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
Jesus Keeps On Ruining Funerals!
I didn’t have anything this last week that didn’t end up in the sermon. No catchy illustrations that didn’t make the cut. No theological insights that slowed down the main point. No one can ruin a funeral like Jesus. Told as I saw it and that was it. So I did some quick research and I thought I’d share just a reminder of what Easter is all about.
When I Don’t Get To Give My Benediction
Yesterday’s sermon talked about how we are in the thrall of self-centeredness—caught in a system that rewards those who climb to the top, even when you have to climb on the back of others. I talked about a famous sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, ....
Some Good Quotes that I Didn’t Get To Last Sunday
I have been working out of Adam Hamilton’s excellent book, Why Did Jesus Have to Die? And when I find something that says what I want to say more succinctly and expressively than I can, I like to quote it...
Good Stuff that Didn’t Make the Cut
I liked what I’d put together below, but ran out of time to share in Sunday’s sermon. Remember we were talking about the Old Adam and the New Adam, Jesus.
One More Piece of Unsolicited Advice
I had one too many examples yesterday. Here’s the "Ask Pastor Tim" scenario that didn’t make the cut for Sunday’s sermon: (read more)
Not If, But When, the Crisis Comes
One of the best Bible commentators alive today is N.T. Wright or Tom Wright. When reflecting on the parable of the wise and foolish maidens, he wrote this:...
What I wanted to say
but ran out of time this Sunday
Here is the benediction I was going to use before discovering the excellent MLK Jr. video.