learning to forgive
It’s there, in the middle of the Lord’s Prayer. “Forgive us our trespasses [sins], as we forgive those who trespass [sin] against us” is planted in the center of our most important prayer. The language might not be familiar to a newcomer – who today says “trespass”? – but however you say it, Jesus meant […]
assateague island
“Aztec Island?” “No,” Ruth answered, “Assateague.” “There are wild horses there.” she informed me. On a gray, drizzly Friday, Ruth and I were discussing how to spend our day off. A visit to an unknown island sounded promising, especially one populated by wild horses. We checked the map: Assateague Island is located on a long […]
spiritual hunger
Last month two seminarians from Virginia Episcopal Seminary made a special journey from Alexandria VA to Wilmington DE. The reason? To attend a service of the Holy Eucharist at Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Wilmington. It turns out the Diocese of Virginia had forbidden all forms of public worship, even within the seminary. For the […]
election year
Christians have traditionally been held to a higher standard than other folk, and with good reason. The world has need for the authentic witness of practicing Christians who, by their words and actions, foster unity and encourage reconciliation. This need for Christian witness is today needed more than ever, especially when we observe the events […]
time of transition
By far the best known psalm is the 23rd Psalm, which has this memorable opening line, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” You can turn to this psalm at any time of your life, but it has a special gift in time of need; whether you are grieving the loss of a […]
Wild God
Earlier this month Hurricane Isaias swept through Bethany Beach. I remember being awakened early on Tuesday morning by a loud sequence of horn blasts which appeared to be emanating from my iphone; the accompanying message advised me to go to the basement (sadly, there is none.) Not long after, the winds and rain arrived with […]
The Promise of Baptism
Do you remember the last time you were in church for a baptism service? I’m guessing it was a while ago. Last Saturday, I had the privilege of attending a baptism for the first time in ages. The candidate was about to experience two life-changing events in two weeks: first, baptism, and then, the following […]