The Kingdom that begins with Lent leads us to blessing. There is the call to turn—repent!—which is Lent. There then comes a pronouncement: “Blessed!” Consider how stunning this is. When Jesus begins to teach about the Kingdom of God, the first word is “Blessed!” This is not what we expected, not from God almighty in …
Tag Archives: God’s Love
THE GOOD HANDS OF CHRISTMAS
In late November and early December 2012, Lavone and I were priviledged to be on sabbatical in the Holy Land. During that time we visited Bethlehem and found this nativity carving. It has since become a Christmas icon in our home during Advent and Christmas. We love the symbolism of this nativity—the Holy Couple, with …
A Kairos-Moment for a Cross and Resurrection Narrative
Most of us were prepared to hunker down and endure what we expected to be the most rancorous electoral season of our lifetime, amped up on the steroids of impeachment and conspiratorial speculation. Then, the COVID19 pandemic invaded and sent us all to our rooms for an extended stay, only now in more recent weeks …
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“The Least of These” Includes Ahmaud Arbery
To be profiled, targeted, accosted, and shot dead is to be among “the least,” unseen, unheard, misunderstood, and denied help. It is to be among people Jesus sees, hears, understands, and treats as Family. To diminish or dismiss, to deny or deflect, to excuse or “explain” the horror of this is to align with …
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Lent Brings Kingdom Blessing!?
The Kingdom that begins with Lent also begins with blessing. There is the call to turn—repent!—which is Lent. There then comes a pronouncement: “Blessed!” Consider how stunning this is. When Jesus begins to teach about the Kingdom of God, the first word is “Blessed!” This is not what we expected, not from God almighty in …