Sure, it would be nice if Jesus made more clear and concise theological statements. I guess. Although, I suspect we’d probably just argue more about what they mean. There are so many “authoritative interpretations” announced as “the right one” that it’s hard to know what to think sometimes. So you...
Church – that safe space where all are welcome, a sanctuary from the rest of the world where we come to find that quiet centre, connect with others, with God and with our deeper self, where we are spiritually nourished and recharged. And just when we need that more than...
*From the hymn by John Oldham © 1995 Jesus always has a vision. He probably has visions, too, but I mean he has a vision of what things ought to be and how we can get there. Yes, “can.” I don’t for a minute think Jesus thought we aren’t capable...
It’s Thanksgiving this week, in Canada at least. But it’s harvest time on this part of the planet for lots of people and, at least where we are here, there’s cause for celebration. It’s been a good crop, pretty good weather and lots of people working to bring it in....
Do you know The Ten Commandments? I mean the movie. I’ll get to the actual Ten Commandments in the Bible in a minute, but what about the classic 1956 Cecil B. DeMille film that made Charlton Heston a star? If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a look as a...
Our world is really struggling with authority right now. The word “authority” often makes us think of control, power, governance and rule. Jesus wasn’t really about any of those things though, and yet we certainly think of Jesus as having had “authority” in his ability to perform miracles, heal the...
How do you decide? With all the information about COVID-19, racial tensions, the economy, politics and all the other stuff that comes from the media, social media, governments, non-government agencies and businesses, not to mention those people you have coffee with who have suddenly become experts on everything, how do...
Jesus talks about “the kingdom of God” a lot. Or heaven. Sometimes he says “kingdom of heaven,” but biblical scholars generally think he means the same thing. No surprise there, right? In the Gospel of Matthew especially, I think Jesus’ point isn’t about the life that’s next, but to teach...
Forgiveness is a tricky thing, isn’t it? I know, it’s another one of those things that Jesus says is so important and he makes it sound so simple. But it’s not, is it? Yeesh, Jesus really isn’t easy. And he’s demanding. The thing about saying “Jesus isn’t easy” is needing...
Jesus isn’t easy. Oh, here he goes again, right? Sure, but it’s another one of those “we need to be reminded, constantly” kind of things. So, I’ll say it again, Jesus isn’t easy. Jesus is loving and caring, kind and forgiving, comforting and hopeful. But easy? No. To follow the...