Two visits, One prayer

Two visits, one prayer...Visit one:  "Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.  About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews?"  We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2VisitContinue reading "Two visits, One prayer"

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world

Advent and Christmas bring wonder out in all of us.  William Blake's lovely poem makes me wonder at the beauty of creation, the mystery of life and the one who is the true Lamb of God..."The Lamb" Little Lamb who made thee Dost thou know who made thee Gave thee life & bid thee feed. By theContinue reading "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"

What if Black Friday became Good Friday?

On this so-called Black Friday, Contemplative Thomas Merton gets it right:"Why should I worry about losing a bodily life that I must inevitably lose anyway, as long as I possess a spiritual life and identity that cannot be lost against my desire? Why should I fear to cease to be what I am not whenContinue reading "What if Black Friday became Good Friday?"

The old river never stops…

The old mighty Mississippi never stops.  I took this on my Blackberry from my 5th floor room at the Grand Harbor Resort in Dubuque, Iowa, where I am attending a Vineyard meeting.This morning I watched the river for a long time.  It's mesmerizing.  Watching the river made me think about life, which seems a lot like this oldContinue reading "The old river never stops…"

The heart of confession

Confess your sins to each other, James 5:16 says.  There's healing if we do, according to the verse.  This is not easy, friends.  Not for me anyway.  Putting words on what I did makes confession painful, but it also helps bring healing.  Who wants to accept his own guilt?  Who wants to face what is mean or cowardly or cruel inside ofContinue reading "The heart of confession"