ADVENT–RISK AND EXTRAVAGANCE

I’ve been trying to benefit from the wisdom of the Magi lately. In particular, these two tips: First, their story in Matthew’s gospel suggests they were unusually open.  When the star appeared they followed.  God revealed and they received. If we assume the star was some sort of real phenomenon, then others must have seen …

THE BLESSING OF UNCLAIMED BLESSING

Unclaimed blessings are clearly the best!  On this Thanksgiving weekend, with Advent just around the corner, I’m reflecting on the blessings we enjoy.  Of course, the usual come to mind—family, friends, freedom, opportunity, food—lots of food with stunning variety, richness of experiences, and the list goes on.  All of these I claim with relish and …

WHERE ARE THE DREAMERS?

When the Holy Spirit birthed the church, we read that this “church” would be full of dreamers.  Young and old alike would have dreams and visions.  Heaven’s reality, both the already but also the not yet, would birth new creation, never-before-seen reality routinely.  So, I wonder, where are the dreamers? I heard about a dreamer …

7 BILLION LOVED!

On October 31, 2011 the world’s population officially reaches 7 billion.  That means 7 billion persons loved passionately, relentlessly, and sacrificially in ways beyond our merely human comprehension.  To mark this notable “milestone,” here are a few other “theodemographical” reflections. 7 billion exceeds my mind’s grasp.  Much of the world’s population concentrates in a relatively …