Spirituality

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

ELIZABETH: For we’re trying to find a fault in you.

DARCY: Maybe it’s that I find it hard to forgive the follies and vices of others, or their offenses against myself. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever.

That’s one of the memorable scenes in the 2005 movie “Pride and Prejudice” that always sticks in memory. Yet such an attitude of unyielding ire tends to be modern (well, likely age-old) attitude of many: that once offended, offended forever. No going back, no retractions, do not pass “Go”.

Are Christians, following Jesus’ admonitions and example, free of such bitterness Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

9/11.

Even now, after 22 years, the memory of it sparks horror…sorrow…anger…regret. Few now younger than 30 will remember watching so much of it “live and in color”, and know the shock that was felt not only in our nation, but around the world. Scanning the skies. The grounded planes. “Let’s roll”.

“What regret?! We were attacked!!” Yes, but why? The regret for human disunity which led to that and similar tragedies. Greed, jealousy, prejudice, religious hatred, unbridled self-interest even when faced with those impoverished through no fault of their own. Hardness of heart. Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

One thing that thwarts people from coming to faith is the perennial question: “Why do bad things happen to good people? If God loves those who are faithful to Him, why is that?”

It’s a question with no easy answer, though we know that hardships, difficulty and misfortune DO occur to just about everyone—those with faith, or not. The Biblical book of Job’s whole theme is that evil can strike even the best person. Jesus affirms this: “… those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem?  Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

Anyone of merit wants their children to grow up to be good and virtuous persons—intelligent without arrogance, strong but gracious and kind, beautiful without vanity, courageous to do what’s right, charitable to those in need, thoughtful, etc. Most parents, remembering their own faults and failures, weaknesses and regrets, long for their children to be improved (sometimes much improved) versions of themselves or of family members/mentors whom they themselves admire.

This is why many Christians celebrate various saints throughout the year: to provide examples not Read More

Clergy from left, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired; Pastor Nicolé Ferry, Associate Rector Lynn Finnegan and Pastor Deb Church. Courtesy photo

By Rev. Deb Beloved Church
White Rock Presbyterian Church

In a recent column [Aug. 13, 2023], my colleague, friend, and sister in faith, Mother Lynn Finnegan, encouraged us to “examine our faith ‘comfort zones’” and, for those not currently part of a church, to consider giving it a try! And she offered a prayer that whatever church you enter might be “a source of healing and hope.”

I echo all of that! Church can absolutely be a source of healing and hope–healing Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

I saw an interesting post the other day:

“Just a reminder that 75% of the time you’ll ever get to spend with your kids is over by the time they turn 12. And 90% of your time with them is gone by the time they’re 18. So slow down, be present and enjoy these short, sweet years. They’ll soon be over.” Good advice. Just sharing. Remember “Cat’s in the Cradle”. Nobody at their death ever lamented spending too much time with their children.

On an unrelated note: we’ve all likely seen comics depicting aliens coming to earth with various themes of “Take me to your leader” or zooming back to outer Read More