Tagged: Theology

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A new leadership

In the passage of John 6:24-35, we find a story that is rich in meaning and open to many interpretations. It is a pericope, a self-contained story, that can be understood in different ways depending on the perspective we bring to it. One of the most fascinating aspects of Jesus’ teachings is how he used stories and metaphors to convey deeper values and principles. Through these narratives, he invited people to think beyond the immediate and the obvious, to consider the more profound needs of the human spirit.

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Unknown…

In the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verses 1-21, we encounter two remarkable events: the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water. These stories are often seen as miraculous demonstrations of Jesus’ divine power. However, if we look closer, there is an even deeper miracle hidden within these narratives—the miracle behind the miracle, a testament to the power of generosity and joy.

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Keeping promises…

In Mark 6:14-29, the author tells a story about a powerful king, who decides to keep a promise, even against his will. We often read the story from the perspective of John the Baptist, the prophet who was killed. But what if we shift our focus to King Herod’s family dynamics?

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Prophets without honor

In Mark 6:1-13, Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” This statement is not a rule, but a description of reality. It reflects the difficulty a prophet...

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Embracing Change: Relevance for New Generations

During the 2024 Annual Conference of the Greater New Jersey, held at the Wildwood Convention Center from May 19 to 21, clergy, laity, and leaders gathered to discuss the future of the church. One of the central themes was how to remain relevant and appealing to younger generations. The statistics are clear: the average age of clergy within the UMC is 57 years old, and the laity follows a similar trend. As we look toward the future, it’s essential to recognize that younger generations have different expectations, preferences, and needs.

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Let us not leave the Earth to the cockroaches

In a world where the resistance of cockroaches is ironically heralded, humanity stands at a crossroads. These creatures, often despised, have become a symbol of survival in the face of our own destructive tendencies. It’s a stark reminder that our actions have consequences far beyond our immediate perception.

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Hope shines upon us

A few days ago, our neighbor, Curtis, took and shared this photo with us. 

Throughout history, we, as Christians, have looked to the rainbow as a symbol of hope and promise. When rain clears and sunlight breaks through, it forms a stunning arc of colors across the sky. Many see this as a message from a higher power, a sign of assurance after a storm. The rainbow’s appearance after rain is like a gentle reminder that despite hardships and challenges, there’s always a brighter tomorrow.

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We haven’t reached the end of the world (yet)

Alright, let’s break it down. We’ve had some pretty wild stuff happen lately—like that total eclipse that turned day into night across the US, and even an earthquake shaking things up in New Jersey, which, by the way, isn’t exactly a hotspot for earthquakes. Plus, all the usual scary news about wars and rumors of wars. But despite all that, we’re still here. The world hasn’t called it quits on us yet.

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Don’t call us, we will call you

I recently came across a trend on social media in which content creators complain about the practice of some companies to use the sentence “don’t call us… We’ll call you,” as a euphemism for “you are not continuing the process,” when a job interview goes bad. 

Image Silent Night / Advent

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Silent Night / Noche de Paz

As we are getting into the Advent season, we can take this opportunity to reflect on the meanings of a God who decides to become as a human being and embody the Word (John 1). Perhaps, we can read that Word incarnate through the life that was lived by Jesus, the carpenter of Galilee.