Growing up in the Plymouth Brethren, a loose confederation of "assemblies" deeply flavored by Anabaptist thought, the whole idea of war seemed remote to us. As I recall, it was considered a "worldly" thing, something the devout should be wary of and even though there were military personnel in our community, they were rare, mostly … Continue reading The Pacifist Inside…
Ukraine
Tell me please as I haven't the wisdom. Which of Christ's brothers should die so I may not be considered a coward? Which of His sister's must I make widow, and which of His children fatherless? My heart is overwhelmed. Hard salt tears are my prayer. Devils rejoice as I stammer out hopes, and wishes, … Continue reading Ukraine
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February 12, 2022
February 13, 2022 As we begin to approach Lent the Church has provided us with texts to lead the way into this holy season of renewal. This Gospel is the first. Jesus is presenting a parable, a story whose details aren’t meant to be taken literally but whose larger point is meant to be taken … Continue reading February 12, 2022
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There are times…
when I feel the urge to hide from the whole world and my imagination creates a mythical place far from everywhere, a place of peace and immeasurable quiet. And, for a moment, that "happy place," which for me looks like a cabin by a small river at the edge of a woods, can be at … Continue reading There are times…
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Too Fast…
I want things to happen too quickly. Good things, for sure, but at too fast a pace. What difference would it make if even the very best happened but there was no love, no time to reflect, no humility and awe at things eternal? Rushed for the sake of rushed is still rushed, and incomplete, … Continue reading Too Fast…
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I remember Russell…
He was younger than I was, late 20's, early 30's. At least it seemed that way. A vivacious personality, quick with a joke, sarcastic in a funny way. Too young, though, it would seem, to be in a nursing home. Decades ago, as a young Chaplain, I was part of the team that spearheaded a … Continue reading I remember Russell…
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This…
To discover church history is to rediscover Orthodoxy...
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Homily, January 31
January 31, 2021 I stand by your side, sometimes, in front of the icon of our Lord and I listen. Sometimes the words emerge with hesitance, the voice of a heart trying to find its depths. Sometimes the words have been planned, efficient, the reading of a list prepared with focus and direction. At times … Continue reading Homily, January 31
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Homily, Myrrh Bearing Women
Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women – 2021 Jesus, in His public ministry, was hardly ever alone. We often have a picture of Jesus and His 12 disciples wandering the Holy Land together almost like an extended camping trip, but even a quick reading of the Gospels reveals this to be a rare occurrence. As … Continue reading Homily, Myrrh Bearing Women
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Homily, March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021 Some thoughts for the younger people in the spring of life and worth the consideration of those of us in our autumn as well. You’ll be amazed, when you reach 60 or more, how fast the years have passed. In the spring and summer of youth time can seem to stand still. … Continue reading Homily, March 28, 2021
The Beautiful Path 