Meditations 4 Misfits

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

In this short reflection based on the Gospel of John 1:1-20, Fred shares some thoughts on the implications of Christmas.

15 years ago, my wife Nancy donated one of her two kidneys to a stranger … here is her story presented in the Oregonian Newspaper today … https://www.oregonlive.com/living/2022/12/donating-an-organ-to-a-stranger-its-a-small-price-to-pay-to-save-someones-life.html