I mentioned David Brooks’ short TED Talk last week when inviting us to avoid confusing titles with accomplishments, so I thought I would share it today. Brooks’ point is that there are two competing dimensions of our selves, one that seeks to build a career and strives for success – the kinds of things that look good on a resume – and one that seeks connection and love and wants to contribute to the common good – the kind of things that contribute to a good eulogy. It’s a reflective talk that reminds me a bit of a commencement address that that I think we can benefit from at any point of our lives. Note:...
John 1:12-13
posted by DJL
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. John qualifies here briefly and importantly what it means to be a child of God by means of contrast. It...
Advent 4 B: Blessed Like Mary
posted by DJL
Dear Partner in Preaching, Notice one thing: before Mary says “yes,” she is blessed. Why does this matter? Because I think it captures not only the important role Mary plays in the Gospel story but also reveals a central dynamic of the Christian life. First, to Mary. She is regularly hailed as a model of faith for her acceptance of the role God invites her to play as the mother of Jesus. And for good reason. Throughout Luke’s Gospel, the willingness to trust the promises of God is the mark of discipleship. And so Elizabeth believes that in her old age she will nevertheless bear John, and the disciples believe they will fish for people,...
John 1:12
posted by DJL
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. And here is the turn. The turn from disobedience, lack of recognition, and rejection. The turn toward life, and light, and joy. For while many rejected the Word of light and life, not all did. And...
Harlem
posted by DJL
The poem that has been coming to my mind most frequently of late is Langston Hughes’ “Harlem.” Its brief, spare construction holds so much emotion and describes in profound and simple ways the tumult after the grand jury decisions in Ferguson and Staten Island. Not everyone understands...