A few years ago, my favorite show on television was Alias. The premise of the show was this: a young woman graduate student gets recruited by what she thinks is the CIA, only to learn it is actually a nefarious organization. She then goes to the actual CIA and works as a double agent, to [...]
Archive for the 'Easter' Category
Easter Sunday, Year C, 2007
08Apr07A friend of mine, a New Testament scholar, has a very clear idea of the perfect Easter sermon. The minister would climb in the pulpit, say, “Alleluia! Christ is risen!”, promptly sit down, and let the choir do the real preaching. It’s a little early in my ministry to attempt such a feat, but I [...]
Easter 6, Year B, 2006
21May06Today we celebrate youth Sunday. Twice a year we take a day to honor the young people among us. We are so proud of our young people and their many skills and gifts and charming personalities. “Ah”, we think, “I remember when I was young and full of potential and life was all ahead of [...]
Easter 4, Year B, 2006
06May06While I am normally a mature–and let’s be honest, sophisticated person–every time I hear Handel’s Messiah, I giggle hysterically when the choristers belt out, “We like sheep. . .” Sure I know Handel uses the word “like” in order to make a simile, but for a brief moment it feels as if Handel has taken [...]
Easter 2, Year B, 2006
24Apr06You’re working hard alongside your twin brother, minding your own business, when this incredibly dynamic man, Jesus, persuades you to leave your steady job to become a homeless wanderer. You’re a practical person, so this bold decision is at once thrilling and terrifying. You are also a grown man, and frankly, not entirely comfortable with [...]
