In my experience the declaration that “I’m spiritual but not religious” is often greeted by a collective eye-roll in church circles. For many of us affiliated with formal church or faith organizations, it can seem a ridiculous thing to say. What we think we’re hearing is “I’m spiritual but not yet religious.”
Category Archives: Spirituality
Light in a Very Dark Place
We are now approaching the darkest days of the year. Our Advent wreaths and Hanukkah menorahs have brought light into our lives. It is an opportune time to reflect on how one can bring light to dark places. Several months ago friends from out of town invited me to a benefit organized to support Musicambia.Continue reading “Light in a Very Dark Place”
Christians and Muslims working together to end violence against women
Click the link below to a piece I have co-authored with my friend and colleague at Islamic Relief USA, Anwar Khan. https://www.newsweek.com/religion-blamed-violence-against-women-we-are-christian-muslim-leaders-fight-1224771
Sing Praises to the Cooks!
As we prepare for our Thanksgiving holiday later this week, I thought the following tribute to cooks by Barbara Sweeton would be appropriate. It hangs outside the refectory at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York.
Interstellar Space
Living as I do in an urban environment, it is not usually possible to see many, if any, stars on a regular basis. Fortunately, my work takes me off the beaten path to places where there is little ambient light to obscure the night sky. Most recently, I found myself in the desert ofContinue reading “Interstellar Space”
Rumors of My Demise…
Mark Twain’s quip about reports of his death having been exaggerated is one of my favorites. It might fairly be applied to this blog. When I started the blog over a year ago, my intent had been to post once a week and, for the most part, I sustained that pace…until I couldn’t. And so,Continue reading “Rumors of My Demise…”
Juneteenth
Today, June 19th, marks the anniversary of the day Texas abolished slavery in 1865. Several states, including Texas, recognize it. The Federal Government has also recognized “Juneteenth Independence Day,” although it is not an official Federal holiday. Perhaps of more consequence, Apple added Juneteenth to the list of official U.S. holidays this year. I’m embarrassedContinue reading “Juneteenth”
Fulfilling God’s Dreams
One of the great and humbling honors of serving Episcopal Relief & Development is the opportunity I have to visit our work around the world. In April, I led a pilgrimage of friends and supporters to Zambia to learn about our work with children. For the last several years we have worked withContinue reading “Fulfilling God’s Dreams”
God’s Jewels
Anyone who knows me will attest that I am fundamentally a city person. Having lived in New York City on and off for over 30 years, my instincts are well-honed and distinctly urban. I can emerge from the subway and my sense of direction is intact. I know the most likely corners on which to catchContinue reading “God’s Jewels”
One billboard outside Sandusky, Ohio
Each year my wife and I attend St. Bartholomew’s three-hour Good Friday service. Each year I wonder how on earth I will sit through three hours of music, extended periods of silent prayer, readings on the seven last words of Christ, and a homily on each. Each year the time disappears.
Rob's Reflections 