But that is where the happiness over my homily came to an end, because I said that as Christians, perhaps we should add a ritual to Valentine’s Day. Perhaps we should celebrate Agape as much as Eros, and follow the words of Our Lord, to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, to put aside anger and vengefulness in favor of the call Jesus made to us, who follow Him.
“I wonder what sorts of dreams David had before Samuel’s arrival. He was a poet and a musician. Did he play for his brothers and for the sheep he tended, thinking that would be his greatest gift? Did he envision a lifetime of caring for the family flocks on the Palistinian hillsides?”
“Another question that occurred to me was, where is this happening in our own time? Who has authority, and where does it come from? Religious sects and denominations, political parties, martial and judicial officials, and even groups like homeowners’ associations claim power and authority, yet where does it come from?”
“Receiving a new name is a common theme in the Bible, a name that always seems to match the new role. I have to wonder about the yin-yang of that. Does the name come from who we are to begin with, personality-wise, or is it something to hold up as an icon for inspiration? Or is it a little of both? “
As if any day could be ordinary.
“As if time were as green and long as
the season after Pentecost,
as it glissandos like a penny whistle
toward late November.”
When disaster hits, how can one remain fearless? The Psalmist’s faith is focused solely on God’s near presence and support, not on something remarkable in himself, his nation’s rulers, or the superpowers of his time. The entire Psalm has the same theme of trusting in God’s presence, support, and security for God is their refuge. It also emphasizes God’s existence and friendship with His people, and the Psalmist reveals the secret of his unwavering certainty and faith in God’s presence. The Psalm’s second section (vv. 4-8) starts by proclaiming the blessings of being in God’s presence (v. 4). The river that runs through Jerusalem brings joy to the city of God. In its metaphorical sense, the river denotes blessing, regeneration, harmony, and prosperity, with the river serving as a source of life.
“My thoughts and awareness return to Grace Cathedral. I focus on the lights. All beautifully unique, shining brightly, like hands reaching to God.”
Canadian Catholic bishops do not apologize for latest atrocities discovered at residential schools. Anglican Church of Canada archbishop and primate reminds us her church had residential schools with a grim history, and she apologizes.
If we believe that God sits high above us, on some judgment seat, pulling strings and ordering angels around, and acting impulsively and capriciously – well, the chances are that we ourselves will act like that. If we think that God just sits around getting angry and upset all the time – well, the chances are that we will act like that.
But, if we believe that God actually loves people – well, the chances are that we ourselves will love people, too. And, if we believe that God lives in holy and healthy relationship – well, the chances are that we ourselves will try to live in holy and healthy relationship.
Why I go to the Water Hello, water at my feet. Hello, you who brings forth life and cradles the duck and heron and reflects