Spring, Easter, and Hope Eternal
It’s Easter Monday. There are flowers everywhere in my neighborhood. Yesterday there were bright blossoms all over and around the church. If you’re Christian and spent time in church over this past week, you’ve likely been through an emotional roller coaster ride...
“Violence Is the Only Recourse of the Exhausted Mind”
It’s Holy Week, and I’ve got violence on my mind—not because of any intent to engage in it, but from an overabundance of it around me. The synoptic gospels tell us that during this week before his death, Jesus resorts to violence in overturning the business tables of...
Embracing Powerlessness in a Chaotic World
This is the last week of Lent, and I’m glad. Yes, it’s been challenging—and yet also “fruitful”—to pray for Putin and Trump. It’s generated some interesting discussions that have brought me and others new insights. I’m also ready to move on. I’m ready to be thinking...
Pondering Presidencies with Devastating Consequences
As I’ve stated before, my Lenten discipline is to pray for Putin and Trump. It has definitely proven to be an interesting journey and led to some illuminating conversations. In this post, I want to focus more on Trump and the devastating impact of his choices—and how...
A Long Tradition of Intertwined Political and Religious Power
Lent continues alongside Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and both don’t seem to be going according to plan—at least not Putin’s plan! I find myself reflecting on the shortcomings of leaders who think they are doing the right thing—but are way off base. Last week, I...
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