The Root of Jesse, Day 8

Photo of a snail and an insect speaking Isaiah 11:8 about the baby playing by the viper's den.
โ€œThe Root of Jesse, Day 8โ€
Isaiah 11:8
ยฉ๏ธ2020 Gloria M. Chang

In the viperโ€™s den, perfect love reignsโ€”fear flees where Christ is victorious.

The baby shall play by the viperโ€™s den,
and the child lay his hand on the adderโ€™s lair.

Read the rest

The Farmer’s Patience

Photo of snail and crocus speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "The Farmer's Patience."
โ€œThe Farmerโ€™s Patienceโ€
A reflection on James 5:7-11
Third Sunday of Advent (Year A)
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

The farmerโ€™s patience: Trusting Godโ€™s timing through drought and storm, awaiting the certain harvest of grace.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.

Read the rest

Solidarity

Photo of snail and rio speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Solidarity."
โ€œSolidarityโ€
A reflection on Luke 13:1-5
Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

How does Jesusโ€™ call to be transformed in the face of tragedy challenge us to embrace solidarity with all of humanity?

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.

Read the rest

World of Vapor

โ€œWorld of Vaporโ€
A reflection on Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
ยฉ๏ธ2024 Gloria M. Chang

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

What does man gain by all the toil
at which he toils under the sun?

Read the rest

The Finger of God

Parts of P.Oxy. LII 3679, 3rd century, containing fragments of Plato’s Republic.

27th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday (Year II)

Luke 11:15-26

Suppose there was a perfectly just man. Would he be loved, ignored, or hated?

Plato proposed a thought experiment around 360 B.C.… Read the rest