SEPTEMBER 2, 2022 A Prayer for Labor Day Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return …

Topsy-Turvy Teaching About 10 years ago, several colleagues prevailed on me to enroll in the first two units of what’s best described as a self-actualization series. They’d found the program rewarding, personally and professionally, and were enthusiastic about it. I was too, at first. The introductory unit was positive, supportive, enlightening. But the week-long second unit started off with a …

AUGUST 19, 2022 What Matters Most Writer Herbert O’Driscoll, in his book Prayers for the Breaking of Bread, tells of noticing a doctor caring for an elderly gentleman in a busy hospital emergency room. The man had come in with an injury that turned out to be readily treatable. As the doctor moved on to her next patient, she pulled …

AUGUST 12, 2022 When the Gospel is Difficult Sometimes the words of scripture are easy on the ear. But other times they are more challenging. We can often gravitate towards things in life that are easier, that we prefer—and this temptation can also influence how we read the Bible. The words from Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel might grate more on …

AUGUST 5, 2022 Do Not Be Afraid This Sunday, Jesus will remind us and his disciples in the Gospel of Luke: “Do not be afraid, little flock.” This is the song that God has been singing to humankind since the beginning of time. In Moses’ interaction with the burning bush? God says: “Do not be afraid.” As the angel visits the …