During the season of Advent, we are reminded of God's promises and the ultimate promise...that of Jesus. How might we respond to those promises made and kept with God?
Matthew encourages us to focus on what matters more that our physical comforts and desires, and to look at what makes a difference - loving God and others.
While her son, Samuel, is more well known, this week we spend significant time getting (re)acquainted with Hannah. Hers is, in many ways, a familiar tale. You may well recognize a story trope or three in there. Perhaps most interesting, however, is how Hannah responds to all that befalls her.
All Saints' Day is about standing in the middle of that spectrum looking at the past and and the future at the same time. How do we "manage the middle"?
What, ultimately, is the purpose of this ancient story of Job — and what might it have to say to us today as we attempt to make sense of life in the year 2021?