“The reading in Matthew is the parable of the sheep and the goats.  It summarizes Jesus’ ethical teachings regarding the care for the poor, hungry, victimized. Observing these commandments, or not, is the cut which separates this mixed flock…(Read More)

“Lent is an unsettled time, and unsettling time, as well it should be. We are experiencing, or should be, forty days walking to the Cross…(Read More)

“There have been times in my life when I have been or felt pulled to do one thing or another, some of which turned out to be excellent things and some of them which turned out to be disasters…(Read More)

“Ritual actions such as lighting candles, processing with the cross, bowing, kneeling, crossing oneself, receiving the ashes, and taking communion are all ways to make a physical connection with the deep and vast mysteries of God…(Read More)

“John points out this man, Jesus, who is not much to look at, but who has a strange draw.  What does he look like? Who is with him? What do you hear, smell and taste? Here is the Lamb of God…(Read More)

“You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever…(Read More)

“Help us to settle into the darkness so we can see your light breaking through…(Read More)

“There is one point in common. Both Carnival and Lent are about giving the power and agency to the powerless…(Read More)

“Psalm 148 is one of my favorites and is one that both begins and ends with the word “Hallelujah!” with an exclamation point. It’s meant to be emphasized and to be shouted joyfully, not mumbled or glossed over…(Read More)

“When we come to Ash Wednesday, we have ashes on our foreheads; then we come to the annual problem: what to do for the rest of the day. Jesus told us to beware of practicing our piety before others…(Read More)