Wisdom and the Common Project

It is somewhat striking that in our time we speak so little, and even think so little, of an aspiration to become wise. For much of humanity’s history, cultures and societies would so desire to identify the wise persons among them and to seek their guidance. These would become revered by their society because of a sense that they knew something about the true significance and purpose of human life and, perhaps, could communicate this wisdom to others. Our society, on the other hand, reveres the wealthy and the powerful. If we look at who is given recognition and memorialization[read more]

Regarding Others As More Important Than Ourselves

Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also everyone for those of others. Philippians 2: 3-4 When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or[read more]

The Last and the First

Indeed they will come from east and west, from north and south, and they will recline in the kingdom of God.  Look, those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last. Luke 13: 29-30 At the height of the human and global policy disaster that was the Iraq War,[read more]

Truth and Solitude

In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. Ephesians 1” 11-12 Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware[read more]

Humility and Love

With what shall I come before the Lord, / and bow before God most high? / Shall I come before him with burnt offering, / with calves a year old? / Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams / with myriad streams of oil? / Shall I give my first born for my[read more]

Mercy and Self-Awareness

When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Jesus, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath. . . .If you knew what this meant, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned these innocent men.  For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath.” Matthew, 12:2,8[read more]

Go and Learn

Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. Matthew 6: 12-13 For most of my life, I have read, and, I thought, taken to heart the words from Hosea[read more]

Growing in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ

Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability.  But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3; 17-18   The other day something that occurred had agitated[read more]