Faith plays a major role in grief of any kind. But not in the way some people think. They often seem to have the idea that a person with strong faith does not grieve and is above this sort of thing. Moreover, these people imply that religious faith advocates stoicism. […]
Grief
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Gen. 50:20 ואתם חשבתם עלי רעה אלהים חשבה לטבה This passage is the climax of the Joseph cycle, as his brothers realize that it is their brother Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery, who is now lord in Egypt and holds their fate in his hands. Gen. 50:18 Then […]
As we have walked our path of grief many have lovingly offered us their love and support and I always offer my thanks and deep gratitude. (I hope it is always, if you have ever sent me a note or given me a nod or spoken words you intended as […]
Sermon for Sunday, 10 July 2016. St. Paul’s in Philipsburg, PA. Proper 10, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Deuteronomy 30:9-14 and Psalm 25:1-10 • Colossians 1:1-14 • Luke 10:25-37 Endure everything with patience Colossians 1:11 May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may […]
This past month I had the great privilege to participate in an “OLLI” course with our local funeral home director, rabbi, and Orthodox priest. I was surprised that there was less I knew about the Orthodox mourning traditions, than I did about Jewish ones. One tradition was “Soul Saturdays” which […]
The Collect: Second Sunday of Easter, Rite Two Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus […]
I was interviewed yesterday morning on a local radio station, 98.7 FM The FREQ. It is available on YouTube. https://youtube.com/watch?v=uJ3m4_qGNLA%3Flist%3DFLza32JRRr2NMSx_yMsiRdPQ
Some Christians believe God rewards the faithful. So why did I get Stage 4 cancer? A powerful piece by Kate Bowler of Duke Divinity. She has literally written the book on the prosperity gospel and was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She notes the irony of her having written a […]
When we arrived at the hospital to see Mack, he had been flown down from State College to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, a minister met us and took us to the “quiet room.” Ironic since it is a place for people to cry and yell. I knew what was […]
Today, January 11, 2016, we woke to news that David Bowie had died. He had been battling with cancer for the last 18 months. I was a fan from the 80’s. His under appreciated album “Tonight” was highly appreciated by this brooding 18 year old. I guess I wasn’t a great […]