On the eve of Pentecost, the Scriptures seem to rather abruptly end.  The two main books of Christian Scripture that have comprised the Easter liturgies, the Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles, conclude in today’s passages.  The Acts (ACTS 28: 16-20, 30-31), which described the early spread of the Way, those who followed the Christ, tells us of Paul’s internment in Rome:

When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself,
with the soldier who was guarding him…
He remained for two full years in his lodgings.…

What does it take for you to be led by someone or something? Does persuasive argumentation with evidential facts constitute the trust you would act upon?  Or is there perhaps a sense of authenticity that you experience from a person that propels you into responsive action? …

Why are there so many differences and distinctions?  Ways of living, ways of saying things, languages, cultures, religions, points of view…colors, rocks, flowers, animals.  Just so many differences, or to use a “different’ word – Diversity!  Too often we find it easier to slip into stances of irritated intolerance when something or someone is different than us instead of taking a brief pause that could open up another way of  perceiving.  …

In 1995, I was beginning my final semester of classes in preparation for a Master’s Degree in Philosophy at the Louisiana State University.  The plan was to begin working on my thesis in the early summer with the hope of possibly graduating in the late Fall of 1995 or possibly Spring of 1994. …

God is a saving God for us;
the LORD, my Lord,
controls the passageways of death (PS 68: 21)

How long is eternity?  The question itself is couched in temporal terms, as if it is a measurement of time. …