The author, as a Girl Scout, carrying the American flag in a parade, 1969 This year in the USA, Monday, May 25th, was Memorial Day. It is the annual day of remembering those who have died fighting in wars to uphold the freedom and values this country espouses. This annual day of remembrance began around… Read More
Saturday Prayer: Walking
Years ago, I used to walk every day – at least once. I was a teacher at the time, and I would spend my lunch hours walking instead of sitting in my classroom marking papers, or in the staffroom gossiping with colleagues. Not only did I feel better physically, I felt better emotionally. I was… Read More
Pastoral is Political: Near the Cross Was Mary Weeping
I’ve found myself drawn to images of the Marys at the foot of the cross. Death, particularly the death of someone you love, is hard to watch. I suppose it is a natural human instinct to look away or to hide from the grief and horror before you. It takes a spiritual hardiness to remain… Read More
RCL: Love, Orphans, Comfort
This post might as well begin with a true confession: I’ve had a conflict-laden relationship with gospel according to John, and the long passage known as the “Farewell Discourse” of Jesus (chapters 14 through 17) hasn’t helped much. I made an uneasy peace years back, and my affection for the outlier of the four gospels… Read More
Saturday Prayer
We are now entering our 8th week of confinement and there are words in my vocabulary which I have never heard before, let alone used. We talk about quarantine and self-isolation and social distancing as though these things were normal. If we meet at all, it is through Zoom or Skype or FaceTime. We cannot… Read More
Narrative Lectionary: The Challenge of Conflict (Acts 18:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18)
I once knew a man with a 1942 Indian motorcycle—an antique beauty of industrial design. He was invited to bring his motorcycle to a Vogue photo shoot in a stately home, on a gorgeous oriental rug. The nervous homeowner asked, “It doesn’t leak does it?” Without batting an eye, the man with the motorcycle answered,… Read More
RCL: Green Pasture, Quiet waters, and Abundant Love
When I was a psychiatric chaplain one of my favorite groups to lead with patients was on assessing the shape we are in. I would put multiple colors of Model Magic on the table and ask people to choose a color based on their current feelings. Then I would ask them to create a shape… Read More
Tuesday Prayer (in Covid-time)
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to… Read More
Tuesday Prayer: Everything Aches
Holy God, Lent is over. Easter Day is over But the season of Easter lasts for 50 days. On this Tuesday after, six weeks in with another six, or eight twelve weeks to go for this shelter in place, stay home stay safe or what ever you have to do in your context, in mine,… Read More
Friday Prayer: On Good Friday
Holy One, On this heavy night, as the shadows deepen, We seek to walk with Jesus. With the glory of Palm Sunday behind us and the victory of Easter not yet come, We will sit in stillness with you– with our breaking, our broken hearts. In this world that is at once beautiful and holy… Read More
