A Mary Oliver poem, “One or Two Things,” describes the gnarled root at the source of our discontent as, “...like a sharp iron hoof, at the center of my mind.” This is of course, pointing to our … [Read more...]
Hoof on the Forehead
I want to start with that image in Mary Oliver’s poem that I find so compelling -- such wonderful spiritual wisdom. Then we’ll get to the Gospel and maybe find some other wisdom. So what I take … [Read more...]
Your work, and mine
A YouTube version follows the text. “Are my boots old? Is my coat torn? Am I no longer young, and still not half-perfect? Let me keep my mind on what matters, which is my work, which is mostly … [Read more...]
The promise of our hope
I am done with election chatter. I wrote last week’s column, a truth I hold, and voted early. Done. Time to move on even though the election and all that hangs on it is still in motion all around us. … [Read more...]
Rabia and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you. Just thank you. ”My work is loving the world...” Mary Oliver begins her poem, “Messenger.” It is worth looking up for a Thanksgiving reflection. There is too much “prosperity” … [Read more...]
Swallowing it Whole
A video version follows the text In ancient Israel, and reportedly still today, careful distinctions were made between people who belonged and did not belong, including between a “foreigner” and … [Read more...]
In this world and of it
Texts for Preaching: “Breakage” by Mary Oliver John 17:6-19 Scroll down for sermon video Don’t you love how descriptive that Mary Oliver poem is? She takes us right to that place on the … [Read more...]
A little more about the sun…
From the waterfront in Geneva, the sun seems to rise from behind Vintosa vineyards. On a clear morning a finger of yellow or pink fire curls over the slope on the east side of Seneca Lake. Light from … [Read more...]
Opening the Mind with a New Lens
Some teacher, sometime along the way, likely soured you on poetry. It was done by making you read stiff poems, written in an alien parlance with old-fashioned metaphors, and then insisting you explain … [Read more...]
Mary Oliver, Thank You
Mary Oliver, thank you. The simple elegance of your poems exquisitely mirrors what is miraculous in nature – that out of seemingly simple elements placed in fortunate proximity and serendipitous … [Read more...]