But Wait!

“Go tell!” he said, “But wait!” What? Wait? We were so excited, overwhelmed with joy by all his words that made it clear: the Sacred Word had prophesied it all—his death but then this third-day miracle, life made new in him!We touched his hands,and he touched us.This was no ghost:he ate that roasted fish!And heContinue reading “But Wait!”

Peter Speaks!

He said, “Love each other.” I asked, “Where will you be?” Evasive? or just sure we could not make the grade without him? He knew this too, and said, “The only way you can bear fruit is to stay attached to me.”And yet, he went away.Hope died.When he came back hetwirled us into dreamsas heContinue reading “Peter Speaks!”

Serve the Word!

This is our calling when we follow Jesus: we are “servants of the Word.” He is the Word! He speaks to us, through Scripture texts (the written Word) and also through his Spirit, our Counselor, our Guide.He lives inside me,makes my heart’s eyessee the highlightshe has stroked acrossthose texts so relevantto me, my life.Do IContinue reading “Serve the Word!”

Parade of the Lamb

Two disciples, eyes full of questions, brought him the donkey and her child, gave him a hand, and he sat on the colt (never ridden before) and began trotting towards Jerusalem, the City of God, its King displaying humility. He breathed in deeply, then exhaled,moving toward his finish linewhere the last scenes of his incarnationwouldContinue reading “Parade of the Lamb”

Our One Hope

This is not what I thought it would be, a quiet safe place with time to rest and peace my constant cup of tea. Instead I toss and turn, my heart churning with yearning for that final resolution of these conflicts,a revolution that turns the worldupside-down, filtering out the eviland cleansing the cup so itContinue reading “Our One Hope”

Power Paradox

When I let go take my hands off lose control then I am weak powerless to influence situations fix the problem do it my way.Then paradoxtakes over:his hands firmlyin controlhe is strongpowerfulable toaccomplishthe miracle required.And there’s a corollary:when I livewithin his graceI have his powerto use for him:the paradoxof mutuality—Christ in me. Have you comeContinue reading “Power Paradox”

Moaning in the Desert

Bleak, dry ground extending to every horizon, sun beating down—no shelter, no way to move forward but step by tired step, feet filthy, sore. No food! I just scraped the last dried scraps from my shoulder bag. My children are crying: where are we going? where is home? not here! Is there really a promisedContinue reading “Moaning in the Desert”

Rooted, Held Firm

When I choose to trust in spite of everything I shoot new rootlets into the pulsing burrowing system that anchors me in Jesus’ love. Living thereI amdrinking inhesed and agapeunendingintimateunselfishempatheticforgivingunretaliatinglove beyondmy understanding.My heart is fullmy veinsare pulsingenergy of lifeand Jesushas becomemy constantstrength and song. There is so much imagery in the Bible about plants! TheContinue reading “Rooted, Held Firm”

Confession in the Storm

When turmoil seems to rule like waves surging high to crash, foaming— and you, Lord, seem to be asleep— fear also rises and takes control of our thoughts.We hear the rage of the storm.We feel the cold wind pierceand chill our hearts,icicle spears that do not melt.We run to you,crying out for you to actContinue reading “Confession in the Storm”

Caught Inside a Wider Web

Baruch sat huddled within his scrolls deep in the throes of despair. Words darkened the parchment and his soul, relentlessly marking out tragedy, punishment! The torrentof eviction, maledictionkept screaming in his mind,the prophet’s warnings and lament.But at the Thronehis pain was seen,framed by the stainof hemorrhage froma heart off-center, rubbing on the cross-grainof life goneContinue reading “Caught Inside a Wider Web”