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: Seeking the Divine
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”
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.
Abir and Smadar
A good pilgrimage leaves one with more questions than answers and this one has not disappointed. Several evenings we were blessed to have guests come and talk with us about the current situation here in the Holy Land. It’s hard not to be discouraged. How does one get to a just peace? What does thatContinue reading “Abir and Smadar”
“Do not be afraid…”
Today I find myself in the Holy Land—on a pilgrimage. This is not my first pilgrimage, nor, do I suspect, will it be my last. Moreover, this is my 5th or 6th time visiting many of the sites on this trip. Yet, each visit is a little different. Each visit challenges and rewards me inContinue reading ““Do not be afraid…””
What kind of person does God want me to become in 2018?
Christmas decorations tend to linger around our house until Ash Wednesday. I’m always reluctant to sweep them away too quickly after December 25th. After all, there are twelve days of Christmas—it’s a season not a day. Certainly any decorations associated with the Three Kings have their place in our home through Epiphany. Those whoContinue reading “What kind of person does God want me to become in 2018?”
Twenty characteristics that make a genius
In keeping with my desire to observe Advent by seeking out beauty (see my November 28th post) and my fascination with Salvator Mundi (see my November 14th post), I just finished reading Walter Isaacson’s masterful and insightful biography of Leonardo Da Vinci. Isaacson concludes his book by identifying twenty characteristics that make a genius.Continue reading “Twenty characteristics that make a genius”
Five Advent Lessons
This Sunday, the First Sunday in Advent, will mark a new liturgical year. We tend to gloss over that in our culture, focused as we are on the big event: Christmas Day. However, Advent is one of the places where one can feel God at work in the world. Here are five ways to makeContinue reading “Five Advent Lessons”
Salvator Mundi
On Wednesday morning I met Christ on my way to work. If you want to catch him, he is currently at Christie’s auction house in New York City until Wednesday, November 15th at noon. After that no one knows where he will go. Stop by if you have a chance.
Rob's Reflections 