It is a little paradoxical to write about Easter in the middle of Lent, but every year we pastors prepare our Easter sermons during the heart of the sacrifice and fasting that Lent brings, so the practice makes sense. In many of our countries, Easter is the day people return to the normalcy of work... Continue Reading →
Joan Chittister: Reflections on the Importance of the Christian calendar
We begin the Christian calendar with Advent. From my perspective, no one expresses the meaning of this reality better perhaps than Joan Chittister en her book, The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life. Every year is a distinct growth point in life, the shedding of another shell of life. Each year brings... Continue Reading →
At Arm’s Length: A Lenten Reflection
In this season of Lent, I have been reflecting on a haunting phrase: “at a distance.” Doesn't seem too scary or even noteworthy, right? Why would I say it is haunting? It was the night of Jesus’ betrayal, the night before he would be crucified. Feet have been washed, Passover has been served, and the soldiers... Continue Reading →
Lent: Getting Back in Touch with our Souls
“Lent is our salvation from the depths of nothingness. It is our guide to the more of life.” –Joan Chittister Lent is nearly upon us. Every year when I write about Lent, especially in Spanish, it seems to provoke controversy. Why would Evangelical churches celebrate something that is Catholic? Well, the quick answer is that... Continue Reading →
Attuning Ourselves to the Life of Jesus
Reflections on the Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister As I mentioned in the previous article, I have recently been reading a book that has proven impactful in my understanding of the Christian calendar. It’s written by Joan Chittister and entitled, The Liturgical Year: The Spiraling Adventure of the Spiritual Life. As we near Ash Wednesday, I... Continue Reading →
Joan Chittister: Reflections on The Christian Calendar
The season of Lent is almost upon us, and every year there are at least some Evangelical Christians in different countries who contact me out of their concern or confusion with this period in the Christian calendar, or the concept of a liturgical year in general. Phyllis Tickle explains that the Christian calendar has been... Continue Reading →