The Pastor is Political: Preaching and the Passion

The niceties were over. The Fettucine was half gone when she took her gloves off. The nonagenarian from the Victory Class invited me to lunch at The Olive Garden. I smelled a rat from the get-go. “Dear, I invited you to lunch because I have a request,” she began. “What I am asking is, would… Read More

The Pastoral Is Political: End White Supremacy in the White House

Last week, the Southern Poverty Law Center released an incredibly important report that seemed to fall under the radar as the media focused on details about the impeachment hearings. In the report, we learned that Katie McHugh – former editor of the alt-right Breitbart News publication – leaked over 900 emails that Stephen Miller sent… Read More

The Pastoral Is Political: Free Pastor Betty Rendón!

Last Wednesday night, I gathered with ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod Bishop Paul Erickson and a couple hundred clergy and community members outside of the Kenosha Detention Center for a prayer vigil. That morning I found out that ELCA Synodical Minister: Pastor Betty Rendón, her husband, nephew, and daughter were arrested and detained on May 8.… Read More

The Pastoral Is Political: Be Alert this Advent

Yesterday we entered the season of Advent, a time in the church calendar where we are called to slow down and simplify our lives as we wait and prepare for the coming of Jesus, the One who came to us in the flesh as a refugee baby 2000 years ago and who will one day… Read More

Revised Common Lectionary: One Humanity

This week’s Revised Common Lectionary readings are timely. In Ephesians 2, Paul teaches that Jesus has erased divisions between people, and created a single, united humanity. Groups that were previously at odds have been reconciled. Peace reigns. Together, all people build a community that becomes the household of God, a place where the divine can interact… Read More

Saturday Prayer – Jesus the Border Crosser

Jesus, Brother and Border Crosser, May we be your feet marching steadily, as you did, into places of fear and grief and danger. Jesus, Brother and Border Crosser May we be your hands, reaching, as you did, across imaginary lines drawn in sand. Jesus, Brother and Border Crosser, May we be your mouth, prophesying, as… Read More

The Pastoral is Political: Peace for Gaza

I would like you to take a few moments to picture the following: Imagine an area of land that is only a mere 360 kilometers, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, and is surrounded by a tall barrier wall that shuts those who live inside the borders out from the… Read More