The Bible is a challenging piece of reading. One could still think that something new in our modern theological, computer-driven existence is pushing the boundaries of innovation, then one could study the application of the deep truths of Scripture to set the moral foundation of every aspect of life and provide insight. One thing is certain:…
Tag: prayer
277. Pazienza, yes patience.
It is a virtue, right? It is one of the essentials for “right living, not so? The saying about patience that can endure so much comes from a poem by Dante (Paradiso Canto XXI – The Divine Comedy), written in the early 14th century. Without speaking Italian the words are almost comprehensible in the musical rhythm of his…
265. Vicious winds and storm
In our weekly Bible study, we discuss Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee – a wonderful, well-known, and beloved story (Matthew 8:23-27). This event is so ingrained in our knowledge of the Gospels that it might be lost in over-familiarity. With each reading, we have the opportunity to dig deeper and see anew. Our…
263. Talk Priorities
Words are the sound of thoughts. For most people, they are the reality of sound- waves in ears, also their own. Words have sound nuances – whisper words, fighting words, love words, hate words. Words are given to humans to convey their inner being and make it public. Words are power. Words are the instrument of lies, but also…
256. Come and talk, anytime
As always, the year has started at a rapid pace. Here at the end of the first month, a routine has taken hold, and the treadmill of life is in motion. If you don’t keep up, you fall off – as simple as that. Time is ruthless. Well, maybe I shouldn’t be so negative about the passage of time. I’ll…
253. Christmas-multiplication
December has come and we are well into celebrating the four words of Advent. Four Sundays before Christmas we hear the message again and again – rightly so. We need it. We need to be washed in the water of the Word to be cleansed and ready for the Feast. We give the content to our Christmas celebrations; we make contact with others…
251. Light in the tunnel…s
It is correct – the plural of tunnel. I know we often use the expression “light at the end of the tunnel” to signify hope in a situation that may seem dark now. Tunnel or tunnels – we are searching for light. A tunnel is always dark without light being brought in from outside. We read…
243. A “Rome-day”
Slowly but surely during my childhood years, I acquired a deep admiration for Europe and everything European – lifestyle, food and gardening combined with all the gorgeous fabrics and furniture, coffee in cozy cafés, tea in dainty cups and teapots with tea cozies insulating the brew to stretch the ritual of a culture that celebrated creativity…
238. The fiery trial is not foreign
There are a few phrases and verses in the Bible that might get lost in the shallow understanding of familiarity. It is too easy to say the Our Father from memory and hastily ramble through the lines of Psalm 23 entirely missing the fullness of meaning. The Bible is not social media or the morning paper. The truth that sets…
231. Body language of the soul
There are professionals who specialize in “reading” attitudes and feelings by carefully observing facial expressions and postures. They interpret it as a demonstration of a person’s inner being and unspoken thoughts – a window to the soul. Just a slight upturned eyebrow, eyes squinted deliberately, hands clasped or wrung or a foot tapping or tensely upturned would…
Pebbles of Perpetuity 