This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” Heresy is “a belief contrary to orthodox religious teachings or doctrine.” That is the general definition, but it is too broad to simply say “a belief contrary to orthodox religious teachings” since everyone at some point, even the most devout, hold various […]
This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” God is a word. G, O, D are letters that together make up a simple word. A simple word that can be used as an expletive, as punctuation, or as a sign representing perhaps the most complex, cryptic, concept of the divine. […]
This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” “Our Father, who art in heaven…” Fatherhood is a term referring to the state of being a father, not the biological fact of “fathering” a child, but rather the lived experience of being a father, engaged with and a part of rearing […]
This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” (Not coincidentally, this post is delayed due to the events recounted in the opening paragraph.) ex·haus·tion | \ ig-ˈzȯs-chən \ a state of extreme physical or mental fatigue. the action or state of using something up or of being used up completely. […]
This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” See “vocation.” 1Kings 22:5 But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “Inquire first for the word of the LORD.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred of them, and said to them, “Shall I […]
This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” con•stan•cy – “the quality of being faithful and dependable.” “Constancy” is a word that I learned from and only ever hear in the Eucharistic prayer. As we offer to God the gifts of bread and wine that we have brought forward and […]
This is an entry in the “Acrostic Contemplations.” “Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’” – Mark 9:24 “And to the centurion Jesus said, ‘Go; let it be done for you according to your faith.’ And the servant was healed in that hour.” – […]
This is the first entry in my “Acrostic Contemplations.” This started as a simple writing exercise: start at the beginning of the alphabet and write a bit about some thought, idea, character, concept, etc. It required only a modicum of discipline and even less insight. I was inspired to create […]
My back was sore as I scrambled off the floor and the pile of wrapped presents to slide onto the couch and pick up my glass of port. I stretched and observed to Elizabeth that it has been a really challenging fall. There were three main challenges that I had […]
Today in the Church Calendar we remember the slaughter of the Innocents by Herod (Matt. 2:13-18). There can never be justification or explanation sufficient for the death of the innocent, wherever and whenever, and I will make no efforts to do so. But the prayer that we offer in the […]