Category: Uncategorized
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Justice in Our Time
On November 3rd, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill making the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national holiday. Government moves slow, and the day was not observed as a national holiday until 1986, but by then 17 states were already observing the holiday. Some states changed the name of the holiday. New Hampshire used “Civil Rights Day” and didn’t adopt Martin Luther King Jr. Day until 1999. And it was not until the year 2000 before the last state (South Carolina) observed the holiday. Do you remember the arguments over the name of the…
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Being the Epiphany
Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ, clearly showing the divinity of God. People who saw Jesus were drawn to him. His teaching and healing in themselves are epiphanies – they embody the Word made flesh. So often we spend time analyzing why church attendance is down, especially with younger people. Imagine if we could go to church and see and hear Jesus teaching, meet with him for spiritual direction, or have lunch with him just to chat. I think the church would be packed, especially at a healing service. So here is my epiphany. The church is Jesus – the…
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Of Longing and Waiting
It wasn’t that long ago that fathers were relegated to the “waiting room” while their wives gave birth to a baby. They waited with expectation of the news of a new daughter or son. Waiting usually means remaining in one place. Most often this is a physical activity. There are times though when this waiting is spiritual, mental, and emotional. Sometimes we must wait for the right time to ask a question, enter a business deal, or even sense the presence of the Holy Spirit. Waiting allows enough space for the circumstances and our own temperament to become aligned. Refusing…
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Finding Myself
It is common for young people to go through a period of exploration, even rebellion. We say they must “find themselves.” My Mom used to call this period of life “crossing over jackass bridge.” You might not be surprised that I spent some time on that bridge, stopping to fish once or twice. Fortunately, most of us make it to the other side knowing who we are and where we came from. This knowing is not completed with the arrival to adulthood because “finding” yourself is a life-long exercise. It proceeds with each step toward God, which is really an…
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The Q Means Quagmire
The Individual Retirement Account (IRA) falls under the IRS category of “qualified plans.” The qualification is special income tax treatment. We get to invest money and reduce our income tax. The advantage to the IRA is that the investments grow tax-deferred, and you can begin penalty free withdrawals as early as age 59 ½. A great deal, but there is a caveat. After we reach age 72 (new rules) and each year thereafter, we must take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from the IRA by December 31. (Note: there is a waiver this year because of Covid). Failing to withdraw…
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Of Yarmulkes & Masks
Our Jewish friends wear a kippah – commonly known as a yarmulke, to remind them that God is above them. Covering their head is a visible sign of their reverence for God. Were I Jewish, placing a kippah on my head would be a voluntary act, and an intentional act of faith. In wearing my kippah, I would be constantly reminded of God and the perspective my own mortality. I would know that my redeemer lives and that I have feet of clay. The act of placing the kippah on my head would disrupt my preoccupation with my own interests…
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What Would the Whos be Doing This Year?
“…the whos down in Whoville standing together in a circle holding hands and singing Christmas songs…“ In “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the Grinch removed everything out of Whoville believing that would stop them from celebrating Christmas. However, as the story continues we see, that in spite of this unfortunate setback, the Whos down in Whoville, choose to gather together, in a circle holding hands, and singing Christmas songs. So, what WOULD the Whos be doing this year? Wearing masks? Maintaining social distancing? Staying at home? This question, among many others, is also being asked by faith communities everywhere who…
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An Advent Reflection from Behind the Walls
As I have stated in the past I am involved in prison ministry. This year has been particularly hard on the men behind the walls as all volunteers have been banned since February, and much of that time was without family visits as well. Bethany House Ministries is one of the not-for-profits that supports the men when they are released. This year, as part of their annual appeal, they shared a reflection written by one of the men I know well. I share it now because it is too moving not to. An Advent – Christmas Reflection from Behind the…
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Of Thanksgiving & Humility
Humility is the soil from which the spiritual disciplines grow. Jesus told us to be humble in our practices of alms giving, fasting, and prayer. Without humility we are just making noise to draw attention to our self-centered egos. Only through humility can I understand that all that I have is from God. My ego is stroked by the notion that I have created my own wealth. It is all about me. And by patting myself on my back for a job well-done, I’ve already received my reward. I am thankful for me. Absent humility, Thanksgiving Day is a celebration…
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The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
The war to end all wars ended on 11/11/1918. With its end, Veteran’s Day was established. In response to the sacrifice of millions lost in the war, the Paris Peace Conference was convened in 1920 and the League of Nations was born. The League of Nations remained in place for 26 years. After yet another world war, the United Nations was formed at the end of the WWII. As I read human history, I’m not sure if the human animal is wired for peace. The way of peace was rejected and destroyed. Jesus, God incarnate, is the source and essence…