I wonder if we have not too long been looking through the wrong end of the telescope. We have looked first at man with his vanities and greed and his problems of a day or a year; and then only, and from this biased point of view, we have looked outward at the earth he…
Balance
With each passing year, the importance of balance becomes increasingly clear. We tread stairs with a newfound caution, walk with a mindful gait, and if we’re lucky enough to still enjoy sports, we learn the wisdom of restraint. We also discover the delicate equilibrium needed for a fulfilling life, finding harmony between work, play, rest,…
First Monday In Lent
We often think Lent is just about us – our prayers, our sacrifices, our own spiritual growth. But if we really want to understand Lent, we need to look beyond ourselves. Imagine God saying, “Enjoy your blessings, but make sure everyone has enough. Pray with passion, but let your prayers be for your neighbor’s needs.…
Us and Them
I read this morning, that “there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’ in God’s economy and off my mind went to spinning. The world is rife with such divisions, where “us” is perpetually righteous and “them” perpetually wrong – a convenient but flawed perspective. Lent, with its history of my own stumbles and renewed efforts, reminds…
Mercy
The diminishing presence of “mercy” in our public and private discourse reflects a societal shift, and during Lent it’s worth exploring the nuances of this decline. For example, our society prioritizes punishment and retribution over rehabilitation and restoration. This is evident in the “tough on crime” rhetoric, the increasing severity of sentencing, and the emphasis…