Drawing conclusions from solely one perspective is reductionistic. By contrast, Christians want to recognize that reality has to be viewed with eyes open to a multiplicity of intricate angles and variable vistas. Whether climbing a high Alpine peak or walking through a city, much of what we perceive will need to be engaged through skillful attention to detail that may first escape us. Looking again, perhaps, should be a key feature of the Christian worldview, as it is founded on the exceedingly complex character of the creator God.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Monday, April 28, 2014
Reflection for the Week–April 28
Genesis 1-3, the founding narrative of the nation of Israel, does not fit comfortably in the ancient Near Eastern categories of myth or history. Probably better to see the story as representing a “possible world” (not entirely actual, but not entirely unreal) that mixes together a post-Exodus picture of law, and an explanation and exploration of God, humanity, and creation.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Living Spiritual Rhythms–April 23
Luke’s writings in the New Testament are a marvel. Not only does he set his story in world history, Lk 2:1 and 3:1, but Paul’s speech in Acts 26 confirms that the events he announces and proclaims were not done in private.
This founding narrative for Christianity exemplifies the power of God in portraying that the Word will prevail against all internal or external threats to silence it. As Gamaliel states it to the religious elite: if this is of God you won’t be able to overthrow them – in that case you may even be found fighting against God.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Reflection for the Week–April 21
Nature is related to and distinct from its Creator. In the emerging creation, the Creator is involved in, but not entrapped by the natural world. Idolatry flourishes in the confusion of the two. Yet, God and nature are not one and the same. This truth is crucial for Christian spirituality, for what we worship is not nature, but the Creator.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Living Spiritual Rhythms–April 16
Christians devote a tremendous amount of time and energy in attempting to exorcise tension. In my view, this is a utopian misinterpretation of living spirituality and not the direction God has for us. To be in tension is to be in-between. And being in-between corresponds to the theological marker of the Kingdom of God, to life in the world, and to who we are as creatures of God.
Monday, April 14, 2014
Reflection for the Week–April 14
As Easter approaches and we prepare to be more intentionally immersed in the death and resurrection of Christ, may this remarkable event weigh heavily upon us in new and refreshing ways at this time of year. How grateful we are and hopefully growing more to be, that Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom of God, brought salvation to Israel and the world, was victorious over death through the resurrection, and opened the way into deep and everlasting community with God. On this basis, each of us can experience our own release from captivity in Egypt; our own exodus, which will take us through the Promised Land into a new heaven and earth.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Living Spiritual Rhythms–April 9
We are damaged agents - like leaves fluttering in the winds of time. The conviction of confrontation with God should be deeply integrated with being spiritual people. Pain, anger, and tragedy may beset us and it is helpful, through not always satisfactory, to know that we’re in the good company of Sarah, Job, Jeremiah, Mary, and Jesus. Their plight and its expression may be preserved for us for a reason. That is, we too may clamor for forms of speech that will give voice to our cry in the wilderness, as we long to be heard, responded to, released, and redeemed.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Reflection for the Week–April 7
To live a spirituality of the cross of Christ is to participate in the drama of God’s salvation. Let’s follow in the footsteps of the Crucified and Risen One, be focused on the Scripture, and open to the Spirit, as we are shaped by the dialogue of our community with God, each other, and the world. In the light of the power at work within us and our destiny to image Christ, may we rejoice and be thankful for this day.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Friday Musings – April 4
Not likely that God wants his people to be deaf, blind, and devious. Let’s start listening, seeing, and being trustworthy.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Thursday Thought – April 3
Self-contempt or false pride should not be considered as a viable means, even to a good end.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Living Spiritual Rhythms - April 2
The momentum of the dark winter leaving is like falling into spring light, which brings a myriad of fresh possibilities for an awakening. Newness all around us is bursting forth in a variety of creative surges that heighten our awareness and address our context. Out of life comes death and out of death comes life, but they are not equals. Death is parasitic. Life reigns.
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