Dissecting Mystery
For Sunday, March 30, 2014 – John 9:1-41 Mystery is afoot and we demand answers. Fall to our knees in silence? Allow awe to wash over us? No, no, we will have none of that. We will don the armor of asking the wrong questions, delaying the truth. We think if only we can dissect mystery, […]
What Is “Born Again?”
For Sunday, March 16, 2014 – John 3:1-17 Haven’t you wondered how the idea of being “born again” became a litmus test to label people as “inside” or “outside” of God’s grace? I see no evidence that Jesus would have intended it. The Pharisees and other good religious people know all about litmus tests. They know how to keep […]
Calling a Halt
For Sunday, March 9, 2014 – Matthew 4:1-11 The 12-step movement suggests an acronym, HALT, to remind us to pay attention when we become Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Unheeded, these natural human conditions can make us vulnerable to temptation. As ridiculous as it sounds, many of us try not to notice our needs. To admit that I get hungry, angry, lonely, […]
The Thirst for Encounter
For Sunday, March 23 2014 – John 4:5-42 She knows the rules. A Jewish man should not share the water jug of a Samaritan woman. He should not even speak to her. Can’t we all, please, just follow the rules? There are rules for acceptable behavior and language, for education and career; proper religious, social and political paths; types of persons to date, marry or befriend […]
