The Gospel appointed for today is the Parable of the Sower as it’s recorded in the Gospel according to Mark. At the end of the parable, Jesus says, “He who has ears, let him hear.” I remember this line striking me when I first went on my Bible-reading binge when I was nineteen, and it’s … Continue reading Ears to Hear (A Reflection on Mark 4.1-20)
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about enchantment, disenchantment, and re-enchantment. While I stand behind the idea that, essentially, we make the meaning we want to in the world, I recognize that these ideas have some troubling consequences if they aren’t properly contextualized and integrated into the bigger picture of life. I’ve lost friends … Continue reading Making Meaning
Once upon a time, I lived in an enchanted world, a world of saints, angelic beings, wonder-working relics, and weeping icons, a world where oil could heal and prayers were answered. It was a beautiful world, a true world, and a world that was full. It was a world I loved. But, it wasn’t a … Continue reading Magic
One of my favorite cartoons features two panels. In the first, a speaker addressing a crowded room asks, “Who wants change?” And everyone puts up their hand. In the second panel, the speaker asks, “Who wants to change?” and all the arms go down. Like so many cartoons, it’s funny because it’s true. It hits … Continue reading Who wants change? (A reflection on Mark 1.21-28)
Today, the Sunday after Epiphany, in the Western Church we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. This is a feast that is rich in symbolism and meaning for us as Christians, and so there are many directions I could go in reflecting on it this morning. But, rather than going deep into the weeds of early … Continue reading Children of the Living God
