When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died, you might have seen this phrase posted in the media somewhere: “May her memory be for blessing.” She was Jewish, of course, and Jewish tradition doesn’t focus very much on what happens after we die. So we say, “May this person’s memory be for blessing.” People also … read
What does it mean to love God? I was not very far into my study of this text when I hit that question. What does it mean to love God? How can we love God, the infinite mystery, the source of all that is? I understand, more or less, what it means to love my … read
To whom do you belong? Do you believe, do you know, do you remember, that we belong to God? I’d like you to imagine this scene: Lawyers and decision makers gathered, with serious intent, questioning an individual, repeatedly. Some leaders are effusive and flattering, others are seeking a slip of tongue, searching for any visible … read
Let me sing for my beloved my love-song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; he expected it … read
Many of you know the classic comedy sketch routine from the comedians Abbott and Costello called “Who’s on First?” It dates back to the 1940s, but I watched it on Youtube this past week, and it’s still brilliant. Someone is trying to explain to a baseball player that the other players on the team have … read
Before I read today’s scripture lesson, I want to remind you of something you already know: Jesus is not an economist. This is a story about the kingdom of God, not about how a person should run a business. “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning … read