It seems so odd that some expressions of Christianity are as hostile as they are toward other religions and toward science. In today’s Daily Office readings we have stories that offer to us another spirit.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is the letter of a happy warrior. In muscular and athletic language he urges his readers to be strong and secure, active and proactive, happy and joyful.
If we think we know others and their needs perfectly well, our form of service is likely to be oppressive: we will act out of our assumptions and give them what we think they need, which more than likely is a projection of our own needs.
To a faith-full person, such an experience would certainly hurt, but more than that, it would lead to compassion. Faith gives us the opportunity to listen for the call of Christ in pain
While Solomon entertained the queen of Sheba, his kingdom crumbled beneath him. An American plutocracy of corporate wealth and power now dominates our policies while an underclass suffers and a middle class stagnates. These are not signs of stability.
I’ve seen one map promoted by Christian Zionists that declares that God has given to Israel the land in the Middle East stretching from the Mediterranian to the Euphrates, from Egypt to Turkey. Anyone who does not support Israel’s domination of this territory is an enemy of God, they say.
Where is our Temple? Where do we turn when we direct ourselves toward God?
Peter’s greatest triumph is his subsequent willingness to live with his failed self and to renew his confidence.
I would propose that the greatest division in our nation lies along this fault line: What is our relationship to the poor?
sit at your window and be deeply and penetratingly aware. Whatever you see is God’s offering to you. Whatever you see is a prayer!