The heft of a pulpit Bible
As I pressed my sermon’s pages across the book’s valley, I couldn’t keep them from sliding into the groove.
Confounding words
In the gospels, sometimes Jesus responds to questions much like the young Bob Dylan did in interviews.
Becoming manna
There’s a connection between a desire to care and the offer of food. We’re committed to each other’s survival.
Walking Palestinian children to school
The Israeli government’s expansion of its warfare into the West Bank has me thinking about my time there almost a decade ago.
Resurrection, then breakfast
Jesus conquers death so he can come back and enjoy another meal, lingering with his friends for as long as he can.
American hell
In the last year of his life, Martin Luther King Jr.’s confidence in the politics of progressivism dimmed. Judgment became his refrain.
Emotional communism
More than ever, we need the common life we can create for each other, a shared life for the benefit of all.
Divine silence
A Quaker colleague taught me how stillness exercises agency, how it acts upon worshipers.
The meaning of a sermon
I’m sure these faithful people have heard all of these words before. So what is my task here?
Present together
When I was a chaplain intern working with people with disabilities, there was one man I visited every Sunday right after worship.
Tear gas over the soccer field
“You’re welcome to take it back home with you,” my Palestinian friend said as I looked at the US-made canister in my hand. “Actually, take all of them.”
Speaking in two tongues
Growing up bilingual primed me to see the gifts offered at Babel and Pentecost.
Harmful people with helpful ideas
I still read Luther, Calvin, and de Beauvoir. But John Howard Yoder’s sexual abuse has made me rethink my mindset.
Joyful life in Bethlehem
At a L’Arche community, I learned something about working and dreaming for peace.
Give to the one who asks of you
I’m on this man’s side, even though I didn’t give him any money. Right?