The Desert – Feb. 2, 2021
“The desert is that place in Scripture where we go to figure out who is who and what is real. It is the place where souls are revealed. There, Jesus meets Satan and so do we, for this is not Jesus’ story alone. This is our story too, for Jesus carries the fullness of humanity […]
Temptations – Mar. 18, 2020
“If he is the Son of God, why not simply take power? Jesus recognizes that to rule would be for him precisely to go over to the side of evil. Political mastery tears human solidarity apart by elevating the masters and forcing others into subservience. The glory of charismatic leadership depends on sustaining the illusion […]
Do More, Be More, Have More
Right after his glorious confirmation, right after being assured of his place and purpose—“This is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased”—Jesus faces the wilderness.* Great assurance, followed by great difficulty. Is it possible we heard wrong our calling? Have we strayed from the path? Surely God does not mean for the way to […]
Temptation of Power – Nov. 21, 2019
“What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life.” –Henri Nouwen, In the Name […]
