In Damascus, people whisper when out in public. When a waiter arrives at a table, people stop talking… Then he said what I kept hearing over and over on this trip: “Syrians cannot do this to other Syrians.” (Janine di Giovanni, “Seven Days in Syria”) In the days before spring burst in war, some stillContinue reading “Damascus Road: Pre-War”
Tag Archives: Jesus
Catechism 51
Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension? Christ physically ascended on our behalf, just as he came down to earth physically on our account, and he is now advocating for us in the presence of his Father, preparing a place for us, and also sends us his Spirit. (New City Catechism) Not waiting in vain, menContinue reading “Catechism 51”
Catechism 50
What does Christ’s resurrection mean for us? Christ triumphed over sin and death by being physically resurrected, so that all who trust in him are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. Just as we will one day be resurrected, so this world will one day be restored. ButContinue reading “Catechism 50”
Catechism 49
Where is Christ now? Christ rose bodily from the grave on the third day after his death and is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling his kingdom and interceding for us, until he returns to judge and renew the whole world. (New City Catechism) And where if the body stands is theContinue reading “Catechism 49”
Catechism 47
Does the Lord’s Supper add anything to Christ’s atoning work? No, Christ died once for all. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant meal celebrating Christ’s atoning work; as it is also a means of strengthening our faith as we look to him, and a foretaste of the future feast. But those who take part with unrepentantContinue reading “Catechism 47”
Krateo
While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s… (Acts 3:11) Why cling? Fear, perhaps. The crowd, after all, lunged and lurched about, amazed hands raised, indignant, astonished; how might this seem to eyes which had beheld, rejected, hands which had held andContinue reading “Krateo”
Diakonos
Gather dust. Run, speedy feet, and kick up dust. Kick up, gather: dust we are. O dust, return. Be turned. Gather, sheep. Be gathered, sheep; make ready feet. Unglamorous and matted, poor: gather all. All dusty sheep, return. Gather us. You gather dust, reviving us, and send us out, in cloud ofContinue reading “Diakonos”
Expect Delays
The sky is clear but in the distance clouds gather in manifold metallic tones. The road lies open, save the lane where a car met a day that ruptured its way, crushed its bonnet, its schedule; we mouth our complaints. Red messages warn that soon we too will be disrupted. Slower than usual, noContinue reading “Expect Delays”
Catechism 45
Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself? No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin. (New City Catechism) God, no water is enough. Stains worsen when washed deeper in; this is the deepest, from Adam to now. Only blood can washContinue reading “Catechism 45”
Lent: Enough 3
Weary eyes: your sight grows faint, yet Heaven’s gate still opens up for you to walk through. This is enough; O grace enough. Let weary eyes now rest. Like Simeon, though waiting lags, this promise stands in baby’s rags and gives you rest. Your rags have failed; His are your glory. Eyes: this is enough.Continue reading “Lent: Enough 3”
The Consolations of Writing 