Dearly Beloved, Grace and peace to you. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. —Luke 1.78-79 The coming of the dawn is not linear or constant. The… Continue reading In darkness, light
Results for "Do Justice"
You shall blossom
Read Isiah 11.1-9 and instead of “him” read “you”—you, and all of us in the community of faith. Notice God’s power in us,even against great forces of evil,even throughout all Creation. Meditate on this:make this your Christmas wish—that this may be true for you. You are shoots from the root of God; you shall sprout and… Continue reading You shall blossom
Plowshares
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. —Isaiah 5.4 I bear them into conversations, my swords.I hide them in my dark.I launch them at the news, these spears. Find them among me, God of Peace. Take them:my bitterness, my defensiveness, my need to win.Find the hidden swords, the secret spears I… Continue reading Plowshares
Unfinished business
God of peace,there is work to be done.There are wounds to mend,bridges to build,memories to heal,dreams to uncover,hope to exhume.There is a rend in our soulsto be tended to.There are despondent heartsto listen to, and to listen,and to listen.And there is a realm to be builtdespite all odds, against all powers.This is your work, and… Continue reading Unfinished business
When the temple falls
November 9, 2016, The day after the election of Donald Trump. Dearly Beloved, Grace and peace to you. When some were speaking about the temple, he said: Not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down. Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” Do not go after them. When… Continue reading When the temple falls
Increase our faith
Dearly Beloved, Grace and peace to you. The apostles said, “Increase our faith!” The Teacher replied, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. “Who among you would say to your slave who has… Continue reading Increase our faith
Labor
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. —Matthew 11.28-30… Continue reading Labor
The cross
Unless you carry your cross and follow me you can’t be my disciple. —Luke 14.27 What if I went through this day as if I were not wearing a cross but bearing one? What if I went through the day with my hands in the air? What comfort do I cherish more than you, God? What… Continue reading The cross
For the hurting
I have had enough of your sacrifices. Cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice: rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. —Isaiah 1.11, 17 God, I confess how much of my faith is for me alone, and does not care for the poor and the lonely. Burn a place in… Continue reading For the hurting
The wrath of God
Dearly Beloved, Grace and Peace to you. You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us. Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? —Psalm 85.3-5 The wrath of God is not… Continue reading The wrath of God