ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 22, 2023ASH WEDNESDAYI had someone in the last week ask me the question, “How do I forgive someone who has hurt me?” You would think a faith built on the notion of God’s immeasurable mercy and forgiveness would have a three-sentence how-to on this very important subject. Jesus made it clear on multiple occasions that we are to forgive one another as God has forgiven, even
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 21, 2023The Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and concludes as the darkness turns to light on Easter morning. A lot of folks associate the practice of giving something up with the Season of Lent. That is accurate, but it is important to know that Lent is Forty Days in length, and the number 40 is very important within scripture. It represents preparation, the making
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 20, 2023Prayer for the Week:What grudge do I carry?What animosity do I hold?I’m sure there is an explanation a rationalization a well formed justification for why I clasp so tightly to what is not of you to what is life-depleting to what skews my perceptionWhy the grudge?Why the animosity?Do I believe if by holding it to the end I will be victorious?Do I actually believe this
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 19, 2023Today, I want to offer a prayerful shout-out to those who are caregivers. There are so many different caregivers; among them are parents caring for children, children caring for parents, spouses living into the words “In sickness and in health,” and others choosing to walk alongside those in need, even when there is no legal obligation or relationship. This is Christ-like living. It is hard,
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 18, 2023I am currently out at Disciple Oaks Camp Ground, or what is often called Camp Gonzo (near Gonzales, TX), for a Disciples Men’s Retreat. Last night, a couple of the men started a big fire near the lake, and though a bit cool, the sky was clear and the stars were visible. It was really quite magnificent. Even though I will only be at the
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 17, 2023My friend, Rev. Michael Junkroski, is brilliant in his capacity to point out some of the absurdity within Christianity. Rob Bell has that capacity as well, but that’s for another day. Recently, Michael wrote the following: For thousands of years, popes and priests indoctrinated billions of people into their cult of self-pity. I’m not sure which is supposed to make us feel worse: that by
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 16, 2023On Valentine’s Day, Donna was out of town visiting her dad, and so we didn’t have any plans outside of a phone call. I left the church rather late that night but needed to run by the grocery store to grab a few essentials. As I walked into the store, the floral department was immediately to my right, and for Valentine’s Day, it had expanded.
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 15, 2023Yesterday, I wrote about those who use fear as an intentional tool, usually in an attempt to distract from something else or because their argument is simply not very good. Now let me reiterate what I mentioned yesterday—whenever there is change or a new awareness, it is ok to ask questions. This is not the same as being alarmist, for such folks are usually wanting
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 14, 2023When change is suggested, there will always be concerns and questions. There is nothing wrong with raising concerns and asking good questions. My concern is when people seek to demonize and foster fear about the change, even conveying the change as an attack on religion or American values. If what people are telling you is causing you fear, it is probably a good idea to
ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGSFebruary 13, 2023Prayer for the Week:I come asking for your love, Holy One, only to learn that I am loved with a limitless love. I request your mercy, only to discover mercy was offered before I even acknowledged my need for such a gift. I make an appeal for your kindness, yet I discover Jesus has demonstrated a kindness beyond measure and, in doing so, provided a