to the work we are called to do. We've had a lot of that the past few months: a consistent message to wake up and do the work of justice and love. Other times, however, the Scriptures are a balm to soothe to soul. … Continue reading …To Those Who Wait (A Reflection on Isaiah 40.21-31)
Matthew Root 