Despite what romantics say, love is not blind. Attraction may obscure others’ flaws, but genuine mature love recognizes all shortcomings and understands and accepts others as they are. Jesus calls his...

When God seeks change, God calls persons in ways they can understand. Along with the other disciples, God charges Peter with the daunting task of changing a religious culture. In the...

Several scripture readings this week depict Jesus as our Shepherd, describing his care for the sheep. When coupling Revelation 7 with Psalm 23 and John 10, a striking reversal leaps from...

Sometimes when I look at the world, I begin to despair. There seems not enough space for the thousands of refugees worldwide fleeing war, genocide, brutality, and injustice. Even if we...

Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” At first this sounds like a logical, easy progression of events. We hear God’s voice, and we...

Earlier in John 10, Jesus depicts himself as the good shepherd who willingly lays down his life for the sheep. He warns that one must enter the sheepfold by the gate,...

By the time we arrive at Joppa and the story of faithful Tabitha, the signs and wonders of Peter and the apostles are known widely. When Peter is in Jerusalem, people...

Readers tend to focus on what Psalm 23’s Shepherd does for us—with good reason! The Shepherd provides for our needs; guides us into places of peace, safety, and prosperity; and leads...

Sheep heavily rely upon their vision. The placement of their eyes enables a wide field of sight for them to scan their surroundings quickly for any surprises, particularly predators. Since their...

Reading John 21 from start to finish reveals a theme that one might otherwise gloss over: Before Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep, Jesus feeds his sheep. In yesterday’s reading...