One of the most daunting single verses in Scripture is “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mt 5:48) In the Greek the word used is to be teleios just as our God in heaven in teleios. In our spoken English we take “perfect” to be mean without mistake, without blemish, spot or stain. The challenge comes in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount when we have just been told how to live and understand the commandments, how to live more deeply and more fully. But even if we accept the challenge, we know there are limits to our humanity. We are going to fall short. We will not be perfect. Continue reading
Spiritual Communion
Reply
There have been many a Good Friday in the course of my life. I have heard the Passion narrative. I led the Passion narrative during Good Friday liturgies. Over the many years of Bible study I have covered the Passion narrative more than a few times. And now thru the gift of my friends Jerry and Maureen, I experienced Good Friday in a way not to ever be forgotten. 
Even though the entertainment business does not often seem to overtly share my religious sentiments, it at least pays attention to the religious calendar. I have noticed that almost everyday one of the cable or streaming services is offering the movie, The Ten Commandments, the 1956 American epic religious drama film produced, directed, and narrated by Hollywood legend Cecil B. DeMille. The film stars Charlton Heston in role of Moses, Yul Brynner as Pharoah, Edward G. Robinson as Dathan, and a host of other film stars from the 1950s. It was critically acclaimed, won tons of awards, and was one of the most financially successful films of all times, grossing approximately $122.7 million (equivalent to $1.23 billion in 200). The film is based on Prince of Egypt by Dorothy Clarke Wilson, Pillar of Fire by J.H. Ingraham, On Eagle’s Wings by A.E. Southon, and the Book of Exodus. All evidence indicating that this crew of people knew how to present a good story. A story of faith for me, but a story with epic scenes, even a classic chase scene as Pharaoh’s army chases the escaping daughters and sons of Israel. Good stuff. 
There is a lot going on in the readings of Holy Week. Today is “
“Maverick” was the 
As we move closer to the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday, a cloud of darkness that this way comes. For the past week of so we have been hearing about members of civic and religious leadership plotting to kill Jesus. The dark clouds have been on the horizon for some time. In 
Next Sunday is the 
friarmusings 