I’m lucky. As a pastor, part of my job is sitting and contemplating. Yes, the “To Do” list gets longer every day. For every three things I finally check off, six more get put on. But in the midst of the endless tasks of ministry, I’ve made a point of stopping, breathing, and just reflecting … Continue reading “BlogPost: Sabbath Retreat”
BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 5
Agitators are dangerous. They can insight fear and frustration, and often violence, with or without knowing it. Last Saturday I participated in a counter-rally calling out presidential frontrunner Donal Trump for his racist, misogynistic, and down-right hateful rhetoric. We were there to agitate, but also raise the flag on the language coming from a person … Continue reading “BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 5”
BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 4
With every step Jesus took into and within Jerusalem, he pushed against the status quo of fear and oppression. He pushed the Jewish leadership in their cooperation with the empire. He pushed the Roman leadership, riding that thin line between nuisance and seditionist. The leaders saw that the crowd was getting behind Jesus, drawn to … Continue reading “BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 4”
BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 3
It’s Tuesday of Holy Week. In Mark’s gospel (11.20-13.27) we find Jesus heading into the deep waters of confronting the socio-religious and political powers of Jerusalem. A series of interactions with Pharisees, scribes, and some wealthy Sadducees puts Jesus on the defensive. But he, according to gospel accounts, aptly volleys the threats back into the … Continue reading “BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 3”
BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 2
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week for Christians. On that day we honored what has become known as Jesus’ “triumphal” entry into Jerusalem. I put that in quotes because as Jesus was entering the city from the east, from the west was coming Governor Pontius Pilate with a hoard of soldiers, war … Continue reading “BlogPost: Holy Week – Day 2”