How ironic that the final season of “Game of Thrones” debuted on Palm Sunday, when Christians remember how people welcomed Jesus and hailed him as the Messiah, though all the while, winter was coming.
The unforgettable, holy moment when my 7 year old washed my feet on Maundy Thursday
Nothing could have prepared me for the experience of watching my 7-year-old son kneel before me on Maundy Thursday to wash my feet in a basin, following the example of Jesus.
What if the monsters we love to hate became the people we love to help?
Jesus says “love you enemies,” and I say, “Christ, of course I love my enemies. I love to hate them.” Heroes love to hate monsters, for without a monster to conquer, who would feed our egos?
Where do you find yourself in the drama of Holy Week?
The Gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ final days share a remarkable continuity. But the unique features of each Gospel also give us much to consider during Holy Week.
Jesus was lynched. Holy Week’s symbols should include a cross and a noose
During Holy Week maybe we white Christians should hold the image of a cross in one hand and the image of a noose in the other. Both should call us to repentance.
Re-imagining Palm Sunday: Jesus – and Pilate – enter Jerusalem
Imagine that on Palm Sunday, both Jesus and Pilate, enter Jerusalem from the same gate. The tension created in this imaginary scene introduces us to the underlying tension of Holy Week. And we must decide which parade we will attend.
Arkansas plan to execute 7 men in 11 days strengthens faith, death penalty opposition
It was a Holy Week unlike any other for death-penalty opponents in Arkansas and the rest of the nation. It began with outrage over the state’s plan to begin executing seven men the day after Easter. It was filled with…
Why Christians should think hard before holding Seder meals during Holy Week
Hosting Seder meals during Holy Week has become deeply entrenched among some Christian congregations. But both supporters and opponents of the practice say there needs to be careful reflection about intentions before engaging in it.
Engaging Easter’s light after Holy Week’s darkness
You know what they say on Easter afternoon in my line of work: “Christ is risen; the pastor is dead.” It sounds funny and perhaps it was, 19 years ago when I was first ordained. It might be age that…