• Call no man happy until he is dead.

    Call no man happy until he is dead.

    Simon Critchley, in action Philosopher Simon Critchley writes a thought-provoking reflection on happiness on the”Happy Days” blog on nytimes.com . The ancient Greek proverb above is his launching point into thinking about…

  • My first Father’s Day as a father

    My first Father’s Day as a father

    Giotto’s “Saint Francis preaching to the birds” This is my very first Father’s Day as both a son and a father. Other than the blazing heat that feels more like August than…

  • Proper 7 · Mark 4:35-41 · June 21, 2009

    By Paul Robinson Preface: Sometimes a boat is just a boat Although Mark’s account of the stilling of the storm did not occur in any historic lectionary, Matthew’s version of the story…

  • Proper 6 · Mark 4:26-34 · June 14, 2009

    By Thomas Egger Mark 4 begins and ends with references to Jesus as a teacher (4:1, 4:38). Yet it is clear from the central theme of his teaching (the kingdom of God)…

  • Holy Trinity · John 3:1-17 · June 7, 2009

    By Jeffrey Kloha This text is perhaps too familiar to the typical hearer. Phrases like “born again,” “the Son of Man will be lifted up,” “God so loved the world . .…

  • Pentecost · John 15:26-27; 16:4-15 · May 31, 2009

    By Robert Hoehner This is Pentecost, a day of celebration; a day to remember and hold fast to our identity as the people of God, and the purpose he intends for our…

  • Easter 7 · John 17:11b-19 · May 24, 2009

    By William W Schumacher The vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of this text are rather simple. In fact, a pastor whose Greek has become rusty would be well advised to return his attention…

  • Ascension · Luke 24:44-53 · May 21, 2009

    By Kent Burreson A Journey for the Ages This homiletical help provides reflections on central themes for the Ascension in light of the liturgical context and hymnography for the feast. The Gospel…

  • Budding Birder

    Budding Birder

    How about that! I actually saw a cerulean warbler. But it wouldn’t have happened without some help. At Lost Valley Trail in Weldon Spring, MO, I ran into a more experienced birder…