Do not give what is holy to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine; lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Matthew 7:6) One of the things I’m conscious of since our arrival here in Owen Sound is that in putting our respective “best feet … [Read more…]
Luke 22:14—23:56 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. (Luke 22:14) The reading of the passion narrative on this day begins in an orderly and appropriate fashion. When it was time, Jesus gathered with his disciples. The story can seem predictable. And yet for all the … [Read more…]
John 12:1–8 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. (John 12:3a) In times of difficulty it can be jarring when we notice extravagance. When resources are precious it can seem wasteful to toss them about. Yet today’s gospel reading is about exactly … [Read more…]
Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32 But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20b) Sometimes we can find ourselves lost and alone, feeling cut off from God’s love and from the goodness of life. Like the so-called … [Read more…]
Psalm 63:1–8 O God … I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1) A student once defined “yearning” as meaning “wanting something so badly it hurts.” The teacher affirmed the student, “that’s right – it has … [Read more…]