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: Love
Thankful for one’s wild and precious life
Photo by Eusebiu Soica on Pexels.com Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? Surely, you have heard this question before. Perhaps in a sermon, perhaps you read it in a book, or perhaps you came across it in a TED talk, or some other presentation. Or,…… Continue reading Thankful for one’s wild and precious life
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
Come, Holy Spirit
When I was selecting a prayer for a meeting this morning, I went back to the worship book from the latest Lutheran World Federation Assembly: One Body, One Spirit, One Hope, 2023. I found this prayer, and I loved it–it is timeless and timely, and worth sharing. I hope you find a place to use…… Continue reading Come, Holy Spirit
Grief, Forgiveness, Generosity
This is my final blog post related to Henry Nowen’s wonderful book, The Return of the Prodigal Son. If you have been reading my blog for the past month or so, you know that I have been spending time with Nowan’s book and its deep dive into Rembrandt’s painting–and the parable itself. I have really…… Continue reading Grief, Forgiveness, Generosity
To Whom Do I Belong?
This post continues my reflections on Henri Nowen’s book on Rembrandt’s painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son. In his chapter on the leaving of the younger son, Nowen has a section on seeking, and misplaced desire. He starts this section with a question: “To whom do I belong?” “To God or to the world?”…… Continue reading To Whom Do I Belong?
Finding Home
This is the second post I wanted to share with some reflections sparked by Henri Nowen’s The Return of the Prodigal Son, and today, I want to combine a few threads that all wind together, with their roots in the book—but we’ll see if they come out as more than a tangled mess. Let’s start…… Continue reading Finding Home
True Freedom
https://www.flickr.com/photos/frted/15766256226 “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.” Even if you don’t like that song by Lee Greenwood, you probably know it— it is pretty ubiquitous at certain kinds of public events, and certainly at this time of year. I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom these past few…… Continue reading True Freedom
Pope Francis: A Man who was True
Like millions of people around the world, I have been reflecting on the life and ministry of Pope Francis since his death on Easter Monday, and I wanted to put down a few thoughts of gratitude here. [Instead of, say, using AI to dress myself up in the papal finery that he so rarely wore,…… Continue reading Pope Francis: A Man who was True
A Thought for Judas on Good Friday
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
Happy Lutheran 