One of the recurring themes in the teaching of Jesus is that small things can have an oversized impact. Normally this is in the context of his teaching of the Kingdom of God, which he compares to a tiny mustard seed which nonetheless grows into a large bush, or to a priceless pearl, which, though … Continue reading Leaven (A Reflection on Mark 8.14-21)
One of the traits I admire (envy) most in people is energy. When I see people who can succeed at their jobs, volunteer, and work on their hobbies, all the while raising kids and being attentive to their spouse, I’m simply in awe. You see, I’ve always been a bit of a low energy person, … Continue reading Zest
“There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Mk 7.15f) This brief passage from today’s Gospel reading is one of the most revolutionary of Jesus’ … Continue reading Spotless (A Reflection on Mark 7.14-23)
I’ve been feeling particularly creative lately: I’ve been dusting off old writing projects that have been sitting in folders untouched for years, having ideas for things to write in this blog, and thinking of new poster designs and ways of displaying photographs in my apartment. It’s an exciting feeling, a wonderful embarrassment of riches that’s hard … Continue reading Creativity
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
Matthew Root 