One of the major questions in the Gospels is the question of Jesus’ identity. “Who do you say that I am?” (e.g., Matthew 16.5). Some said he was a prophet, some the reincarnated form of Elijah or John the Baptist, some even whispered (even if a little too loudly) that he was the Messiah, the … Continue reading Entering the Sheepfold: A Reflection on John 10.1-10
A good friend of mine did his degrees in Religious Studies and always asks me interesting, if pointed, questions about Christianity. One such question is about how Christianity was able to form around the figure of Jesus, when there were so many other ‘failed’ messiahs and wonderworkers and teachers whose movements simply disappeared after their … Continue reading Breaking Bread: A Reflection on Luke 24:13-35
If you’ve been following along the blog this week, you’ll know that during this Easter season I’m working more intentionally with practices that engage the realm of the imaginative and symbolic. I thought it would be interesting to carry that on in today's reflection. If you’re not comfortable with such approaches, please check out a … Continue reading Break Through: A Reflection on John 20.19-31
Alleluia! Christ is risen! We’ve spent this whole Lenten and Holy Week Season reflecting on prayers and hymns of the Church. Today on this most sacred and special day of the year, I can think of no better set of hymns than the Orthodox Paschal Stichera, better known by its first line, “Let God arise!” … Continue reading Let God Arise! A Reflection for Easter 2026
Holy Saturday is a strange day in Holy Week. For there is no story to tell. It’s the day in Holy Week when nothing happens. Jesus is dead and buried. But we’re still a day away from the joy of Easter. If we try to put ourselves in the shoes of the disciples, it’s a … Continue reading The Most Blessed Sabbath: Prayers for Holy Saturday
Matthew Root 