Beyond the fragrant lilies and hydrangeas crowding the chancel, beyond the festive Easter bonnets still occasionally scattered bright across the pews, beyond the chocolate eggs, marshmallow chicks and bunnies, beyond this entire appealing world of charming things to see, of tasty things to eat, there can be found, by faithful seekers, two simple sticks, pieces of wood which, held together crosswise, hold a universe within their outstretched arms, which held together hold both past and future fast beside a broken loaf, a shared cup, a shattered empty tomb. … [Read more...]

This winter ending day which dawns in quiet chill recalls another morning born in thunderclap and rending as the gates of hell exploded from within and the Harrower led forth a wakening multitude of startled souls who never dreamt eternal life lay in their fearful, grasping, grudging hands, if only they would open them and yield to that astonishment yet lays in wait to shock this latter day with its still bright, alarming grace. … [Read more...]