Author Archives: Fred

Tiny God Syndrome

In this podcast, we reflect on the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses as recorded in the book of Exodus chapter 20. In this story, we are given the cure for the disease of the Tiny God Syndrome.  “Sometimes we wish the world could cry and tell us about that which made it pregnant with fear-filling grandeur.” – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel 

  “Tiny God Syndrome,”  podcast #130

By What Authority?

In this reflection on two texts, Exodus 17 and Mathew 21, the theme is who do we trust to help us navigate through the uncertainties of life and why do we trust them. “You will trust God to the degree that you know you are loved by God.” – Brennan Manning 

  “By What Authority?”  podcast #129

What is It?

This podcast offers a reflection on the story in Exodus 16 of the journey through the wilderness. It is an archetypal image of the journey between bondage and well-being, and a reminder that we are not alone on this journey. 

  “What is it?”  podcast #128

Remembering Who We Are

This podcast offers a reflection on the story of Isaac in Genesis chapter 26, who uncovered the wells of his father Abrahm. Re-digging the wells can be seen as a metaphor for re-connecting with our life Source by remembering who we are. “Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” ― Sue Monk Kidd 

  “Remembering Who We Are,”  podcast #127

Getting Older and Staying Connected

On November 6th I’ll be part of a very special event in Grants Pass, Oregon … here are the details.

Consider This: Getting Older and Staying Connected — Oregon Humanities

Helping Make God Visible

In this reflection on Genesis 18:1-15, it is suggested that like Abrahm and Sarah, our calling and vocation may become activated as we engage in the God-like activity of hospitality. 

  ‘Helping Make God Visible,”  podcast #126

Getting Along

In this podcast, we’ll consider Jesus’s advice from Matthew 18:15-20 on how we might better get along with each other. “We must all learn to live together as brothers and sisters or we will all perish together as fools.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. 

  “Getting Along,”  podcast #114

Dancing with the Divine

In this reflection on the story of Pentecost from Acts chapter 2, I’m struck by the initial evidence of the Spirit’s coming is the sanctified gift of language to break through the barriers of existential alone-ness that plague us all. “Any god concerned with me but not with you, is an idol.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel 

  “Dancing with the Divine,”  podcast #111

Come and See

In this reflection, we’ll consider what Jesus might have meant by the phrase “Kingdom of God.” Episcopalian priest Cynthia Bourgeault suggests, ” You don’t die into it (the Kingdom of God), you awaken into it.  It is not a place you go to, it is a place you come from.” 

  “Come and See,”  podcast #110

Loving Jesus

In this reflection on John 14:15-21, we consider how it is so much easier to worship Jesus rather than do what he told us to do. 

  “Loving Jesus,”  podcast #109