Plaque with the Annunciation (ca. 1200–1225). Catalan or Central Italian. Made in Central Italy. Accession number: 41.100.180 This is the season [sometimes the only season!] when Protestants give space for intentional reflection on Mary. We set up our creches and prepare for the coming of Christ, giving thanks for Mary’s faithful witness and her participation…… Continue reading Mary’s song, and ours
Category: Incarnation
Thank you, Jane Goodall
Today, on the feast day of Saint Francis, when churches around the country and around the world celebrate God’s love for the entire cosmos, and especially the animal kingdom, it seems like a good day to commemorate Jane Goodall, who died at the age of 91 on Wednesday. I encourage you to read more about…… Continue reading Thank you, Jane Goodall
Henri Nowen & The Prodigal Son
A book was recommended to me in May that I just now got around to reading: The Prodigal Son, by Henri Nowen. The book is a very thorough, very detailed examination of Rembrandt’s painting, “The Return of the Prodigal Son” [pictured above, on the book’s cover]. Even so, at the same time, the book is…… Continue reading Henri Nowen & The Prodigal Son
Seeing, and being Seen
“Something looks back from the trees, and knows me for who I am.” Jane Hirschfield I finally saw him. For months, I have heard the Great Horned Owls that live in the trees near my house. Almost every day, every evening and every early morning, I hear the pair of them [Great Horned Owls are…… Continue reading Seeing, and being Seen
The Word becomes Flesh
A sermon for Christmas Day, 2024 The Word became flesh and lived among us. Let’s begin with the flesh. Your flesh, my flesh. The flesh of everyone you have ever known, or will know. The flesh of billions you will never know, across time and space. All flesh. The flesh of the whole creation. Flesh…… Continue reading The Word becomes Flesh
What Makes You Come Alive
This is one of the Advent devotionals I have been using this season [shout-out to faculty colleague Troy Troftgruben, who is one of the contributors], and I really loved today’s reflection. Here it is; and I hope it sparks your own thinking about joy, and how you come alive in service to God and others!…… Continue reading What Makes You Come Alive
The Joy of Advent Waiting
No one has ever accused me of (or complimented me on) being patient. I know it is a widely-admired virtue—it’s just not one of mine. For me, the majority of time, now just feels better than later. Advent, however, is different. Advent, however, is special. During the season of Advent, I don’t mind waiting at…… Continue reading The Joy of Advent Waiting
Treasure, and Faith
Members of the Wartburg Seminary community have been writing short daily devotions during the Lenten season, and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to start my morning with these meaningful reflections. Last week, two of my colleagues, Dr. Samantha Gilmore [our preaching professor], and the Rev. Dr. Troy Troftgruben [our New Testament professor] each wrote…… Continue reading Treasure, and Faith
Life without Wonder is not worth Living
sadfgasd Zechariah “Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’” Luke 1:18 Abraham Joshua Heschel, one of the great Jewish theologians of the 20th century, once said, “The beginning of our happiness lies in the understanding…… Continue reading Life without Wonder is not worth Living
Embodiment at the Parliament
The 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions opened yesterday, and I was pleased to be on a panel with two of my colleagues, Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar and Kris Kvam, on Embodied Justice from a Lutheran perspective. I wanted to share a bit from my presentation, because I think the concept of embodiment is so important for…… Continue reading Embodiment at the Parliament
Happy Lutheran 