Faith Matters
More saints than we can know
On the feast of St. Paul's conversion, Google kept reminding me that it was also Virginia Woolf's birthday.
A confession about three nails
"Sam," the voice on the phone said, simply. I was transported back 25 years.
Alienated from our own beauty
Sin distorts the reciprocity for which God made us.
People with gravitas
It's not exactly a spiritual gift.
The inexhaustible spiritual practice of rereading
In a course on contemplative prayer, I assigned just six books—and we read them each twice.
The day my clergy group let one member down
The story was gut wrenching. Then came the group's response.
The key of David and other Advent images
Each December we pray for the key of David to come. What does it lock and unlock?
Gentleness isn’t fragile
Most social problems are rooted in the failure of the strong to be gentle with others.
Can we reclaim "thoughts and prayers"?
Instead of being an excuse for inaction, thoughts and prayers can turn us toward acts of love.
Two stories that define our world
One tells us we can have anything we want. The other says our problems are someone else's fault.
What I found when I packed up my office
Some things are worth keeping precisely because they will soon turn to dust.
Things are always falling apart
Is there a center that can hold?
The life of faith requires muscle memory
We need to learn to adjust our posture so our theology rings true.
A former parishioner shows me the gospel
His life had emerged from chaos, but he didn't have a bad word for anyone.
Blaise Pascal, blessed doubter
Pascal knew both the inconstancy of the human heart and the promise that we were made for glory.
What I learned from our seminary's conflict about hosting Tim Keller
At times, the cost of theological diversity is painfully clear.
Pilgrims together on St. Cuthbert's Way
Every step of my sister’s pilgrimage was a prayer, and I tried to follow in the path she made.
What people need from their pastors
The ailing young man wanted to be face to face with God. I opened my shoebox.
Anxious about anxiety
How can we overcome our anxiety? And should we even try?
The temporary gift of marriage
"I'm not afraid of marrying you," said the young groom. "I'm afraid of losing you."