As a rabbi, Jesus talked a lot. He did not merely parrot "the law and the prophets," but, in the finest rabbinical traditions, he would quote Holy Writ and comment upon, enlarge upon, rephrase and sometimes posit something new.
I remember a few years ago, I felt so all alone and abandoned. I lost the friendship of a person whom I held dear to my heart. This friendship had developed over the years to a point that our mutual acquaintances often got mixed up between the both of us.
With the inauguration of a new president in the United States, I found the words in a sermon preached after the coronation of George VI as king of Great Britain in 1937 most insightful.
By way of this reflection, I invite the larger community to witness a theological dynamic whirling around the current issue of unions between people of the same sex. I trust that my reflection might help more people to understand a little of what is going on within the context of religious communities in conflict over this issue.
When my family tries to get away for the weekend or even a day, there is always so much to pack: food (always first on the list), plates, napkins, coolers, blankets, towels, sunscreen, swimsuits, change of clothes, toys, books, music ... and on and on. Sometimes our car gets so crammed, it looks like we're moving!
In these times of economic uncertainty, and with our children and neighbors deployed to war, it can be of aid to reflect with saints of the past who were challenged in their own day.
One of the most moving events at Arcadia is our annual memorial service. For me it's a special time to reflect again on those friends who have left us. And, during this time, I always remember a dear resident and friend who, several years ago, asked me just before she left us, "What do you think it will be like?"
Maybe it happens when planets align or when your perfect numbers appear on the calendar. Maybe it happens during a spectacular setting of the sun or while you are witnessing a historic inauguration.
The call came at around 4:30 p.m. while I was with patients. My wife's urgent voice expressed a serious problem. She didn't know what was happening, but our 2-week-old daughter was in distress.