With Pentecost Approaching John 17:1-11 and Acts 1:6-14 In the Broadway musical, Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda tells a fictionalized account of America’s first Secretary of the Treasury. Foreshadowing the day when a bullet fired by sitting Vice President Aaron Burr would end his life in a duel, Hamilton sings, “I’m just […]
Tender Shepherd The Reverend Dr. Sandy Selby – John 10:1-10 I’ve had a particular fondness for sheep for as long as I can remember. Walt Disney’s movie, “Peter Pan,” came out when I was one year old, and the Broadway show that was based on it opened a year later. Its […]
Their Eyes Were Opened Acts 2:14a, 36-41 and Luke 24:13-35 Earlier this week, I awakened to the now familiar sounds of our new puppy. She was yipping to let me know that she wanted to be released from her crate. With two children and two dogs at home, I am […]
Behind Closed Doors – John 20:19-31 The Reverend Dr. Sandy Selby In the fourth chapter of the Book of Hebrews we find these words:“the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb 4:12). The 66 books that make up the Bible were written between two […]
What Is Needed Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 and Matthew 21:1-11 On March 12, after large gatherings were prohibited in our state, Playhouse Square in Cleveland officially closed to the public. My wife and I have season tickets and, one night earlier, witnessed the final performance of Jesus Christ Superstar, which is […]
Doing the Impossible Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 and Matthew 9:18-26 In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, medical professionals and elected leaders are insisting that we remain at least six feet apart. Doing so, we are told, will help combat a particularly contagious enemy that we cannot see. Collectively, […]
Visible – Psalm 23 and Ephesians 5:8-11, 13-24 The Christian season of Lent has long been associated with simplicity. And yet this Lent feels different – very different – as many of us are now faced with the kinds of restrictions that once seemed unthinkable. We are living through unprecedented times […]
The Samaritan and the Rabbi John 4:5-26 and John 4:27-42 We are now adjusting to a new normal. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a global pandemic. Quickly, cancellations and indefinite postponements piled up like dominoes affecting concert halls, music festivals, theme parks, and Broadway performances. In […]
Anticipating What Is to Come – Psalm 121 and John 3:1-17 I have long been fascinated with politics. When I was child, I read books about the American Presidents. In middle school, I began collecting the campaign buttons and posters that now occupy one corner of my church office. My collection […]