A few days ago we celebrated the feast of Christ the King. In the Church year this is always the marker of ending and the time to begin the preparation for the new Liturgical Year, Advent. This Feast, for me…
Just Like Sheep
Atheists and the Holy Spirit of Christmas
Most Christians are really atheists who feel trapped in their family’s religion. They need not be Christian to enjoy the holiday season. This cynical explanation is how David Silverman, president of American Atheists, rationalized the giant billboard in Times Square….
To Be Like St Nicholas
December 6 is the feast of St. Nicholas, bishop of Smyrna, certainly one of the most popular saints celebrated in our Church, as well as in the Eastern Church. He is beloved by everyone, even those who are not members…
A Dog, A Turkey Wing, and Advent
As a treat this Thanksgiving, I bought my eleven-year-old mutt a freeze-dried turkey wing to gnaw on. He is showing signs of his age, and it takes him a bit longer to do things. Like eat a turkey wing. I’ve…
The Forgotten One
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as…
Parish Life Lessons: From Gyms and Fitness Centers
From YMCAs to PlanetFitness to the latest CrossFit outpost in your local strip mall, gyms and fitness centers are an ubiquitous part of most American communities. The rise and fall of certain models can give us insight into factors we…
Christ the King & Last Judgment
Sunday Readings for Nov 26, 2017 On the final Sunday of the liturgical year, it is time to remember things that we’d prefer to forget. For starters, we recall that there is an infinite qualitative difference between us and God….
God’s Never In Over His Head
“The Lord rules over the deep waters; he rules as king forever.” (Psalm 29: 10) In the real world, nobody asks or cares if I made the honor roll in school. What matters is how I act in the situation…
Thanksgiving & Eucharist
For Americans, the term “Thanksgiving” conjures up images of turkey and cranberry sauce, parades, and bowl games. These “traditions” have come to mark an event made a perpetual institution of American life by President Abraham Lincoln. But why did Lincoln…
Thanksgiving
Last night I was putting Ana to bed. We had said our prayers and were laying there quietly talking. She asked if I was going to be a witch for Halloween and wanted to know when we would go trick…