Photo by Valentin Antonucci on Pexels.com Earlier in the week, I was preparing a blog post about the juxtaposition of two hymns that we sang in chapel this week. Both of them were focused on the world, but each of them had a very different message. Here is the first one, from All Creation Sings:…… Continue reading A Christian’s song in a messy, beautiful world
Category: Theology
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
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
Do Not Remember
“Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19 Many of us, I imagine, love Isaiah 43 and what it promises: God’s guidance, protection and care as the Holy Spirit leads us into…… Continue reading Do Not Remember
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
![Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]](https://i0.wp.com/happylutheran.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/palm.jpg?resize=892%2C900&ssl=1 "Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]")
Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]
“When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you,…… Continue reading Palm Sunday: Preparation to Celebration [Luke 19:29-34]
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