Religion
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Not This Parable!
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1 min read
In this parable about a manager and his master (Luke 16:1-13), we have one of the most resented parables in gospels. The reason for this is clear. It is a shockingly obnoxious story about deception that seems to say things about GOD we don’t like. Or worse, it leads good people to make ridiculous…
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Our Dream and Our Reality
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3 min read
Fifty years ago today, the most powerful, religious moment in our shared public history occurred: the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. And I can’t help but believe that we’ve missed the most important part. I’ve written about how we’ve domesticated King’s message and the intention of the moment into it’s direct opposite purpose.…
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When We Pray
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7 min read
a homily for Proper 12C Text: Luke 11:1-13 The Lord Praying They have left the house of Mary and Martha and it says Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” Jesus was praying,…
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I had trouble sleeping Saturday night. I was angry. Angry that George Zimmerman wouldn’t be punished, for the fear that has beset the African American community, for all the bullshit post-racism talk of my white neighbors. Mostly, I was angry that I was feeling powerless as a church leader to express myself. It frightened me…
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Expectations: of Leaders in Church
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2 min read
I marvel at how low the expectations are for leaders in The Episcopal Church in their commitment to a life of faith. I also marvel at how many hoops we ask of those moved by their faith. To stand for vestry (our congregational boards), you have to show up for church a few times a…
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Of what I was afraid
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3 min read
To tell you the absolute truth, I was not afraid I would die; I was afraid I would be damaged. Prepping for a colonoscopy, going into the hospital, being put under, being told of what was found: each of these caused concern for me. And if you’ve been reading along, you know my anxiety with…