In the climactic scene of the book of Exodus, Moses meets God and demands to know God’s name. God answers with the name “YHWH.” The name is a mystery, and not just because its vowels have been lost to history. It’s a mystery because it’s really no name at all. It means something like “I … Continue reading Own it
I once heard a sermon which summarized Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances with the Douglas Adams line, “So long, and thanks for all the fish.” I couldn’t help but think of this as I was reading this morning’s Gospel reading. The disciples are fishing but are having a frustrating time of it. A man, later recognized to … Continue reading Where you cast your nets (A reflection on John 21.1-14)
This Easter week’s exploration of character strengths returns to a theme I’ve explored a couple of times already in this space, but one that’s always worth thinking about (especially for a realist like me!): Hope. According to the VIA Institute on Character, “If Hope is your top strength, you expect the best in the future, … Continue reading Hope
The basic premise of this blog is that genuine faith produces good spiritual fruit. Almost eleven months ago now, I wrote of my desire to look at this fruit more closely, using the twenty-four character traits the VIA (“Values in Action”) Institute on Character have identified as universal characteristics of human wellbeing as my lens. … Continue reading (More) Good Fruit
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
Matthew Root 