In our culture of busyness, we who are faithful talk a lot about “doing” vs. “being.” We remind ourselves and one another that we are “human beings” and not “human doings.” We cherish small moments of quiet—especially in our beautiful, chaotic city. We work to carve out time for contemplation and stillness. Scripture commends such time and space to us. Spiritual leaders in all traditions point to its importance for growth. And sometimes, contemplation gets elevated over action, as if the singular, inner journey is the most legitimate path toward God….

Absalom Jones was born into slavery in 1746 in Delaware. He taught himself to read from the New Testament and other books. At the age of 16, his mother and sister were sold, while he was brought to Philadelphia. In the evenings, he attended a Quaker school and also worked, and he was able to keep his earnings. In 1770, he married an enslaved woman and purchased her freedom. Then in 1774, he gained his own freedom through manumission….

In my Annual Address during our service of Holy Eucharist last Sunday, I referenced the statement in response to the murder of Renee Good posted by Matt Moberg, NBA chaplain for Minnesota Timberwolves. With his words, chaplain Moberg offers a cry of the heart—and a call to Christians and all faithful people to examine what discipleship means in our lives. You may or may not agree with him, and your feelings and reactions may find expression differently….