It seems like in the last few weeks we have gone from one upheaval to another: from the earthquake in New Zealand, to the uprisings in the Middle East, and to the latest catastrophes in Japan. It's the magnitude of the latter that is overwhelming.The world is too dangerous for humans when tectonic plates shift and turn into earthquakes, when the oceans rock with tsunamis. … [Read more...] about A way to respond
Archives for March 2011
Purple again
It's purple again in church. Purple slipped in with Lent and with a helpful worship committee person. The cross, the altar, the pulpit are all draped in purple cloth now. Why purple? It's supposed to be a more penitential color...at least, that is true about the deep purple hanging around the worship space. But I'm not convinced. Last week, as I … [Read more...] about Purple again
Fiery Furnace 3: Conclusion
Here's another connection between the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) and Ash Wednesday.Today, Ash Wednesday, we hear we will die. Actually we are told to remember that we are dust and to dust we will return (God's words in Genesis 3). When Shadrach, Meshah and Abednego were thrown into the furnace they knew they were as good as dead dust. Except for this: into the … [Read more...] about Fiery Furnace 3: Conclusion
Fiery Furnace 2
So this is a continuation of the last post tying together the fiery furnace story of Daniel 3 and Ash Wednesday.One of my colleagues suggested that repentance is a common theme. Sure enough, on Ash Wednesday we acknowledge our sin and need for God, asking for mercy. Is there any repenting in the fiery furnace story? In a strange sort of way, yes, there is.King … [Read more...] about Fiery Furnace 2
Fiery Furnace
So what do Ash Wednesday and the fiery furnace of Daniel 3 have in common?Ashes, you say? Works for me. On one hand,cold ashes on the forehead. On the other hand, the hot ashes of whatever and whoever burned in that great Babylonian furnace...an ancient government's idea of capital punishment.For Wednesday nights in Lent, pastors from nearby Lutheran … [Read more...] about Fiery Furnace