From out of their isolation and stumbling in the glare of the sun they came, those deemed unclean and therefore unable to live within ordinary society. The authorities had condemned each of them to death, the slow death of physical and spiritual separation. Society chose
A recent court decision regarding the legal rights of one of the American citizens found living among the terrorists in Afghanistan reminded me of the difficulties, legal and emotional, we still face in dealing with those who would betray our country. But it also reminded
We’re home after a most extraordinary week of events in Washington, D.C., and I’m sure that none of us has totally processed all of this as yet. But I do want to put down some initial thoughts coming off of the trial. First, let me
“Then it suddenly struck me how much of my religious life had been centered on reading and writing about God, while very little of it had been spent waiting silently in God’s presence, and virtually none waiting silently with other people.” Diogenes Allen — Spiritual
Another year goes by, and most of us choose to observe the time-honored tradition that accompanies the passing of the year we have just completed into a fresh beginning: That of the “New Year’s Resolution(s).” Some resolve to set, keep and maintain goals for physical
Traditionally we pause as we approach year’s end and review all the events that have impacted on our lives. We have met different people and said good-bye to some old friends; at times we have rejoiced, while at other times we have sorrowed; we have
“You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts.” — Luke 15:16 “How do you know right from wrong?” the woman on the phone implored frantically. It was 1995 and I had answered the phone at the television station where I
“Here I am — this is me in my nakedness, with my wounds, my secret grief, my despair, my betrayal, my pain, which I can’t express, my terror, my abandonment. Oh, listen to me for a day, an hour, a moment, lest I expire in
…gratitude is a form of intercession. Only it must not be like the gratitude of the Pharisee, who condemned others and justified himself (cf. Luke 18:11). On the contrary, it must make one regard oneself as a greater debtor than all [others]; one gives thanks
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 I live in Montgomery County, Maryland. It was here that the “Suburban Snipers” started their amazing reign of terror Oct. 2. The police have arrested two people, one a 17-year-old boy, in