I want to begin my introductory editorial comments with the expression of much gratitude to all my predecessors, especially the most immediate, Rev. Dr. Jin Hee Han whose calm yet compelling call to me to …
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Reviewed by Marian Ronan
Guadalupe in New York: Devotion and the Struggle for Citizenship Rights among Mexican Immigrants .By Alyshia Gálvez. New York: New York University Press, 2009. Paper. 237 pp. $23.
by the Editors
Given the complexity of globalization, a number of links are provided that might further a general understanding of this reality in terms of economics, culture, and development.
By LeAnn Snow Flesher
The significance of the book of Job for the dispossessed in every time period and place cannot be over emphasized. For the book itself is a theodicy, i.e., an attempt to defend the justice and goodness of God in spite of the existence of evil in the world. This in and of itself makes the work significant for dispossessed since much of the violence and evil of this world has been wielded specifically against them often to their surprise and dismay. As a result, the dispossessed have frequently found themselves left alone, in suffering and pain, asking the question(s) “why?” and “how long?”
by Rev. Dr. Keith A. Russell
This issue of The Living Pulpit is focused on sacrament. …we explore the meaning or reality of sacrament from a variety of perspectives.
by Rev. Dr. William J. Sappenfield
Reflections on the Lectionary Readings for November 2009.
by Dr. Dale T. Irvin
We are looking this weekend at the theme of initiation into the body. This weekend we are focusing specifically on the corporate body we call NYTS as we begin. What is this body we call NYTS, and what does it mean to become part of it?
By Joleyn T. Stokes
If you come to this Table with the passion of Christ, with a sincere heart, willing and open to unite with Him, then you will eat this bread and drink this cup as a sign of your sincere commitment to seek and experience the presence of God. Communion: What’s it all about? It’s about joining as one with God.
by Minka Shura Sprague
We had a sacramental blitz in my church one weekend late in summer this year. Within 24 hours, we had celebrated 4 of the 7 traditional sacraments of the church – Holy Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Holy Matrimony and Unction, the anointing of one who is ill. In this last instance, we went straight to Burial.
by Matthew T. Powell
The most powerful narratives force the reader to explore not only actions, but motivations as well. The multiple ambiguities in the story of Cain and Abel can lead us to understand sin as a powerfully complex and beguiling force with which all humans must struggle. This story is a study of how one human responds to the temptations of sin as well as the glaring light of judgment.
Title: Fish on Fire
Artist: Piety Choi
Size: 40"x40"
Mixed Media on Wooden Panel
This painting is based on the story at the end of the gospel of John in which the risen Christ came to his disciples on the morning of his resurrection and broiled the fish for them. To the wooden panel I attached the actual pieces of burnt burlap fabric and used acryl paint to reproduce a scene of broiling. While the Johannine passage is commonly understood as the risen Christ telling the world that he has risen and has returned to provide hope as well as hope-filled nourishment, I remember that fire also has the cleansing power of the fire of the Holy Spirit. According to other gospel traditions, Peter had denied Jesus three times. Jesus’ feeding of his disciples with the fish by the sea of Tiberias, however, has no trace of condemnation. In this scene, Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love me?” Jesus then asked Peter to tend his sheep. Divine justice might call to mind fire as punishment, but I cherish the power of the Lord’s fire that cleanses our soul from the stains of sin. There I see the path to renewal and new life.
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