True Hope: A Reflection on Romans 8:26-39

Once again, it’s hard to look at the news these days. The Canadian North is on fire, much of the United States and Europe are in the midst of a deadly heat wave, and dangerous storms are becoming daily occurrences throughout North America. It would seem our ecological chickens have come home to roost and … Continue reading True Hope: A Reflection on Romans 8:26-39

Working the Land (A Reflection on the Parable of the Sower) [Repost]

Today's Gospel reading is the Parable of the Sower: God's Kingdom is described as a farmer who spreads seed over his lands. He does this abundantly, even wastefully, casting it onto the rocks and roadside as much as on his fields. It's a fascinating story because it presents a unique and perhaps surprising perspective on … Continue reading Working the Land (A Reflection on the Parable of the Sower) [Repost]

A Life That Fits: A Reflection on Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Humans are weird. Glorious theology of our creation in the image and likeness of God aside (for now), we seem to be a strange mashup of instincts and impulses that may very well have set us up for survival on the African savanna, but leave us woefully ill-prepared for life in our postmodern, postindustrial society. … Continue reading A Life That Fits: A Reflection on Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

An End to Sacrifice: A Reflection on Genesis 22.1-14

I was recently watching a documentary series on Meso-American history; the cultures of this region are famed for their monumental architecture, their science, and for their penchant for human sacrifice. While the latter was no surprise to me as I watched this series, I was surprised by the scale of it. It’s hard to know … Continue reading An End to Sacrifice: A Reflection on Genesis 22.1-14

Paul on Grace and Sin: A Reflection on Romans 6.1-11

The other week, we looked once again at the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in, and faithfulness to, Jesus. It’s an idea that’s at the heart of Paul’s thinking and has inspired Christians for two thousand years. It has also, for two thousand years, been misunderstood as a license to do whatever we … Continue reading Paul on Grace and Sin: A Reflection on Romans 6.1-11