Upon arriving in Dublin, our first stop will most appropriately be, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Cathedral was built in the 11th Century and it literally reeks of history where we will gain a brief overview. The Cathedral’s namesake, “St Patrick” provides us with a framework for going deeper into our appreciation of “Celtic Spirituality” and … Read more
You may recall, Jennie Weeks, Liz Curtis Higgs and I are leading a pilgrimage to Ireland the end of September. The theme we have chosen for our journey is “Celtic Spirituality.” This ancient form of reverence for God’s presence is embedded in the history and the many stories found in the saints of Ireland. Included … Read more
I was preparing a series on “Celtic Spirituality” for an upcoming pilgrimage to Ireland that I am leading this September with Jennie Weeks and Liz Curtis Higgs. Then, Uvalde, Texas and Buffalo, New York shattered my thinking. The horror and now the aftermath of these mass shooting events are unfathomable. They are almost too painful … Read more
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and open the door, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me. Revelation 3:20 Thresholds This September, Jennie Weeks, Liz Curtis Higgs and I are leading a pilgrimage to Ireland. A pilgrimage is different from a … Read more
The Monday after Easter, Mary and I received a card in the mail. Enclosed was a picture of our grand-nephew who just came into the world. Obviously, the baby is cute as can be. But there is more. I thought his expression was filled with wonder. Can you blame him? One minute he was in … Read more
Easter. There is no greater day. That is because it is more than a day. It is the day of the resurrection to be sure. It is also the dawning of the New Creation. We are reminded that as a result of the resurrection death is no more. Sin has been broken. The devil is … Read more
My wife and I traveled to Philadelphia, where we joined family members from a wide range of ages for Thanksgiving. It was truly a blessing. Sadly, the local paper carried a headline over the same weekend that Philadelphia passed the mark of 500 homicides, setting some kind of crazy record. Somewhere in the midst of … Read more
How do I give, if I don’t have anything to give? What does it mean to give from abundance when I can scarcely get by? How do you know God loves a cheerful giver? Did you know young people today find that while generosity is important what is more important is their growing concern over … Read more
Many people have told me over the years “they are spiritual but not religious.” I’m writing to you during the season of Pentecost. It is our time to reflect on and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is “holy” for a number of reasons. One reason that I will touch … Read more
Many of us are familiar with the Caravaggio painting of St. Paul and his Damascus Road experience. The contrast of light and dark. Paul flat on his back with outstretched arms of submission and surrender. The other man, either unaware or uncertain as to what is going on. The plodding, slow moving, unperplexed horse, simply … Read more