Praying for a Mary-Christmas

How surprised Mary was!  One day—I imagine it to be morning, but maybe it was at night, just before sleeping—an angel appears.  I resist the temptation to mythologize the story by assuming that angel-appearances were to be expected, since this is the Bible.  No, Mary had never seen an angel, and wasn’t sure about the …

For the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Loving Lord, We would worship you today in Spirit and Truth, Which is good because we cannot gather with Others, as has been our practice from ages past! But though we remain un-gathered, still we “gather,“ Virtually and truly with myriads of the unseen hosts From before, from now, and also from hereafter, To celebrate …

Lent Brings Kingdom Blessing!?

The Kingdom that begins with Lent also begins with blessing.  There is the call to turn—repent!—which is Lent.  There then comes a pronouncement: “Blessed!”  Consider how stunning this is. When Jesus begins to teach about the Kingdom of God, the first word is “Blessed!”  This is not what we expected, not from God almighty in …

For the Second Sunday in Lent

Loving Lord,   You have invited us to come to you and follow you, And so, we assemble today in worship, coming into Your presence.   You have invited us to put ourselves aside, to forget Self and draw near to the Source and Center of all in Your presence.   You have invited us …

Lessons from the Mother of our Lord

During Advent 2007 I’ve been reflecting on the opening of Luke’s gospel, especially the narratives recounting Mary’s role in the gift of Messiah.  Here are the bottom line realities that nourish and challenge my Christmas faith, which you can read about in the reflections below. Mary was surprised to be shown such incredible favor and …