Yesterday’s discussion about John the Baptist dunking Christ in the Jordan triggered a very specific sensory memory for me: my recent stint at Mercy Hospital. Now, anyone who has spent more than forty-eight hours in a hospital bed knows the hierarchy of human needs quickly shifts. Forget the remote control or the “gourmet” chicken broth;…
Leadership
John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? — Matthew 3:14. The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist stands as one of the most significant paradoxes in the New Testament. John’s hesitation was logical; from a theological standpoint, the sinless was being submerged…
The Art of Witness: Finding Grace in the Gallery of Life
I have always lived in quiet awe of the “creatives”—the poets who distill the soul into a stanza, the musicians who find the frequency of human longing, and the artists who capture light on a canvas. Recently, Maria Popova wrote about the delicate “creative act” of letting go and holding on, an interplay she defines…
Atmosphere of Hate
In a climate saturated with hostility, forgiveness often feels an impossible demand. When hate becomes the prevailing atmosphere, the transgressions of others are magnified; actions that might seem manageable or even understandable in ordinary times are suddenly rendered heinous and unforgivable. This distortion is a byproduct of conflict—it strips away the humanity of our neighbor…
Perfect Moderation
We are officially a full week into 2026, and I have managed to achieve a record: I’ve already broken my New Year’s resolutions before I even had the chance to write them down. I often wonder what God thinks when He hears me say, “Lord, this is the year I finally embrace a life of…