The Christian ethicist Stanley Hauerwas has said, “Christianity is not beliefs about God plus behavior. We are Christians not because of what we believe, but because we have been called to be disciples of Jesus. To become a disciple is not a matter of a new or changed self-understanding, but rather to become part of a different community with a different set of practices.”

"When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.” This line might prove comforting to many in the congregation. It is helpful to realize we are not alone if our faith is less than perfect.

Forever is a long time. Ask the couple who promises fidelity for only one lifetime! Or the celibate who takes vows for the long haul.

Nicknames: Did you have one? Did you like it? Did it stick with you? Some nicknames are pretty obvious in their origins like “Shorty” or “Lefty” or “Irish.” Some clearly were terms of endearment given to a baby or a child that stuck like “Baby” or “Junior.”

Whenever you hear about a public figure’s son or daughter messing up, you just want to say, “What were you thinking? Don’t you know your father is the mayor,” or “Your mother is school principal?”

A friend of mine likes to say, “Ninety percent of being successful in life is just showing up.” I think this is especially true for parents.

God’s abundant life overflows into our life. As we celebrate the many ways God is present to us, let us pray with the confidence granted us by the abiding presence of the Trinity in our lives.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations . . . .” Coming at the end of Matthew’s gospel, the “great commission” brings together the three most important emphases of the gospel—which also happen to have a lot to do with the Trinity.

0 eternal Trinity, God, you are an abyss, a deep sea; you have given yourself to me—what greater could you give? You are a fire, ever burning and never consumed, consuming in your heat all the self-love of the soul, taking away all coldness. By your light you enlighten our minds, as by your light you have brought me to know your truth.