Tag: jesus

Have you ever heard someone mention they hear God’s voice? In some cases I find it reassuring. In others, I look for an exit. What’s the difference? OK, you might question how I could be reassured when someone speaks simply of hearing God tell or ask them things. I, too, have found a quiet, compelling voice in my mind’s ear displaying greater courage, insight and wisdom than I can claim. Another voice at times would lead me to destructive conclusions or actions. Depending on which I attend to, the difference is stark.

I imagine democracy as a one-way freeway headed for the future. The vehicles on that freeway carry inspired concepts such as, freedom of many kinds, inclusion of all persons, equality and justice for all persons, citizenship, civility and mutual respect, consent of the governed, voting rights for all citizens, minority rights and personal and social responsibility.

If giving up is not the answer, then perhaps it is to live this one and only life as never before. Choosing life is to accept all of life. With acceptance comes the release of one's imperfect self-reflected in the Creator’s image to the crucified and risen one.

God lands on the side of love. Maybe it’s us who are confused about why the Christian tradition has settled for controlling its followers with the threat of punishment both here and in eternity.

God wants us to mature in our spiritual growth. That means we must let the baby Jesus grow up into the compassionate but revolutionary man the Gospels reveal him to be.

That's an easy one (for me at least): yes, at least the Jesus part.

In moving across the communion rail, I see one pair of hands after another. Each of them is held out in this beautiful gesture of openness, a gesture that embodies the words of Jesus’ first disciples: Give us this bread, always.