Some events change the world. When Hitler's tanks rolled into France, there was no longer any way to pretend that his ambitions could be contained or satisfied by a limited European conflict. When airliners brought down the New York twin towers, we knew that the ambitions of Islamic terrorists could ... Continue reading
Mostly dead is slightly alive
February 24, 2023 By Leave a Comment
Miracle Max (speaking over the dead body of Wesley): He probably owes you money huh? I'll ask him.Inigo Montoya: He's dead. He can't talk.Miracle Max: Whoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend here is only mostly dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead ... Continue reading
On death and Eugene Peterson
November 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment
"That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage." —Matthew 20:28, The MessageEugene Peterson, author of The Message paraphrase of the Bible, died on October 22, 2018, aged 85. He was a scholar, a ... Continue reading
Grief interrupted
April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment
As they led Jesus off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't cry ... Continue reading
Reconciling Easter
April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
There is an undeniable sweetness about this season. It's the sweetness of bitter winter transformed into carefree spring, of the flowering of dormant flora and days lengthening after months of oppressive darkness. There is even the sweet spectacle of fidgety children and doting grandparents all ... Continue reading
He is risen!
April 8, 2007 By
Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, "Who will roll away the ... Continue reading
Street faith
March 2, 2007 By 1 Comment
It was getting on towards 6 pm. I was walking down the main street of this Zapotec Mexican town, looking for the turquoise store that sells roasted chickens.I smelled incense. I've smelled a lot of things here, but this was new. There on my left, in front of the pharmacy, was a small table ... Continue reading
The unbearable lightness of redemption
April 17, 2006 By 1 Comment
I know what I did and I don't want forgiveness... I don't deserve it... I can't bring Abner Easley back like he's some stolen chicken; I certainly made sure of that 23 years ago. I don't believe in some god who's going to open his arms to me even if I did. ... Which is why for me, I know I'll never ... Continue reading
