Oh the mystery of life & death
“Whatever may be the mysteries of life and death, there is one mystery which the cross of Christ reveals to us, and that is the infinite and absolute goodness of God. Let all the rest […]
Adaptability must become our friend during the pandemic
Cleaning out my office last week, I found letters I wrote to my wife, Jennifer, before we were married more than 40 years ago. One letter said I was up before 6am, reading and writing. […]
This is not the time for giving up; it’s time for holding on
As Americans move inexorably toward the election, there’s such a sense of uncertainty, a sense of dread. Its palpable, isn’t it? Almost every day some pastor, with apprehension in his voice, says to me: “What […]
How will we live out the story we are given?
A few years ago, I helped my mom sort through all the final burial expenses following my dad’s death. They included the cost of having his body flown from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Denver, […]
Putting the fun in dysfunction
You’ve heard people say, “Our family puts the fun in dysfunction.” Well, all families do, and mine is no exception. But speaking of dysfunctionality … Whew, let me tell you… I’ve just finished Mary Trump’s […]
During COVID-19, the faithful need to practice humility like never before
[Here’s my religion column for this Sunday’s July 12 Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette. As I’ve thought about what might happen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing challenges between Whites & African-Americans, and the coming elections this November, […]
What will guide our civil discourse in an age of outrage?
When I was a boy my mother would say, “If you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything at all.” She didn’t always follow her own advice. Nor have I. Of this I […]
Oh the questions carried in the bosom of Judas Iscariot’s mother
In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew chapter 10, Jesus chooses the 12 apostles. Simon (Peter) Andrew James John [Peter and Andrew and James and John were brothers.] Philip Bartholomew Thomas Matthew James, son of Alphaeus […]
