On Good Friday, when death and despair take center stage, I think always of Judas, and his death of anguish, and hopelessness. His death of remorse and regret. His death of guilt and shame. Have you died such a death? On Good Friday, when the narrative of the crucifixion highlights so many bad decisions, scapegoating,…… Continue reading A Thought for Judas on Good Friday
Category: Love
Think of your Neighbor
Like many of my colleagues, I have been feeling a strong sense of whiplash these past few months. If you work at a college, university or seminary, maybe you have been feeling that way, too. All of us in higher education, including those of us in theological education, have been struggling to stay abreast of…… Continue reading Think of your Neighbor
Fervor in the Face of Futility
I wanted to share some reflections from an article in the recent issue of The New Yorker. The title of the article was “Helicopter Parents” (by Nick Paumgarten), and from the title alone, I imagine the same topic jumped into your mind as it did into mine: those human parents who hover over their children,…… Continue reading Fervor in the Face of Futility
Working in the Micro
On Tuesday in chapel, we prayed a really lovely petition for small gratitudes–giving thanks for God showing up in small ways in our everyday lives. It struck me at the time, and I have continued to think about it. This prayer has stayed with me because I realize that I am feeling overwhelmed by so…… Continue reading Working in the Micro
Remember Martin Luther King, Jr.
Given that today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, perhaps you might have imagined that this post would be titled, “Remembering” MLK–you know, looking back and celebrating who he was and all he accomplished. But, that is not what I want to do today, January 20th, 2025. Today, I want to invite us to look…… Continue reading Remember Martin Luther King, Jr.
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
![No Matter [Election Day, 2024]](https://i0.wp.com/happylutheran.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/pexels-photo-5926272.jpeg?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1 "No Matter [Election Day, 2024]")
No Matter [Election Day, 2024]
A poem for election day, 2024. No Matter [Election Day, 2024] No matter what happens today, tomorrow, you are still you; beautiful, beloved— and so is your neighbor. You still believe, you still hope, and you don’t give up and you don’t give in. Your muscle memory engages and you begin again. You love, even…… Continue reading No Matter [Election Day, 2024]
Happy Lutheran 