“What would I believe if I didn’t believe anything?”  Great question – great book, by Kent Ira Groff.  Among the many stories Groff tells, to put us in touch with what it means to embrace the spiritual life, is one about a chaplain who was asked by a prison inmate to connect with the pastor of the church he had burglarized to seek the church’s forgiveness.  The chaplain made the phone call.  The pastor answered, his official board would have to vote on the matter. Several weeks passed without a word. The prison chaplain phoned the church. The pastor reported the news – “the board approved forgiveness, and the vote was seven to five.” Read more …

As the doors were closed, weeks ago, to seal off Rome’s Sistine Chapel to all, except some 115 cardinals, gathered to elect the new Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Christians look to One who has the power to open all doors, including a tomb that had been sealed closed by the power of Rome three days earlier. Read more …

This time every year one question is asked a lot – “Are you ready for Christmas?” I think there’s a better question we should be asking ourselves and those we love: “Do you know where you’re going for Christmas?” I don’t mean do you know the street address or which relatives you’ll be eating turkey with this year. I mean do you know which way to look to find Christmas? If we’re looking in the usual places the odds are stacked against us for finding anything more or less than we ever have. Read more …

I went to see a movie recently and found my usually relaxed approach to what would come next jarringly different from anything I had prepared for. I found myself making a mental note of the exits and watching the front of the theatre for any unexpected action during the opening scenes. I noticed theatre staff checking on exit doors prior to the start of the movie, and grateful for their presence.  These responses are entirely new to me. A rush of adrenaline and a touch of nerves maybe my familiar companions when I’m stepping into a roller coaster at Wonderland for the ride of my life, but not when I’m entering a movie theatre – until now. Read more …

Can’t wait to get there! We’re getting our gear together and watching the weather forecast, hoping for a great day. The excitement has been building since we made the decision. We’re heading down to watch the Jays play the Mets at Rogers and it doesn’t really matter to me who wins. I’ve been a loyal Tigers fan, having grown up just the other side of the Detroit River. I’m looking forward to having fun with my family and getting together with friends. Watching the game up close and personal will be great, even if our seats are in the outfield. Read more …