Where I’ve Been

My sabbatical began on Monday, January 26th.  So far, I’ve had to rely on my home computer for most communication.  I didn’t realize how much information I store in my church office–nor how often I like to consult paper files!!! So, it’s been a little tedious to shuffle paper back and forth.  So far, though, [...]

U Pick the Prayer

To begin this week’s devotion, first open your Bible. 
Next, ponder these two readings:  I Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] and John 1:43-51.
There are many things to wonder about in this week’s lectionary readings.  We have two beautiful call stories.  Neither are very similar at first glance–Samuel is young; Philip and Nathanael, adults.  We have a temple at [...]

Devotion for Baptism of our Lord Sunday, January 11, 2009

Paolo Veronese 1528 – 1588

Many of the most vivid stories in Scripture depend on interpretation.  They are as exciting and dramatic (or as mundane and boring) as whatever we, the readers, bring to them.  I think that makes a great case for reading Scripture often, lest we hear it only in our Sunday morning drowsiness….
As I read Mark 1:11, “And [...]

Follow Up From Adult Forum, 1-4-08

The Adoration of the Magi by Rubens, 1617-18

Peter Paul Rubens 1577 – 1640
The Adoration of the Magi 1617-1618
oil on canvas (245 × 325 cm)
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon
Note the beautiful symbolism of the child blessing the man.

Finally, also by request, I am posting the poem I recited, by Gerhard Frost.

If I am asked
what are [...]

All of the Above

I’m struck by the competing visions at work in our readings for Sunday January 4, 2009, which we will celebrate as the Epiphany of our Lord.
Isaiah 60 (1-6), tells us, “Arise, shine!  Your light has come…nations will come to your light…”
Matthew 2 (1-12), explains about the Wise Men’s instructions from Herod, “Go and search diligently [...]