If you haven’t read them recently, the relevant passages on Spiritual gifts are 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 12, and 1 Peter 4. Most of us who are old enough recall when we first heard teaching on the subject of “spiritual gifts,” or charismata. For me, it was in the Charismatic movement’s first wave, which involvedContinue reading “Some Thoughts on Spiritual Gifts”
Category Archives: Sermons and Devotions
I’m A Poor Player
I love chess. I’ve loved it since I was a kid. I’ve kept my first chess sets. I can recall every hand held set I ever took to school when I was told not to. I still stalk ebay looking for a particular plastic set that I wanted when I was a boy, but couldContinue reading “I’m A Poor Player”
Living In One Room
In Screwtape Letter 10, the senior tempter reminds Wormwood that, as much as possible, he should strive to have his patient lead two completely separate and parallel lives. It’s basic demonic advice, and few of us would need much explanation. Someone ought to add that’s there’s no good reason to stop at two separate lives.Continue reading “Living In One Room”
Preparing to Meet the Void
In a few days, Denise and I are going to make a change in our lives. We’re both 52. The kids are gone. No grandkids yet. Thirty years together. We’ve always had television. In a few days, we’re getting rid of it. Dish TV will unhook the Dish, and we won’t have any television reception.Continue reading “Preparing to Meet the Void”
Who Needs Galatians 3?
Galatians 3:15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,†referring to many, but referring to one, “And to yourContinue reading “Who Needs Galatians 3?”
“It Was There, So I Ate It”
Philippians 3:17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 TheyContinue reading ““It Was There, So I Ate It””
Bonhoeffer and Making the Best Use of Everything
I generally enjoy the Kindlings Muse podcast from Dick Staub, but the episode I listened to today was especially good. It was a full introduction to the life and thought of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and martyr. This presentation was done by the outstanding Presbyterian preacher and author, Earl Palmer. (What a great blessingContinue reading “Bonhoeffer and Making the Best Use of Everything”
Christmas 2008: On Another Shore, In A Greater Light
My favorite piece of liturgy in the world is a sentence in the opening section of the Traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols broadcast round the world on the BBC. Why is it so moving? Because it is beautiful and true. Each year, as more and more of those I know join the saintsContinue reading “Christmas 2008: On Another Shore, In A Greater Light”
The Unlikely Command of Holy Joy
In my twice weekly study of Nehemiah, we’re still in chapter 8, and today we observed that the reading of the book of the law caused a strong emotional reaction among those who heard it read and explained. That reaction was grief and weeping. Neh. 8:9 Â Â And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra theContinue reading “The Unlikely Command of Holy Joy”
Father Cantalamessa’s Second Sunday in Advent Sermon (Read it)
If I didn’t need written permission, I’d reprint this entire sermon here on the site because I want it in the archives. But I’ll be a good blogger and link it to its home at Zenit, the Catholic News Service. You can get it in various formats there. A more Christocentric sermon you are notContinue reading “Father Cantalamessa’s Second Sunday in Advent Sermon (Read it)”
The Internet Monk Archives 