An Elder Pilgrim's Reflections

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (from Mt. 4:1-11 ) One of the more fascinating journeys I have taken was through the arid wilderness of Death Valley. A Death Valley journey is noted for its heat, beauty of the surrounding hills, a museum, and warnings which include weather, road conditions, and survival plans.  Warnings for hikers, backpackers and drivers include self-reliance, good maps and one reading, "If you find an illegal marijuana site, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!". Tending to Lent might be considered a type of arid wilderness with preparations. These preparations often include inauthentic sacrificial acts like "giving something up for Lent", like chocolate, (a big sacrifice for me). But then, how does doing trite acts of sacrifice make you stronger to face difficult times in your arid wilderness? "Taking something up", such as authentic praying, fasting, and giving alms, are other preparations...

"Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white." (from Matthew 7:1-9 ) Several years ago, Elaine and I took the Cog railway up Mt. Washington for the sake of adventure and the panoramic view. God provided us with a beautiful day rather than the clouds and drizzle that often happen. During one of the recent storms, the wind speed reached 120 mph with a windchill of -95.  A video showed a weather observer trying to reach an instrument only to be blown off his feet and up against a building.  Can you imagine the observers intense fear?  This mountain top experience for Peter, James and John was one of confusion and fear.  As these disciples wondered about making dwellings for Moses, Elijah and Jesus, a bright cloud overshadowed them saying, "This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him." Ov...

To donate to Earthquake Relief, click here " I call heaven and earth to witness  against you today that  I have set before you  life and death, blessings and curses. " (from Deuteronomy 30:15-20 ) GPS isn't perfect. That's why when a new District Superintendent came to our church for the first time, she wound up at Child's Park.  GPS guided her to an unused road leading to the Park. By the Grace of God, she had cell service, called the church, and got "redirect" instructions. Having crossed the Jordan, the Israelites listen as Moses describes what they have become: a people formed in the covenant's ordeal; a people made and unmade by the grace of God.  Moses brought them from slavery in Egypt, guided them through the dangers of the wilderness, and finally to Sinai for accepting the Commandments. From now on, life is lived in obedience, faith is practiced and witnessed by faithfully keeping to the Law. Moses explains the choice that before them:    ...

You are the salt of the earth;  but if salt has lost its taste,  how can its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anything,  but is thrown out and trampled under foot.  “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. (from Matthew 5:13-20 ) As I watched portions of Tyre Nichols' funeral, I was touched by a sense darkness pervading my soul.  That darkness was not simply the type that often accompanies a funeral, but a sense of "we've been here before and we going to be back here again". Emphasized at the funeral was the need for national laws to control a culture of violence by police and intending to reducing racial profiling.  To the crowd gathered around him, Jesus talks about a whole other set of laws. Jesus' talk about salt losing its flavor and being trampled underfoot refers to the 10 Commandments and the writings of the prophets. This isn't a new idea, but a reminder, that, like Jesus, his followers are to stan...