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“The Joy of Spiritual Desire”
One of the stereotypes of Christians is that they can be somewhat dour and lacking in joy. That might have been lurking in the back of my mind as began this morning’s reading from The Rule of Benedict, where he writes, “At all times the lifestyle of a monk ought…
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Fit for Climbing
“Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and a pure heart, who desires not worthless things, who has not sworn so as to deceive his neighbor.” (Psalm 24:3-4, LH)
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Labor and Lectio
Yesterday morning, a young man from Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church came to our house to work outdoors for five hours. He came because we had submitted the highest bid in a “Servant Auction” sponsored by the youth who are raising funds for their trip to the ELCA’s National…
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Written Upon the Heart
“This is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33, LH)
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Asking God for Help
Today is the twentieth anniversary of my ordination. I recall that, at the time I stood before the members of the parish in Potter, Neb., and made my vows, I felt a mixture of accomplishment and apprehension. I was pleased to have reached this milestone in my professional life, but…
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Stewards of Grace
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” (1 Peter 4:10, NRSV)
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Body Building
This past Sunday I had the opportunity to prepare a sermon and to lead worship at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marquette, Neb. Last night I met with two members of the Congregation Council at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Beatrice, Neb., to talk about my service to that parish as its…
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Spiritual Seniors
Saint Benedict writes two chapters that fall a little harshly on modern ears. They address “Those Who Make Mistakes in the Oratory” (RB 45) and “Those Who Err in Some Other Way” (RB 46). To turn to one of the Lutheran tools for reading a text, it seems fair to…
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Keeping Vigil
“My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my soul within me keeps vigil for you….” (Isaiah 26:9a, LH)