Clotheslines

This week we move from Jesus’ messages of warning to a message of joy. Jesus has been talking a lot about the importance of getting into the kingdom, how our choices have consequences—both good and bad. Now he tells us about the kingdom, and it all comes down to one premise: What’s important to you? Jesus says: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…” Picture this: You’re hard at work at your job: digging in a field, someone else’s field. And while you’re d

Timing is everything. How often have you heard that or even said it yourself? We hear stories of a man and woman meeting in college, or at a party. One of them was there by accident; the other wasn’t planning to be there at all. But somehow, they meet, and fifty years later they are still married. Someone just happens to be looking at a newspaper in a doctor’s office and finds the job she’s been looking for, and she never would have seen the ad had she not been sick enough to

We all know the Parable of the Sower, about the farmer who scatters seeds in different places…some grow, some don’t. And Jesus himself explains the story. The seed sometimes falls on hard-packed earth where it cannot penetrate…some falls on a weed-choked patch that strangles any growth…and some falls on good soil and flourishes—all of it analogous to spreading the word of God with hearts that accept it… or not. It’s a good approach to look at the soil, but today let’s look at

“Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Those are some of the most beautiful words from Jesus Himself. But have you ever thought about the “yoke” that Jesus wants you to take on? It seems odd to link “rest” with a “yoke.” They seem to be totally incompatible. But the fact is

Sometimes following God’s will isn’t easy. There are multiple stories of the saints who went through so many trying times in order to follow God. Then and now, it always comes down to the freedom of choice. We were given free will to choose our own way or God’s way. But God never asks anything of us that we wasn’t willing to give Himself. Take the story of Abraham. Abraham was old and his wife Sarah was old, but God promised Abraham that he would have a son. Many years went b

There is a price to pay when we stand up for our beliefs. Jesus told us that many times. He said it wouldn’t be easy to live the Christian life, but he would always be with us. Sir Ernest Shackleton, South Pole explorer wrote a similar fiery ad in a 20th century London newspaper: Men wanted for a hazardous journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful.” And about that ad, later he wrote: The response was so overwhel

Throughout history, many people have learned their trade by being an apprentice to a master craftsman. Sometimes it’s a formal arrangement. Sometimes it’s a parent or relative guiding a child or a young person. Typically, there is a length of time of learning before the apprentice is released to accomplish the task at hand. Jesus was THE Master Craftsman who taught the apostles—and us—how to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. As we read the Gospels, we look for details

Wouldn’t it be great if church growth were as easy as: Jesus calls Matthew…Matthew follows! That was a portion of Sunday’s Gospel passage: Jesus calls Matthew…Matthew follows. Well, we all know that church growth isn’t as easy as that. But truth be told, evangelism isn’t about church growth. It’s about making followers of Jesus. When Jesus called Matthew, it caused an uproar in the town, especially with the Pharisees. Why? Matthew was a tax-collector! Tax collectors had a poo

Last Sunday we talked about the Trinity, a major doctrine of our Christian faith. Ironically, the word “Trinity” appears nowhere in Holy Scripture! Truth be told, however, the Trinity—one God, in three Persons—appears throughout Scripture. A prime example is: “In the beginning.” Does that phrase ring a bell? Of course, it does. Those are the first three words found in the Book of Genesis. And following those three words we find the perfect example of the presence of the Trini

Today is a milestone for the Clothesline…Chapter 300! And today we remember the Birthday of the Church: Pentecost. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Advocate…that same Spirit that Jesus gave to the apostles…and to us. Three thousand people were baptized on that special day, the first Christians to be sent out living the Christian life. That was the story we heard on Sunday from the Book of Acts written by St. Luke. And it’s an incredible story indeed. The apostles are in th