One of the ways many Christians have traditionally contemplated on Good Friday is by reading and reflecting on the last words of Christ from the cross. The Gospel of Luke records the final words of Jesus before he died on the cross: Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit…

“Bring good things out of the good stored up in (your) heart” -Luke 6.45- In honor of Good Friday, make a sacred promise during this venerated day based on a specific scripture you have been fulfilling over the years. May your sacred promise, however, express and emphasize a deep heartfelt desire to fulfill the scripture…

The most precious gift that we could give to others for Christmas is our “word.” To say to someone “I Give You My Word” is a Christmas gift that can be deeply experienced like no other. It can be one of the most sacred gifts you can give to a family member or friend. We…

After the Coming Lenten Season, will we be the same person we were when the pandemic began or a different person preparing to minister in a post-pandemic world May we heed the Lenten call to imitate Christ’s Spirit-led withdrawal into a place of solitude throughout the season and imagine ourselves prayerfully rising on Easter Sunday…

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to act (Proverbs 3.27) Therefore, as we have occasion, let us do good to everyone (Galatians 6.10) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians…

You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD. –Leviticus 19.32– –Let Us Envision a Post-Pandemic Era in Which We Rise in the Presence of the Elderly and Honor the Aged Unlike Ever Before– You are to rise in the presence of the…

“The groans of the dying rise from the city, and the souls of the wounded cry out for help. But God charges no one with wrongdoing.” (Job 24.12) The groans of the dying rise from the city We hear the groans through the media, the distressing daily stories and updates about the number of persons…

–Social distancing provides a time for deeper reflection on social distance— Health and government officials define social distancing in disaster preparedness terms such as “shelter in place” and “Safer at Home” to prevent the spread of an infectious disease such as the new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) by ordering people to stay in their residences…

. . . how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct? -1 Corinthians 14:7b- The distinct 24-note graceful and grieving bugle call known as Taps has stirred deep feelings of sadness, sorrow, and sting in most, if not all, of us. Members of the U.S. military salute from the…

“To be Willing to March into Hell for a Heavenly Cause” (from the classic song The Impossible Dream) This past week we commemorated the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) who would have turned 90 years old this month if he had not met an untimely death just over 50 years ago. The lyrics…