There is a story in John’s Gospel, which we will read on Sunday, where Jesus is talking to some religious leaders called Sadducees. They came to Jesus with a question meant to trap Him – a riddle about marriage in the resurrection. They did not believe in life after death, so they posed a question they thought had no answer. Jesus however responds not with confusion, but with clarity.

“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

In those few words, Jesus reveals something profound – not only about eternal life, but about the nature of God Himself….

If you are a fan of horror films, this is your season and tonight is your night. There’s lots to choose from in the categories of suspense, supernatural creepiness and gore. But for me, one of the most evocative representations of Halloween is in the Hollywood classic Meet Me in St. Louis. Released in 1944, directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Judy Garland (among others), the movie follows a family through the seasons of the year that lead up to the 1904 World’s Fair.

The film was based on a book, which was a compilation of short stories originally published in the New Yorker magazine. It’s a musical (natch), and includes famous numbers like “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The “Autumn” section of the story focuses on Tootie, the youngest sister of four, who dresses herself up in rags and a fake mustache and goes outside after dark on Halloween to make mischief with the older children….

Last month I wrote about the practice of Lectio Divina, or “Sacred Reading” – a particularly contemplative way of reading the Bible. Today I focus on Centering Prayer, a simple technique, similar to the last stage of Lectio Divina, that can help us deepen our relationship with God. It leads us to a place of communion with the divine that is beyond words, thoughts, and feelings, and might instead be described as simply resting in the presence of God.

In her wonderful book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Cynthia Bourgeault describes how to do Centering Prayer: “It’s very, very simple. You sit, either in a chair or on a prayer stool or mat, and allow your heart to open toward that invisible but always present Origin of all that exists….

In Luke’s Gospel, we find a profound truth that resonates with us even today.

When Jesus entered a village, He was approached by 10 lepers who asked to be healed. Through their act of obedience and faith, they were healed and so we too can find solutions to our problems by taking proactive steps in faith. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, starting a new project, or making a significant life change. The act of moving forward with faith can lead to unexpected and positive outcomes….

Tomorrow, October 4th, is the day we celebrate the life and ministry of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis is remembered on the day he died, and this evening Franciscans around the world will participate in a special prayer service called The Transitus. The word “transitus” comes from the Latin word for “passage” or “crossing.” The worship commemorates Francis’ embrace of “Sister Death” and his transition into eternal life.

The Transitus liturgies vary. Most of them include Scripture, hymns, and stories from Francis’ life. The evening sometimes also includes the serving and eating of almond cookies, a tradition based in the story of Francis’ close relationship with Blessed Jacoba of Settesoli. The two friends met when Francis was in Rome seeking permission from the Pope for his Order of Friars Minor. She baked almond cookies for him whenever he visited her home….

As we Christians seek to follow Jesus more closely, we are encouraged to read the Bible. But we church leaders don’t always do a good job of teaching people how to read scripture! You can certainly simply read a passage and then go about your day, of course. But one of my favorite ways to read scripture is Lectio divina, which is Latin for “Sacred reading.” It is a way of spending time with a passage of scripture in such a way that one can get more nourishment out of it. The ancient monk Guigo II described the practice as being like a cow chewing its cud!…..

On my recent journey to Spain, I was also blessed with the opportunity to stop in Lisbon, where I visited the towering statue of Christ the King. Rising more than one hundred feet high, with arms outstretched, the statue seemed to echo the words of Jesus Himself, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

As I stood gazing upward at Christ’s open arms, I was struck by the reminder that His welcome is not limited to those who travel across oceans or who stand before monuments of Him in faraway places. His invitation reaches each one of us, right where we are, in our homes, in our workplaces, in the quiet struggles of our hearts, and in the joys we celebrate. His arms are always open, ready to embrace us with grace, strength, and peace….

Like most members of the clergy (and most people in most professions!), I read a lot of content connected to the work I am called to do. Recently, in an article about sacred mutuality, I came across these words from a student describing their internship in hospital chaplaincy:

             “When it comes to pastoral care my aim has always been to bring some word from God to that person through the encounter—whether by reading scripture directly or through conversation or prayer. But this summer I’ve started approaching the pastoral visit totally differently…..