haiku: spring

  winter’s spell broken when the cold barren branch bursts  pink life from the dead

William F. Buckley and the Jews

William F. Buckley Jr. once said, “In my own experience anti-Semitism is not a communicable disease.” John B. Judis in his biography William F. Buckley Jr.: Patron Saint of the Conservatives states that Buckley grew up with attitudes of Jewish hatred in his home. Later in life, Buckley learned that “anti-Semitism is not a communicable disease” through his own…

What Happened to that Little Girl?

Last evening, we ate dinner with a lovely Italian family from our church. I especially say Italian, because they are proud of their ethnicity; and I am fascinated by it as well. We have known them for many years. They have five bright children; and their parents, in their 80’s, live with them a few months…

Finding the Quiet Center

  I quell many thoughts competing for my attention as I sit in the temple. I have come to worship, not to mull over the mundane of life. The morning sun reflects pink and gold tones upon the white Jerusalem stone, as the rabbis remove the Scroll from the Ark, their prayer tassels sway as they bend and lift with tender…

Anchored

  I, like thousands of Americans, am deeply grieved about the university tragedy yesterday. I am angry. The blood shed of innocent life is unconscionable. 

Pouch of Myrrh

  Myrrh for a pouch… My beloved is to me a pouch of myrrh which lies all night between my breasts. –Song of Songs 1:13 A few years ago, I wept through a message, delivered at my home church, by Gary Wiens on the above Scripture. I am still moved to tears when I remember his…