Author Archives: Chaplainmike

The IM Saturday Brunch: Sept. 2, 2017 — Labor Day Weekend Edition

THE INTERNET MONK SATURDAY BRUNCH ”It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” The Mercer clan will be camping out on the family farm once more this Labor Day weekend. The weather thisContinue reading “The IM Saturday Brunch: Sept. 2, 2017 — Labor Day Weekend Edition”

Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (11)

Ordinary Time Bible Study Philippians: Friends in the Gospel Study Eleven: Tom Wright on Phil. 2:12-18 • • • PHILIPPIANS 2:12-18 What I’m getting at, friends, is that you should simply keep on doing what you’ve done from the beginning. When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated fromContinue reading “Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (11)”

A Review of “A World From Dust- How the Periodic Table Shaped Life” by Ben McFarland

A Review of A World From Dust: How the Periodic Table Shaped Life by Ben McFarland I originally bought this book on a recommendation from RJS over at Jesus Creed .  RJS is the science blogger at Scot McKnight’s blog who is a PhD professor of chemistry.  Ben McFarland teaches biochemistry and chemistry at SeattleContinue reading “A Review of “A World From Dust- How the Periodic Table Shaped Life” by Ben McFarland”

Real Virtue Is “Second Nature”

Real Virtue Is “Second Nature” In a sense, then, to become virtuous is to internalize the law (and the good to which the law points) so that you follow it more or less automatically. As Aristotle put it, when you’ve acquired a moral habit, it becomes second nature. Why do we call things “second” nature?Continue reading “Real Virtue Is “Second Nature””

“More a matter of hungering and thirsting than of knowing and believing.”

In his book, You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit, James K. A. Smith says that “the first, last, and most fundamental question of Christian discipleship” is  “What do you want?”. This is the most incisive, piercing question Jesus can ask of us precisely because we are what we want. Our wants andContinue reading ““More a matter of hungering and thirsting than of knowing and believing.””

Wisdom for Ordinary Time: Eugene Peterson on Abraham, the “Friend of God”

During Ordinary Time this year, I am reading and meditating on Eugene Peterson’s book, As Kingfishers Catch Fire: A Conversation on the Ways of God Formed by the Words of God. It captures sermons from Peterson’s twenty-nine years as a pastor in Bel Air, Maryland. Occasionally during this season I am posting some reflections on theContinue reading “Wisdom for Ordinary Time: Eugene Peterson on Abraham, the “Friend of God””

11th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week

(Click on picture for larger image) • • • The Gospel text for this Sunday in Bach’s day was the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18: 9-14). To help us meditate on this story of penitence and forgiveness, this warning against self-justification and spiritual pride, we present a lovely tenor aria fromContinue reading “11th Sunday after Trinity: Pic & Cantata of the Week”

The IM Saturday Brunch: August 26, 2017

THE INTERNET MONK SATURDAY BRUNCH ”It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” Sorry to keep harping on the solar eclipse from last Monday, but there remain a few silly examples of ChristiansContinue reading “The IM Saturday Brunch: August 26, 2017”

Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (10)

Ordinary Time Bible Study Philippians: Friends in the Gospel Study Ten: Humility We Must Sing to Imagine • • • There are some things that can, perhaps, only be said in poetry, and perhaps this [Phil 2:5-11] is one of them. • Tom Wright PHILIPPIANS 2:5-11 Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself.Continue reading “Ordinary Time Bible Study: Philippians — Friends in the Gospel (10)”