“Nothing” is a Lousy Name.
One of the hardest tasks expectant parents face is choosing a name for their child. There are perennial favorites like John, Matthew or Michael for a boy and Mary, Susan or Sarah for a girl. Then there are those parents…
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No Prison Can Contain a Transfigured Soul
Today’s gospel is the transfiguration of Jesus, but to me it’s really about the transfiguration of Peter, John, James—and us. Up to this point the disciples were following Jesus and buying into what he was teaching, but when they saw…
Investing Life’s Savings
Today’s readings give us a clear message about God the Father: He protects what’s His. And that means us. But like any father, he has expectations, too. He wants us to be worth protecting. Yes, He saved His people from…
Even Ashes have a Purpose
On this Sunday before Ash Wednesday, it’s appropriate that today’s readings focus on humble men who remember their role: as earthen vessels, made primarily of dust and ashes, designed to contain and dispense the word of God. Our maker chose…
How Well do you Fit Your Skin?
Elvis was right. We ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog. Not just because we’re crying all the time but because we’re growing into all that skin God gave us. Today’s readings are about the process of becoming what God made…
The Holy Spirit Shares Some Smiles
Today’s readings are spirit raisers. In the first, Ezra is described in the Book of Nehemiah a few different ways, according to his talents (priest, scribe and priest/scribe). Another of his talents apparently was cheerleader. He had a tough crowd,…
From Cana to the Cross
Jesus’ miracles served an important purpose outside the immediate need they met. As written in the account of his miracle at Cana, “Jesus revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.” He could have abused this gift…
Christianity’s Bazillion-Dollar Coin
Today’s gospel is inspiring. Jesus is baptized, the skies open and God endorses Jesus: “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased.” With that endorsement, Jesus was certified to pay an astounding debt. He received the power…
An Epiphany about the Epiphany
On this feast of the Epiphany, it’s worthwhile to look at the various definitions of that word. The first that comes up online is “a Christian festival, observed on January 6, commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in…
Arrogance vs. Wisdom: Humanity’s Balancing Act
Even the best of human beings tend to be annoying. It starts in childhood and develops from there. Take a typical 12-year-old boy. He tends to be self-centered, mouthy, and ignorant of the consequences of his actions—all of which describes…