Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son.He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;like a lamb … Continue reading Two Sacrifices, One Death: Isaac and the Suffering Servant
The Worst Sermon: A Reflection on Jonah 3
Note: A sermon by Thomas Parks delivered to Orange City United Methodist Church (Orange City, FL) on March 21, 2021. Thomas is a Master of Divinity student at Asbury Theological Seminary Orlando. It was the worst sermon I have ever heard. Sermon? That’s not right… There would’ve had to have been something good in it … Continue reading The Worst Sermon: A Reflection on Jonah 3
Neither Here nor There
Welcome aboard! You will now begin your tour of categorical realism. Take your pick. Choose one or the other, but you cannot pick both. Hold on to your questions until the very end. Ambivalence will not be tolerated. Make a decision now, please! No time to waste. If you hesitate, you might forfeit value, acceptance, … Continue reading Neither Here nor There
Maria Salome: The Unknown Yet Transformative Story of a Woman Disciple of the Early Church
During the season of Easter, there was an image from last summer that I have been pondering in my heart: My whole-self walking in wonder for the first time through I vìcoli (the small streets—las callecitas) of the magical town of Veroli, located in the Latin Valley of Central Italy. The smell of the wind … Continue reading Maria Salome: The Unknown Yet Transformative Story of a Woman Disciple of the Early Church
A Reflection on Job 14
Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.And do you open your eyes on such a one and bring me into judgment with you?Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? There is not one.Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is … Continue reading A Reflection on Job 14
