In the Bible (and in the biblical era), the concept of “sonship” is an important one. A son is more than an heir to the possessions of his father – there are titles, rights, and responsibilities that come particularly to a firstborn (or only) son. The understanding or claim that Jesus was (is) the only […]
There’s a Little Judas in all of us…
Picture yourself: a follower of Jesus during the first century. One called – audibly – by name to follow Him, one selected to be among His inner circle, one of the twelve. The most notable miracles? You saw them. The most memorable sermons? You heard them. You were sent out with another of the twelve […]
Waterfights & Sinning
With a background in youth ministry – that includes several summers at camp – I’ve got a fair bit of experience with waterfights. Normally, I start with quick attacks, intending to strike others with buckets or water balloons, and attempting to stay dry as long as possible. At a certain point, I give in: a waterfight […]
“Hating the Sin” (but never a person!)
At the end of confession, the priest usually invites me to pray an act of contrition – a prayer saying that I’m sorry for my sins. This is the prayer I usually pray: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my sins, because of Your just punishments, […]