33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B, RCL)

Even as we seek practical solutions to our problems, we cannot afford to abandon the beliefs and spiritual practices that undergird us.

Jesus tells the disciples a hard truth: nothing you see here is going to last.

When I show up, God shows up—although not always in the sermon.

Not all who struggle with infertility have their prayers answered.

What if we put children at the center of our policies and decisions?

I held ten stones. My friend held two more.

Since my son’s accident, everything I understand about hope has changed.

Jesus has the prophet’s double horizon in view.

Sometimes we need a good old-fashioned swig of bracing disillusionment.

Even before my first cup of coffee, I often turn the radio on to check the weather report for the day: will I need an umbrella? Should I take an extra jacket? Looking around for my coffee cup, I barely hear the voice in the background: "The sun will be darkened; and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken."

Really? Maybe I should just go back to bed.

The unnamed disciple in Mark 13:1 would have been impressed not only by the temple’s splendor, but by what it represented: God’s presence with Israel. Jesus’ reply must have astounded him.

Every time I read Psalm 16, I think about how an individual's life is in large measure the sum total of the influence of others.

On August 1, 2009, The Mobile Press-Register published an article written by Greg Garrison of the Religion News Service entitled, “Heaven? Sure. Hell? Not so much.” Shortly thereafter, a parishioner of ours brought in a copy for me and wondered aloud, “Why don’t we talk about hell any more?” It just so happened that the answer to his question appeared in the teaser quote right at the top of the article.