A corrupt trial where a known violent criminal is let free. An innocent man from a colonized community killed by the state. The state and religion in a toxic power relationship. Mass fear causing the mob to lose sight of truth and be swept up by violence. This is where we find ourselves in the … read
In writing this sermon, I am indebted to Debie Thomas of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Palo Alto, CA, for her article “Not One Stone” which can be found at https://www.journeywithjesus.net/essays/2010-not-one-stone In 2016, American social justice activist and author Adrienne Maree Brown wrote this about the emerging Black Lives Matter movement and the increasing awareness … read
“If God had been there, then…” As people of faith, at some point or another, we are going to say those words. We lose something – the pandemic hits and we lose a graduation, a Christmas Eve, a long-planned trip. We lose someone – cancer strikes, or the virus, or our beloved just doesn’t wake … read
Last week a post on Facebook caught my eye. Written by Sharad Yadav, a guy in Portland whom I’ve never met, he lists his reason for why people should consider joining a church. As I read it, I remembered that I was preaching on this story about James’ and John’s outrageous request, and that today … read
A friend of mine has a new grandson who just turned six weeks old. Being around this child and his loving, attentive parents is a reminder of how vulnerable we are all in the beginning, as human babies, born into this world. The infant relies upon parents for food, diaper-changing, safety, mobility, and most importantly: love. Think of it. All of … read
On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took the bread, and broke it, giving it to his disciples saying, “Take and eat. This is my body.” When I was a kid in Confirmation, I remember the Catholic priest explaining to us how Christ was present in Communion. And I remember thinking, “See, we … read