Matthew | Kill 'em with kindness

Be like God and kill ‘em with kindness, no matter what the bastards dish up. 

Read here or listen here.

Matthew | Self-regulation, the law and the prophets

If I said I’d never thought, ‘You nincompoop!’ of someone, or even, once or twice, actually muttered it in anger—well, I’d be a liar. If I claimed my eye had never once wandered, that, too, would be a falsehood. If I denied I am an adulterer because it’s not me but my husband who’s divorced, I’d be playing the sort of legalistic game which Jesus doesn’t seem to think much of. And if I claimed my every ‘yes’ was a wholehearted promise, then let me say now: I’ve been known to prevaricate from time to time ...

Read here or listen here.

Genesis | 'Surely God is in this place!'

Once upon a time, our ancestor Jacob went on a journey. He left the place called Beer-sheba and came to the place called Luz. It had been a long day on the road;  it was now twilight. The first stars were becoming visible in the darkling sky. So he took one of the stones of that place, a flat stone, a smooth stone, and brushed off the dirt; then he used it as a pillow ... Every God-encounter is anchored to place. So what's your place? and what's your story?

Read here, or listen here.

Matthew | Blessed discipleship

We are schooled in the blessed life for a wonderful purpose - a back-to-school reflection for students and teachers and everyone who's open to learning. Read here or listen here.

Matthew | Like a scandal

God demands Joseph wake to a deeper reality, where love takes priority over obedience to God’s law, and scandal forms the womb of grace. (Listen.)

Matthew | Like, are you kidding?

It was strange and countercultural and thoroughly unimpressive, not what was expected from the Messiah at all ... Read here or listen here.

Matthew | Like an arsonist

 

John the Baptizer has strong words for religious leaders; but, in the kingdom of heaven, even the most vulnerable person need not be afraid.

Read here or listen here.