This has all the elements of a love song—the unbearable longing, the near despair when the beloved appears to be far away, and the loving memory of the beloved’s attributes. But the beloved is God. The psalmist uses what were even then romantic conventions as the only language strong enough to express the depth of his love for the Lord. Continue »

Lectio: Light a candle or place some other symbol before you to focus your attention. As Moses removed his sandals because the place where he stood was holy ground, remove from your mind and heart whatever hinders you from receiving God’s word. Vocalize the words of the text so that you not only read with your eyes but hear with your ears. Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15 Continue »

The prophet Ezekiel pictured Yahweh as a shepherd caring for Israel, his scattered flock: For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. . . . I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak. (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 16)

I shall instruct you and teach you the way to go; I shall not take my eyes off you. —Psalm 32:8 Continue »

This Sunday’s gospel contains some of the most typical and forceful words of Jesus’ preaching: "Love your enemies" (Luke 6:27). Continue »