Independence Day

"Away with your noisy songs! I will not listen to the melodies of your harps. But if you would offer me burnt offerings, then let justice surge like water, and goodness like an unfailing stream."

I am a native Californian. I went to college in Berkeley. So I know something about "noisy songs" that preach the good news, but never actually deliver. I left the Bay Area upon graduation to get away from the hypocrisy of "limousine liberals" who spout off about social justice while enjoying all the fruits that wealth provides. Los Angeles might be fake, but at least we are honest about it!

Yes, I admit it, I loathe utopian politics. And nothing seems dumber to me than the hashtag armies of our present moment. Enough with the #Resistance. Enough with #MAGA. These are not blueprints to the kingdom. They are tribal power plays, pure and simple. They will certainly benefit some, but most will be left disappointed, bitter, miserable, or some unpleasant combination thereof.

As I have said many times, the kingdom is not a thing to be built, but rather a whom to be embraced. And so, let us today declare our freedom from the faux salvation of American tribalism. In its place, let us surrender our hearts to the most profound truth that we as a people have been fortunate enough to stumble upon: E Pluribus Unum. We are indeed one family. So let us act like it.

Amos 5:14-24; Psalms 50:7-23; Matthew 8:28-34

Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of the Lord

"Seek what is above." There is a certain irony to our feast coinciding with April Fool's Day. Think of the values and intentions represented by these two holydays. Which does our world celebrate? And which does our culture find foolish? If we must be court jesters, let us at least serve a worthy king.

"Seek what is above." Some might see this attitude as a cop-out. We live on terra firma. We have real problems, that need real solutions. But how often do those solutions just generate new problems? And how often do they bring about the peace and joy that we crave? Do not be seduced by the demand for action. Rushing into the tomb does not guarantee an understanding of what one finds inside.

"Seek what is above." Be wary of false saviors and the kingdoms they build. They might look beautiful and taste sweet, but they never last as long as promised. Yes, most devotees of the cults of celebrity and politics mean well. They honestly strive to do good. But their focus will always be on the rewards of the here and now. Such gifts are merely dust, and to dust they shall inevitably return.

"Seek what is above." The world can be a dark and brutal place. We need hope. Our culture, however, excels at other things: virtual orgies; digital bread and circuses; intellectual dumpster fires; and worst of all, an endless supply of pharmaceuticals to numb the pain until we hit the grave, oftentimes thanks to the pills themselves. We cannot amuse our way into hope. We must find a different path.

"Seek what is above." Yes, I know, all I have given you are questions, problems, and concerns. Where are the solutions, the practical advice, the ten-point plans? If that is what you are looking for, go find a guru. I am a no-name prophet, offering foolish and wonderful grace. Take it, if you dare.

"Seek what is above." Alleluia! Alleluia!

Acts 10:34-43; Psalms 118:1-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-9

Ash Wednesday

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise." It sounds like a simple request, but in truth it is my great and constant struggle. Plentiful are the words rattling around inside my brain. So few escape my lips, however. What is it that keeps my mouth closed: fear or righteousness?

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise." We live in a target rich environment for a prophet. I feel such a tremendous urgency to speak out on behalf of my brothers and sisters. But does this pressure arise from my having words they need to hear, or am I more worried about missing out on my fifteen minutes of fame? Whose kingdom do my words seek to serve and praise?

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise." Why do you delight in saying no to me? Start a new religion? No. Reform an old religion? No. Sell some books? No. Do one little miracle, just one to get some attention? NO! What is the point of opening my lips? No one cares to listen. Am I meant to babble into the void, leaving a trail of words for someone not yet born to follow?

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise." Am I crazy to delight in a "yes" to that last question? I remain on Twitter mostly for the photos taken by the residents of the International Space Station. They remind me of the difference between the great and the trivial; and that my Parent plays a very, very long game. I am a fool taking his at-bat. Let Them worry about the score.

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise." This shall be my mantra for these next forty days. I do not expect them to be anything other than the great and constant struggle of the many preceding ones. But I do pray that they bring a renewed love for my wonderful cross.

"O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise."

Joel 2:12-18; Psalms 51:3-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2; Matthew 6:1-18

On a side note, today is also Valentine's Day. And so I dedicate this post to my wife. It is my meager attempt at expressing some of the internal dialogue that I have such a hard time sharing, to our great frustration. Thank you for your patience with my very strange calling. I love you!