Anyone who has spent time around an old church knows that the right key does not always cooperate on the first attempt. Surprisingly, the same is often true of faith. This reflection explores the quiet lessons hidden in stubborn locks and persistent effort, reminding us that perseverance, patience, and a little good humour are often essential companions on the spiritual journey.
Tag Archives: Courage
The Parish Office Chair: A Study in Sacrificial Seating: On creaks, squeaks, and long meetings endured for the Gospel
Every parish seems to possess at least one office chair that has faithfully survived far beyond its expected lifespan. It creaks, squeaks, and occasionally protests every movement, yet it continues to serve. With gentle humour, this reflection discovers unexpected spiritual wisdom in a well-worn chair, reminding us that faithfulness is often found not in perfection, but in quietly showing up and serving day after day.
Epiphany Is Over… Now What? Finding light when the decorations are gone
The Christmas decorations have been packed away, the celebrations have ended, and Epiphany has come and gone. Yet the light of Christ was never meant to remain confined to a season. This reflection explores what it means to carry that light into ordinary days, discovering that the true work of Epiphany begins after the stars fade and everyday life resumes.
The Ministry of Making Room at the Table Folding chairs, potluck theology, and the Kingdom
The Kingdom of God often begins with a simple invitation: “There’s room for one more.” Whether unfolding an extra chair or sharing another helping at a potluck, ordinary acts of hospitality reveal something extraordinary about God’s welcome. This reflection explores the ministry of making room at the table, discovering how generosity, belonging, and grace are woven together in the life of the Church.
Why God Seems Particularly Fond of Side Doors Unexpected entrances into grace
We often expect God to arrive through the grand front entrance. More often, grace slips quietly into our lives through unexpected conversations, unplanned detours, and doors we hardly noticed. This reflection explores the surprising ways God meets us when we least expect it, reminding us that some of the most life-changing encounters begin with what first appeared to be a side door.
Ministry Is Mostly Showing Up (and Sometimes Making Tea) A love letter to quiet faithfulness
Most of ministry is not made up of dramatic sermons or headline-making moments. It is found in faithful visits, shared cups of tea, quiet conversations, and the simple commitment to keep showing up. This reflection celebrates the beauty of ordinary pastoral ministry, reminding us that God often changes lives through small acts of faithful presence offered with love.
God at the Crosswalk: Waiting for the Light to Change Trust, timing, and learning not to sprint through life
Standing at a crosswalk can become an unexpected lesson in faith. We wait, resist the temptation to rush ahead, and trust that the right moment will come. This reflection explores the spiritual wisdom of God’s timing, discovering that some of life’s deepest growth happens not while racing forward, but while patiently waiting for the light to change.
The Theology of the Lost Bulletin What vanishes between the narthex and the pew — and what grace remains
Somewhere between the church door and the pew, bulletins have an uncanny habit of disappearing. Yet even when we lose our place, God’s grace never loses sight of us. With gentle humour, this reflection explores the theology hidden in a misplaced bulletin, reminding us that worship is sustained not by perfect preparation, but by the faithful presence of the One who always knows where we are.
The Grace of Starting Again (for the 47th Time): God’s patience and our hopeful persistence
A new year reminds us that God’s grace is never exhausted by our repeated attempts to begin again. Whether it is the second time or the forty-seventh, each fresh start is met with the same patient love. This reflection explores the hope of new beginnings, discovering that perseverance is sustained not by our determination alone, but by the unwavering faithfulness of God.
New Year’s Eve: Where Grace Sneaks In Between the Hors d’Oeuvres and the Countdown. Written by a Tired but Hopeful Parish Priest Who Knows Better Than to Make Resolutions After 9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve invites us to look backward with gratitude and forward with hope, even if we are too tired to stay awake until midnight. With warmth and gentle humour, this reflection explores the quiet ways God’s grace slips into the spaces between celebration and anticipation, reminding us that our future rests not in perfect resolutions, but in the faithful presence of the One who journeys with us into every new beginning.