Dear Caldwell, In the Gospel of Luke (24:36-48), Jesus does an odd thing. The disciples are holed up behind closed doors, trying to sort out the events of the resurrection and the increasing number of “Jesus sightings.” Suddenly, Christ appears … and asks for something to eat. I have to confess, as I’ve pondered this passage …
Dear Caldwell, It’s hard to imagine all the emotions that Jesus’ followers experienced in the days following the resurrection. Hope and mystery connected to the empty tomb. Disbelief and/or euphoria as some reported sightings, conversations and even a fire-roasted fish breakfast on the lakeshore with the Risen Savior. Fear about what the world and the authorities might …
Eastertide (and some IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS BELOW) Read More »
Dear Caldwell, There is an interesting story in the paper today about what Christ did on Holy Saturday. The bottom line the journalist draws is that there are multiple ideas, none conclusive, all depending on the tradition or denomination one follows. When confronted with what seem to be difficult-to-answer questions, I am reminded of a …
Dear Caldwell, In these 40 days of Lent, we’ve had the chance to sing “Were you there?” twice – a hymn that is profound in its simplicity and evocative imagery. One commentary I read this week points out that all who are baptized can say “yes” to the question of ‘Were you there?” His claim is …
Dear Caldwell, Today begins what the Christian tradition calls the Triduum – a three-day period covering Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Tonight we gather to remember the passion of Christ, his submission and suffering, even to the cross. When we slam the Bible (the word) shut at the end of tonight’s service, …
Dear Caldwell, The church bells have just chimed another hour’s arrival – 3 a.m. Since I arrived a little after midnight, there have been no fewer than 6 disciples here, each praying, meditating, reading, being present with one another, even in silence. As our 24-hour prayer vigil continues, all are practicing “vigilance,” which one dictionary …
Dear Caldwell, As we continue to focus on the events of Holy Week, we recall that one of the first stops Jesus made after his entry into Jerusalem was at the Temple. The Temple was the center of life in “the City of David” and Jesus took offense that commercial activities had drawn too close …
Dear Caldwell, As Palm Sunday approaches, we remember how there were two parades on the day Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time – Jesus and his followers leading one parade and the Roman army leading the other as the emperor came to make his appearance at the festival of Passover. This is yet another reminder of how …
Dear Caldwell, My photo doesn’t do the scene justice. Outside today, the spring breeze is having its way with the purple drape that hangs on the cross. On this side of the cross the drape reminds us we are still in Lent, a time of reflection and repentance, prayer and penitence. On the other side …
Dear Caldwell, As my daughter and I made a few (more) college visits this week, I found myself smiling as memories from last Sunday’s ‘Tales from Caldwell’s Past’ came back to me. One was the story about how Mrs. W.H. Belk would give a nickel to any child who came to her door and recited …
