Sunday, May 25, 2014

Sixth Sunday of Easter

"On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you." You and God are intertwined in such an intimate way that it is impossible to tell where one stops and the other begins. But is this good news or a terrifying reality? We are comfortable with the divine as Parent, Sibling, or Advocate. But as Lover and Self? Such notions give birth to relationships and kingdoms many of us are just not ready for. But if you are willing to be so seduced, revelations more strange and wonderful than you can possibly imagine await. "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!"

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Fifth Sunday of Easter

"Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me?" How many times each day does our Parent repeat this line? So many words and deeds devoted to our pursuit of the divine, and yet we still struggle with the basics: faith, hope, and love. It's all there, right in front of our noses! But instead we scheme, and plan, and toil away, trying to build a kingdom that is already built. How much grace do we ignore, because we are too busy doing "God's" work to notice? Stop! Just stop, let go of the program, and simply trust. "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Fourth Sunday of Easter

"The sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice." Do we? We certainly obsess over words spoken to our ancestors. No detail is too small or obscure where they are concerned. But what about today's words? Do we even acknowledge their presence? Do we really think that Jesus rose from the dead so that he could stop speaking to us? Do we follow the memory of a shepherd or a living one? Yes, the shepherd is good, but do the sheep share that distinction?

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Third Sunday of Easter

"Their eyes were prevented from recognizing him." And how is our vision? Prior to the Resurrection, the disciples believed that they had read the whole story and knew how life was meant to go. Why do we think that we are less clueless than they were? Because we have read a few additional chapters? Because now the book really is complete? No, we are just like those disciples, expecting God to look as he always has, oblivious to the truth that love presents herself in an infinite array of disguises. So open your eyes! For a stranger draws near, and they will show you "the path to life."