12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A, RCL)

It's a beautiful Sunday morning, until the pastor breaks the mood.

We have value because we are creatures, like sparrows.

Can "Abrahamic" replace "Judeo-Christian"? And without sacrificing the integrity of three different traditions?

Perhaps the real lack of faith in modern society comes down to a lack of reverence for the people around us.

When the disciples try to explain Jesus’ wrath, they quote Psalm 69:9, “Zeal for your house has consumed me.” John neglects to include the verse just before it, however.

Hagar’s story has often been read as if it explains some inevitable animosity among the Abrahamic faiths. We should try reading it differently.

If Paul is right, we are living fantasy lives. Anytime we live as though power conquers and wealth protects, we live a fantasy. Anytime we live like death wins, we live a fantasy.

Paul tells us about a future that has already happened—yet we live not only like it hasn’t happened yet but like we don’t think it ever really will.

Jeremiah has great resolve—at least in retrospect.

In this life, sanctification is gradual and difficult. Why would it be different in the life to come?

These Gospel stories can seem so familiar. But sit with the disciples in the little wooden boat, and Jesus' power will render you speechless.

Reconciliation requires relocation. To see the effects of our food choices, we have to get close to the land.

Remembering our baptism enables us to step out of our old life, at least for a moment.