Crisis: A Reflection on Palm Sunday

We are in a time of crisis. The toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on our health, on our healthcare systems, communities, and economies is going to be immense. We don't know what is going to happen or when this is going to end. The old battle between faith and fear is being waged in all … Continue reading Crisis: A Reflection on Palm Sunday

The Sign of Lazarus: A Reflection on John 11

Well, here in Toronto we've now entered our third week of strong public health measures intended to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our city and healthcare system. And, while it's early days yet, indications suggest that it's starting to work. And thank God for that. And yet, as much as these measures are a … Continue reading The Sign of Lazarus: A Reflection on John 11

God is with us: A reflection on the Annunciation

Today is the feast of the Annunciation, when Christians celebrate Mary's humble acceptance of her big part in God's Big Plan, becoming the mother of Jesus and thereby the Mother of God. But what caught my attention today was one of the assigned readings from the Hebrew Bible, the prophecy of Immanuel: "Therefore the Lord … Continue reading God is with us: A reflection on the Annunciation

Walking in the Dark: A reflection on John 9.1-41

As I've been chatting with friends, family, and colleagues this week, a theme that's stood out has been that doing new things is hard. Of course we all know this. But we're in unprecedented circumstances, and that means we're all doing new things every day. For some it's learning how to work from home. For … Continue reading Walking in the Dark: A reflection on John 9.1-41

Refreshment and Rest: Reflections on John 4 and 2020

An image has come to my mind often lately, originally from one of those great BBC nature documentary series narrated by David Attenborough. It's an image of a barren and parched landscape that is suddenly flooded by waters flowing down from the mountains, and within a few days is completely transformed, the water unleashing the … Continue reading Refreshment and Rest: Reflections on John 4 and 2020