The Angel’s Call
I’m writing on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. A wise time to go within… to listen for the crisp call of angels. As the light fades to gray, a bright red bird perches in a dark, barren tree. Now, all things are more easily seen. The air leans hard against us, heavy and […]
Life-Light
In the story of the annunciation, Mary responded to the angel, “How can this be?” That simple question echoes through the centuries and reverberates in me today. Close to Christmas morning now, my heart kneels in wonder at the incomprehensible mystery of the eternal Word and the specific Word of Jesus. The poetic beginning of John’s Gospel […]
Embodied Faith – July 22, 2022
“Bodies are messy. Birth is messy. Unpredictable, dangerous even. You can pretty it up by talking about a virgin birth, thereby undermining both Mary’s sexuality and the real physical pain of bringing a baby into the world. But the truth of the matter is that Mary was a real woman, and Jesus a real baby […]
The More Radical Cause
It’s very awkward to think: You know, Judas had a point.* He had argued that Mary’s use of the perfume was a waste; it could have been sold and the money given to the poor. After all, Jesus spoke often about justice for the poor; he told the rich young man, “Go, sell what you own, […]
