Change is a part of our DNA. Our bodies’ cells recreate themselves over and over again throughout our life. Trees have a cycle of life where they experience change that sustains them. Change is good. It is an expression of growth and sustenance.
When we were kids, we were told that prayer is just simply talking to God. Many were taught to talk to God like they were talking to a friend. And of course, this isn’t all bad. But this understanding has harmed prayer practices and kept people from accessing meaningful connection with themselves and with others.
This week, Fox aired a live performance of RENT, Jonathan Larson’s timeless rock musical. In its own time, RENT opened the hearts and minds of theater goers to issues of LGBTQ discrimination, community, the HIV/AIDS epidemic and so much more. It was a brilliant music score that still captivates musicians today. There are so many reasons to appreciate RENT and the creativity, truth-telling, and challenging lessons it has for us all.
Thomas Merton was one of the most influential religious figures of his time and one who truly moved beyond a belief system. Not only was he an advocate of social justice and peace, but he was a pioneer for interfaith engagement and his writing continues to be relevant today. He’s also a public figure of whom the state of Kentucky can actually be proud…
There’s a story in the Hebrew Bible where one of the main characters, Jacob, had a crazy dream. He dreamt that there was a ladder that came down from the sky and angels were going up and coming down the ladder. When Jacob awakens from this dream, he says, “Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it.” It is easy to walk through life and not realize that God is indeed present. It is easy to not pay attention. As progressive people of faith, we have an opportunity to encounter the Divine presence in diverse people, experiences, and settings. If only we wake up.