Months ago, while my mind and heart were whirling after moving from rural Wisconsin to Chicago, I attempted to run a simple and quick errand: buy some shampoo. Another sister went with me, and we carried along a short list of things we needed for our new household. At the store, we found little ofContinue reading “This Advent, may we make room”
Tag Archives: hospitality
At a table with other sinners, the Eucharist unites
The first person who taught me eucharistic theology was my Lutheran grandmother. Although I have no memories of her ever uttering the words “eucharistic” or “theology,” she taught me in the way that the best teachers do: by being a living example. Grandma’s house usually smelled like freshly baked bread. Her counter was often dustedContinue reading “At a table with other sinners, the Eucharist unites”
For We Know Not What We Do
The world that surrounds us is daunting, too many voices speak truth and prophetic words from false prophets sow division. God cannot be both compassionate and a defense through which morality props up the unjust But the most persuasive voices can tailor the emperor’s clothes to align with God’s will or is it man’s? SoContinue reading “For We Know Not What We Do”
Confession: I like Tim Tebow
I have a confession to make: I kind of like Tim Tebow, the professional football player turned professional baseball player. I respect him. In fact, I admire him. Since he played for football teams other than my favorite, the Green Bay Packers, I’m a little shy to admit this. Also, he has lots of critics.Continue reading “Confession: I like Tim Tebow”
I’m so glad you called
His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf andContinue reading “I’m so glad you called”
More than a table
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. —Acts of the Apostles, 2:46 Last week, I had to buy a dining room table. It is the first time I’ve ever done so and to be honest,Continue reading “More than a table”
On practicing Christian hospitality
My husband and I recently made the difficult decision to open our guestroom to a family experiencing homelessness in our community. We heard about a mother, father and their infant who were living on the streets and in dire need of help. A member of my husband’s congregation posted on Facebook that the family, whom sheContinue reading “On practicing Christian hospitality”
Porters, Posadas and our Advent invitation
“Welcome!” My Capuchin Franciscan postulant friend greeted me as he opened the large wooden door, inviting me inside from the Midwestern early-winter chill. There was a handsome plate beside the door, announcing to visitors that this large old house was the St. Conrad Priory. “Who is St. Conrad?” I asked, stepping inside. “He was aContinue reading “Porters, Posadas and our Advent invitation”
Ugandan faith lesson #1: always room at the inn
Faith lessons from my Ugandan family Editor’s note: This is the first blog post in the five-part series “Faith lessons from my Ugandan family” by Messy Jesus Business guest contributor/Rabble Rouser Nicole Steele Wooldridge about her experiences in Mbale, Uganda. Stay tuned throughout this week to experience the next four installments of Nicole’s faith lessonsContinue reading “Ugandan faith lesson #1: always room at the inn”
the lesson of spring soil
soil slides aside allowing an emergence flower seed breaks, becoming resurrected over the reasons and chances that it might not make it or shouldn’t come alive it rises, a new life a new colorful character in the neighborhood sustained by the power of the sun Earth knows how to welcome the stranger room isContinue reading “the lesson of spring soil”