Presby-Musings

Several years ago, my wife Merideth and I visited Rome and spent some time at the Vatican.   At the time I was feeling a bit dusty and dry spiritually. I figured that if there was anywhere on earth that I might experience a sign from God it would be in St. Peter's Basilica in the center of Vatican Square.   As we waited for Mass to start, Merideth and I went into a gift shop.  Merideth hates to shop, but I love it.  Merideth got tired of shopping and went outside while I stayed inside poking around for gifts.  Suddenly I heard a commotion outside and went to investigate.  Merideth said, "You're not going to believe this!  A perfect white dove just flew down into this square, hovered over everyone who was here and then flew away!  It was amazing!"   I was dumbfounded.  I'd been searching for a sign, and I had missed the one that God had sent. We went inside to attend Mass.  I was beating myself up, and won...

"Before you say 'no,' you have to say 'yes." With this provocative and confusing statement, Rob Bell began a talk on Identity to a roomful of learners---mostly pastors and church leaders---at his recent 2Days With Rob Bell event in Laguna Beach, CA. Then he shared a parable... It seems a first century rabbi was journeying home late from a dinner in a nearby village.  There was a fork in the road that led to his village.  If he went left, he would find himself at a Roman military outpost.  If he went right he would find his way home.  It was dark and he had drunk a bit of wine and he inadvertently took the left fork.  Some time later he found himself at the wall of the outpost.  A Roman guard called out to him, "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"  The rabbi didn't answer.  "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"  The rabbi called back to the soldier, "How much are they paying you to do this?"  The guard was ...