Category Archives: 12-step spirituality

Radical unprotectedness.

Earlier this week, as I was fishing for information on St. Francis of Assisi, I came across a phrase attributed to Simon Tugwell, who describes Franciscan spirituality as “a way of radical unprotectedness.” The meaning of “unprotectedness” seemed obvious to … Continue reading

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Blessed by the most vulnerable.

As I go along in ministry, I seem to get clearer and clearer about my sense of call.  Rapidly I find myself getting over the need to apologize for what often comes across as a broad and unwieldy sense of … Continue reading

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“Woman, why are you weeping?’

She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ Easter is an immensely joyful time for those who believe and trust in the good news.  We celebrate what has … Continue reading

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Stripped and broken, beautiful still.

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”  He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. (John 12:32-33) When we think of the beauty of God, it … Continue reading

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Truth-telling and other brave acts

A dear friend told me recently, “You are very brave.” My inner critic was quick to tell me: Brave? Possibly.  Or perhaps you are mildly crazy or deluded.  I kept my mouth shut, but hoped my friend was right. My friend’s … Continue reading

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Giving up shame.

There is a fair amount of chatter these days about how best to observe a Holy Lent.  Many people choose the discipline of giving something up – like chocolate or wine or Facebook.  Others take something on – a new … Continue reading

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What we are made for.

Hoping against hope, he believed that he would become ‘the father of many nations’, according to what was said, ‘So numerous shall your descendants be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was already … Continue reading

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Only Jesus.

Suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.  As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of … Continue reading

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The face of Christ

God is everywhere. Jesus promises to be with us always. All that is.  This is what God holds in his palm, according to Julian of Norwich. We like statements of certainty that affirm God’s presence and action in our lives, … Continue reading

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Wide open spaces

Vulnerability has been on my mind a lot lately.  In our culture, we get a lot of encouragement and advice to help us avoid being vulnerable.  In business or at war, we are trained to identify vulnerabilities, to protect or … Continue reading

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