Presby-Musings

"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.  Show me the wonders of your great love..." Psalm 17:7 There is this moment early in the Gospel of John where Jesus meets Nathanael, a young man who would soon become one of his twelve disciples.  Nathanael is brought by Philip, who had already been captivated by Jesus and called to follow.   When Philip introduces Nathanael, Jesus declares to all who are gathered, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."  Nathanael asks Jesus, "How do you know me?"  Jesus replies, "I saw you while you still under the fig tree when Philip came to get you."   Nathanael is amazed because not only has Jesus asserted that he knows who Nathanael really  is, he then goes on to prove it by miraculously revealing his knowledge of something that he could not have known except through divine sight.   And in that moment Nathanael pledges his loyal...

A couple of years ago, I was wandering around a mall holding my Starbucks Venti Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Latte.  I wandered into a store and one of the employees working there, called out to me.  " Leon !" he exclaimed.  "How've you been, man?  What's happening?  So good to see you, Leon ."   I was taken aback, and started searching my memory banks for any clue that might tell me who the guy was.  "I'm good, dude." I said slowly.  "How have things been with you?" " Leon ," the guy replied, "things have been so good, I can't even complain."  I finally broke down.  "Do I know you, dude?  How do you know who I am?"  He laughed and pointed at my Starbucks cup.  "It's on your cup, man."  Sure enough, there on the top of my cup was my name printed in large black letters by the barista just a few moments before.   That guy taught me a valuable lesson, however.  For a few brief moments I t...