“It becomes as simple as this: are we a resurrection-shaped people, or not? Is it possible for us to drop our thin veneer of cynicism to take seriously the idea that resurrection is at the very center of our faith? Isaiah 65 calls us to reclaim our faith with not just boldness but with joy. Real joy. Real hope. Real energy.”
“Negotiating peace sometimes results in peace, but sometimes it results in war. Or estrangement. A personal expression of kindness can just as often attract hate as it does appreciation. Just ask Jesus. And his disciples.”
“Teach me to see with the eyes of children – full of wonder and joy…”
“We certainly urge civil behavior especially in Christian community. But we are also following not only our Lord, the merciful one, who lifts up the oppressed, but also the fearless rebel who speaks truth to worldly power no matter the cost.”
“It’s hard to turn against the tide of materialism and concretism; the desire for long life, safety and security. It’s a world view in which we think we’re in charge.”
“The mended cup may not be used for tea or saki after it has undergone the kintsugi process. Instead, it becomes a work of art, to be displayed singly, not buried in a cupboard, or in a collection of other pieces. Most often, it has a pedestal or tabletop all to itself to prevent anything else from detracting from the object.”
“Even when we are ready, even if we sense God is with us in our desperation, it can be a hard slog to get to a place of respite. It is never a short journey when we are moving from a place of panic to a place of spiritual balance.”
“Some claim that it was mere coincidence that the leadership of the warring nations involved chose St. Martin’s Day as the day the armistice in World War I officially began. But I love the symbolism that the thirty-two nations involved in this terrible struggle laid down their arms on this feast day of St. Martin, much as St. Martin himself renounced his participation in warfare centuries before.”
Today, I will ask only for mercy. It doesn’t have to be dramatic, or brave, or foolish. I will not ask for any sign that it has been accomplished; only for a little mercy to spread on the ground, to soothe a small, insignificant morsel of creation.
“But before we move forward, be with us, Lord, as we look back, remembering the days behind us…”