There is still room on the mountain.

(Part three of a reflection on Matthew 17 and Luke 9) I’d like to make some observations from this story. 1. The disciples wanted to spend time with Jesus. He was going up on the mountain, so they went up on the mountain. They had watched him go away to pray often. We don’t know […]

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A parental blessing.

(Part two of a reflection on Matthew 17 and Luke 9. Here’s part one. ) Peter, John, and James slept through part of the conversation Jesus had with Elijah and Moses. They woke up as it was ending. Peter called out, wanting to build three little huts to celebrate the moment. Luke says that Peter […]

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Community for Jesus.

(Part one of a reflection on Matthew 17 and Luke 9) One day, after they had been together for more than a couple years, Jesus told the disciples he was going to die. They were going to go up to Jerusalem and he would be arrested and killed and rise again. This confused the disciples. […]

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Notes.

I’ve been in lots of conversations this week. Here are some bits. “I need 300 words,” I said to Nancy as we were on our walk. “There’s one,” she said, gesturing in front of us. “And there’s another.” It’s been a long week. “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. Only do not […]

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Expectations, Lent, and how we are similarly different.

(First published February 8, 2016) Some of my friends with spiritual interests anticipate Lent with a sense of gratitude. They are thankful for what they learn about themselves through the disciplines of giving up and of moving toward God. They appreciate the invitation to participate with others known as the Body of Christ. I have […]

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