The idea of separation feels like a timely consideration when there seems to be so many temptations to think in terms of being separate from, different from, or even in opposition with one another. I often say, and believe it to be true, that any perception that we are somehow separate from each other is an illusion. In so many ways, we are prone to falling into the trap of separateness – the “us” or “them” dualistic mindset. But that is not the nature of God and how we

Matthew 28: 16-20 I heard a story once about a famous tightrope walker who amazed the crowds with his ability to walk across large expanses on the tightrope without losing his balance. He would walk across waterfalls or canyons or between tall buildings, all to the delight and amazement of the crowds that gathered to watch. When he would return to his starting point, he would ask the crowd if they believed he could go across and back again with a wheelbarrow. There were a few

John 17:1-11 Irenaeus of Lyons once said: “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” What does it mean to be glorified? It is a good question to ask ourselves as we come down the stretch of these fifty days of Easter when we hear so much about glorification, the glory of God, and the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ The prayer that we hear from Jesus in the book of John is one of many that I hold close to my heart as a follower of Jesus. He speak

One of the most intimate and memorable moments of worship I have known came in a seemingly unlikely place, although I have come to expect such things from God. The place was the dayroom on the psychiatric floor of the clinic in Twin Towers Correctional Facility. Twin Towers houses about 4,000 inmates, both male and female, all of whom are diagnosed with varying degrees of psychological challenges. It is the largest mental health facility in the United States, and it’s a jail.

I am clergy in the Episcopal Church. I am also a monk dedicated to my life of prayer. Others sometimes assume that people like me have deep insightful wisdom to offer about prayer. Do not be disappointed when I say that I do not. It is not for me to tell anyone how to connect with God. All I can genuinely offer is my own experience, which has taught me that there are as many ways to pray as there are human hearts beating for God. I spent a good deal of time alone as a kid.

John 10:1-10 One of the most tender images in the bible are those of Jesus as a shepherd. Throughout John 10 we hear Jesus refer to himself the shepherd who cares for and calls his sheep. It is such a loving metaphor – the good shepherd who keeps the flock safe and watches over them and even lays down his life for them. In today’s passage Jesus is the gate and the gatekeeper for the herd. He is leading the way into safety and even abundance. What a compelling way for Jesus

Here we are again with the story of Jesus showing his wounds to reassure Thomas that he continues to be present in his life. This is a story about making sure that Thomas is secure in his walk with Jesus, even after he has been killed. It is important to Jesus that Thomas have a solid faith to rely on as they face the storms ahead for the disciples. Faith is a great strength for all of us as we navigate the challenges life will undoubtedly bring. I didn’t grow up believing

Beginning Thursday, we follow the story of Jesus’s final three days in Jerusalem and his destiny, and our destiny, with the cross. The story of these three days, which we call the Triduum, begins in the upper room with Jesus breaking bread with his disciples and continues into Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and the Great Vigil of Easter. The importance of the movement of these three days, what it meant for Jesus, the disciples and for us, cannot be understated. Each day and n