It is one of the sad realities of Christian history that the Roman Empire conquered Christianity — not by persecuting it, but by adopting it. Despite the valiant efforts of monastics, mystics, and reformers, who have offered up a 'minority report' in every generation, for the most part, Christianity has been enmeshed with ideas of … Continue reading The Song of the Lowly: A Reflection on Luke 1.39-55
A few weeks ago, some graffiti started appearing in my part of the city that reads, "The art you see is the signs of the times." It reminded me of a great art exhibit I once saw of work from the 1910s, and how jarring and apocalyptic the images became during those years, not only … Continue reading Signs of the Times: LOOK
As December pushes on with all its unrelenting preparations and pressures, our Sunday Gospels in Advent are much the same: unrelenting in their insistence that we stop and pay attention and prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. Today's Gospel, Luke 3.7-18, once again features John the Baptist, unrelentingly and unrepentantly preparing the way … Continue reading Baptism with Fire: A Reflection on Luke 3.7-18
One practice I'm always trying (and failing) to cultivate is meditation. I love the idea of stopping everything and simply being for a few minutes each day, in a way that is completely devoid of goal or expectation. And yet, it's a struggle. That simple act of putting down the book, turning off whatever screen … Continue reading Signs of the Times: STOP
Advent is a great season of the Church year, but, with all the distractions of the holiday season and planning for the new year, it's a hard season to keep well. But in those years when I do manage to 'keep it well', I find that it operates as a kind of month-long examination of … Continue reading A Glimpse of Kingdom Life: An Advent Reflection on Philippians 1.3-11
Matthew Root 