Second commandment

To love our neighbor as ourselves means we are willing to suffer for the shortcomings of our neighbors...and ourselves. There is much in us we cannot presently control or might best be described as simply unruly or uncivilized - unchristian. Maybe we must consider ourselves as our own neighbors.

Sacrament

The sacrament teaches us what John 15:13 and 21:15-17 are all about.

Temple

We receive there what is necessary for us to tread the path to becoming like Christ.

Reality

There is a difference between religious culture and religious doctrine. The culture is the map, the doctrine is the land.

Addiction

We cannot overdose on the love of God. Everything else here - even air and water - can hurt us in excess.

Living Water

No stagnant water from our own minuscule, leaky, leaching cisterns can really quench another's thirst. The very best we can be is an aqueduct through which Living Water may be received that it may clean, heal, comfort, buoy, challenge, and literally give life. Of all things we consume, water is what we need the most. Living Water has no substitute. I hope to be the channel for as much of it as the Lord would have me be. Though it's frightening, I've decided to fill in my cistern. It doesn't help me any more than it helps others.

Reliance on God

I've heard so often that relying on God is abdication or weakness. If God isn't alive and involved, that would be true. Is relying on one's father a cop out?