04/21/2025
The Loss of a Great Christian Leader
The death today of Pope Francis was particularly poignant, falling as it did on the day after Easter. As Protestant Christians we have a once removed interest in the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Yet the pope is the authoritative leader of 1.4 billion women and men around the world. It is worth our time to pause and consider what kind of man and what kind of legacy Pope Francis left behind.
You will find all kinds of eulogies and commentaries being written by those who know much more than I.* All I wanted to do was express my appreciation for a pastor who practiced what he preached. From living simply, acting humbly, and giving generously, this was a man who understood the importance of both faith and works, and was committed to keeping them in sync with each other. Whatever will be said of his positions on theology or social issues—liberal or conservative—his integrity and authenticity will be what is remembered.
I’m always looking for teachable moments for my faith and for the faith of my flock and I think the humility I’ve witnessed in Francis has been a call to me to practice what I preach—to live what I believe. A week or so ago, I saw this comic and I thought it might be a fun way to drive this point home.
By the way, it was a wonderful and triumphant day of worship here yesterday. I want to thank all the women and men who provided the planning, the coordination, the music, the audio and visual
technology, the prayers and the sharing of the word for that worship.
We are so greatly blessed here at Carmel UMC.
We are so greatly blessed as followers of the risen Christ.
He is risen indeed!
*[Quoted from Wikipedia]
“As pope, Francis's manner was less formal than that of his immediate predecessors, a style that news coverage referred to as "no frills", noting that it is "his common touch and accessibility that is proving the greatest inspiration". On the night of his election, he took a bus back to his hotel with the cardinals rather than being driven in the papal car. The next day, he visited Cardinal Jorge María Mejía in the hospital and chatted with patients and staff.…
Archived Posts
The Loss of a Great Christian Leader
The death today of Pope Francis was particularly poignant, falling as it did on the day after Easter. As Protestant Christians we have a once removed interest in the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Yet the pope is the authoritative leader of 1.4 billion women and men around the world. It is worth our time to pause and consider what kind of man and what kind of legacy Pope Francis left behind.
Everything You Wanted To Know About Judas Iscariot
(Drawn from online sources)
Jesus Hears A Who
Few people know that Horton Hears A Who comes from the 25th Chapter of Matthew.
Matthew 24: One More Thing...
I sometimes stumble on old documents I’ve created but have completely forgotten about. I cannot remember why I created them or what purpose they were originally supposed to serve....
Keeping the Church Doors Unencumbered
Sunday, we considered Jesus’ disruptive actions in the Temple in light of his frustration with keeping gentiles from worshipping in their designated courtyard. We then reflected on how we still tend to throw up roadblocks to those who don’t normally attend church. I found the following, but didn’t have space for it in the sermon. It’s provocative and worth chewing on for a while.
What Was the Crowd Celebrating on Palm Sunday?
I came across this list which feels a little like a "Greatest Hits of Jesus' Ministry". I share it with you today for your inspiration and edification. Enjoy!
The Best Kind of Trouble-maker
While working on this last week’s sermon I was looking through Phillip Yancey’s excellent book—The Jesus I Never Knew—when I came across a section that I found profound. It didn’t quite fit my sermon, but it caught my eye enough that I copied it down.