Monthly Archives: March 2013

Easter-Mary Magdalene

In all four gospels Mary Magdalene was primary witness to the empty tomb and the first appearance of the risen Jesus. So the gospel reading on Sunday in most churches will feature Mary. Also Mary Magdalene stands first in every … Continue reading

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Apology-what about yourself?

Well, I am going to finish up my Lenten series on Chapman and Thomas’s The Five Languages of Apology. This means that I will skip over several chapters. They have practical chapters on apology in parent-child relationships, dating relationships, workplace … Continue reading

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Jesus and Pilate

John 18:33-37 is part of the Good Friday lectionary reading.  The trial of Jesus was certainly not a modern trial where due process is a norm.  This is Pilate, an arrogant representative of Roman power, inquiring about accusations against a … Continue reading

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Jeremiah 29:11

I have previously commented on the common misuse of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for good and not for harm to give you a future and a hope.’” People … Continue reading

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The promise of a thaw

Holy Week is upon us.  This Sunday is Palm Sunday (western calendar).  For many Christians that begins a week of observances that include Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Also, this year Pesach or Passover begins Tuesday.  Actually it begins … Continue reading

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Apology-how to accept one

Chapman and Thomas have a chapter on giving forgiveness in The Five Languages of Apology, which I am reading for Lent.  They talk about the cycle of forgiveness: apology, accepting the apology, and reconciliation.  The goal of the cycle is … Continue reading

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Apology-it’s a choice

Chapman and Thomas in The Five Languages of Apology have a chapter about how apology is a choice. The Bible in Romans 12:18 says that if possible, as much as it depends upon you, you should live peaceably with all … Continue reading

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The Pope’s Rabbi

The article is in the Jewish Daily Forward, a left-wing Jewish magazine, and includes this picture which is subtitled “the future pope visits a synagogue in Argentina for Hanukkah”: The article tells about a book Francis has published Sobre El … Continue reading

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The prize

Paul is not easy to understand.  Last week I admitted to only having an educated guess about what he meant in 2 Corinthians 5:21.  Before I look at this week’s passage, I should mention that my view of Paul is … Continue reading

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Apology-asking for forgiveness

During Lent I have been reading and reacting to the book The Five Languages of Apology by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas The final element of apology we will discuss is asking for forgiveness.  Christians are programmed to say the … Continue reading

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