Forward Day By Day – August 15, 2019

Thursday, August 15, 2019

In her appearances to the faithful over the millennia, Mary always comes dressed as a local. At the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, enormous mosaics from 43 countries honor Our Lady. In each picture, she bears the physical characteristics of the contributing...

Forward Day By Day – August 14, 2019

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

When my spouse retired, we simplified a lot of things about our life. As we downsized, we had to make decisions about every single item we owned. This exercise got easier as we went along and ultimately resulted in lighter spirits and a more nimble life. It’s not...

Forward Day By Day – August 13, 2019

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

The crowds, the Pharisees, the disciples, the parents, the children—everybody wants something from Jesus. The crowds want teachings and healings. The Pharisees want to trap Jesus. The disciples want Jesus to themselves. The parents seek a blessing for their children....

Forward Day By Day – August 12, 2019

Monday, August 12, 2019

Today’s lessons are not the kinds of scripture passages we cross stitch on pillows. We don’t get to select only the bits of the Bible we want to spend time with, like picking out the pretzels from the party mix. Christians believe the Bible to be the Word of God,...

Forward Day By Day – August 11, 2019

Sunday, August 11, 2019

There are different estimates of exactly how many times Jesus speaks some variation of “Do not be afraid.” No matter the number, the recurring message is clear: Do not be afraid. Life is a creative process. The tools we might need as we make ou….(View this...

Forward Day By Day – August 10, 2019

Saturday, August 10, 2019

There is a high level of stress and disorder in our gospel passage. Jesus tells his friends—for the second time—about his impending death and resurrection. They don’t understand, as usual. Despite seeing Jesus’ wondrous powers, despite walking and talking with Jesus...

Forward Day By Day – August 9, 2019

Friday, August 9, 2019

Today we hear the prophetic version of Just wait until your Father gets home. Nathan is so angry he is practically sputtering and tells the king a tale of injustice concerning two men and an ewe lamb. David declares the act of injustice to be punishable by death....

Forward Day By Day – August 8, 2019

Thursday, August 8, 2019

The last sentence in today’s framing verse is one of the great biblical understatements of all time. David has perpetrated a complicated, power-abusing plot upon Bathsheba and her husband Uriah—because he desired Bathsheba. The greatest king in the history of Israel,...

Forward Day By Day – August 7, 2019

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

It feels a little out of character for Jesus to sound so darkly apocalyptic, so cryptic. “Some of you,” he says pointedly, “will still be alive when the kingdom of God has come.” And Christians have argued ever since: What? Which of us?When? ….(View this reading...

Forward Day By Day – August 6, 2019

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Human babies love faces. When babies see joy and delight in those who love them, they learn how to be joyful and delighted. The way my parents’ faces reflected their love for me when they gazed at my babyself taught me the life-truth that I am loved. The light in...