{This work of fiction is based on the framework of John 21:1-5.} It was a dreary but familiar rhythm. Peter cast out his net and heard it slap the surface and then hiss as it sunk. Hand over hand, Peter and John drew it back in scraping ropes over the hull. Slap. Hiss. Scrape. Nothing. Hour after hour. All night long. The motions had come back as naturally as breathing, but tonight he was waking muscles that had been sleeping for years. And they were angry. Three years … [Read more...]
When Your Faith is Weak for Holy Week
I’ve tried to imagine the disciples’ confusion as they witnessed the highs and lows of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday Jesus rode into Jerusalem the hailing shouts of “Hosanna! Oh, Save!” By Thursday he declared his body broken and his blood poured out, even as he was standing before them whole. Sunday's hosannas were thrust into questions by Thursday night, as their king stooped to serve. By Friday, they fled. Jesus had told them their faith was small, little, even twisted, and as they ran and … [Read more...]
Familiar Strangers of Holy Week
When it comes to the events of Holy Week and the Easter story, we sometimes find ourselves in the precarious place of overfamiliarity. On the one hand, familiarity is a gift. Knowing these parts of the Bible so well helps us understand other parts that are less celebrated. On the other hand, we live in a world that is constantly careening toward the next new thing. Continual news feed keeps us chasing the most current information. Breaking news and discoveries are only new for a matter of … [Read more...]
The Ministry of March Madness
Basketball and I have a dismal history. But I married a basketball player—a small-town, high school stand-out, I’m told. My basketball history is less stand-out-ish. I remember sort of watching exactly one basketball game. Lakers versus Celtics. It was a high stakes game. Die-hard Lakers fans like my brothers sported purple and yellow high-top sneakers for the entire season in an act of loyal devotion. It was Bird versus Magic, and I was nervous. Why? I have no idea. I just desperately … [Read more...]
Who in the world is this?
{The framework of Scripture for this story is found in Mark 4:35-41, Matthew 8:23-27, and Luke 8:22-25} Andrew peeled his fingers off the oar and examined his pruned and blistered hands. Why were we so afraid!? Wasn't it obvious? Because I thought we were going to die! Water quietly lapped against the boat and shut him up. It seemed silly now. There was no danger. The silvery moon relit the boat as the clouds dissipated. Peter untangled himself from the sail and dropped the … [Read more...]
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