Meditations 4 Misfits

An Ash Wednesday reflection. “The Spirit of God that moved over the face of the waters “in the beginning” continues to move, continues to create … ‘Create’ is not confined to what the Spirit did; it is what the Spirit does.” – Eugene Peterson 

In this podcast, Fred shares a reflection on the biblical story of the “Transfiguration” and how we can cause harm in our efforts to convert each other.  “None of us go into our spiritual maturity completely of our own accord, or by a totally free choice.  We are drawn by Mystery, which religious people rightly call grace.” – Richard Rohr 

In this podcast, Fred shares some thoughts about Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:21-37. “There is, perhaps, no greater hardship at present inflicted on mankind in civilized and free countries than the necessity of listening to sermons.”  – Anthony Trollope (in 1857) 

In this podcast Fred shares some thoughts on what constitutes an authentic spiritual experience, and how this can shape our identity. 

“Ministry is the profession of fools and clowns telling everyone who has ears to hear and eyes to see that life is not a problem to bel solved but a mystery to be entered into.”  – Henri Nouwen 

“Who is the God to whom I pray?  leads directly to the question, “Who am I who wants to pray to God?” – Henri Nouwen 

In this reflection, Fred shares why he believes the Good News is good news. “What is most important – the destination or the journey?” The wise man answered, “The companions.” That’s why we do this together … so that when we allow fear to rise up and cause us to behave in ways that dishonor the love we have been given, we can remind each other to wake up and live into our destiny once again. 

In this podcast, Fred shares some reflections about the baptism of Jesus found in Matthew 3:13-17. “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls us the ‘Beloved.'”― Henri J.M. Nouwen 

In this reflection on the famous “sheep and goats” passage from Matthew 25, Fred shares some thoughts to help guide us into 2023. “Our culture says that ruthless competition is the key to success.  Jesus says that ruthless compassion is the purpose of our journey.”  – Brennan Manning 

This is a YouTube post of my reflection on the readings this morning at our church. Upon actually seeing what I look like these days, the famous quote from Shakespeare may come to mind … “Out, out, damn spot!” https://youtu.be/Pc-4JuQdxGA?t=1140