Spirituality

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

We all likely know the elation of success, and also the dispiritedness of failure, whether in sports, in intellectual pursuits, business, etc. But might remember Thomas Edison to whom the invention of the light bulb is often attributed, to whom also is attributed the phrase (there are various versions): “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.” We see such determination today in the SpaceX program. Whatever you might think of Elon Musk, it’s hard not to marvel at that program’s success, a venture widely ridiculed in its beginning Read More

By Donna Milanovich Srajer
President
Los Alamos Jewish Center

As the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah approaches, I feel its coming in the beauty of the change of seasons, the holiday’s prayerful time of self-reflection, the seeking of forgiveness, and the desire for renewal. It is a time of gratitude, of hope, and of community.

One of the most meaningful aspects of Rosh Hashanah is gathering with our Los Alamos Jewish Center family — friends old and new, along with visitors — who together create a warm and welcoming space where our tradition thrives.

This year, our community has something especially Read More

Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By The Rev. Mary Ann Hill
Rector
Trinity on the Hill

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

I would not be surprised if you are already familiar with this quote. Memes have been made of it. It’s been tattooed on countless arms and printed on myriad coffee mugs. It’s the last line of a poem by Mary Oliver. In this poem, entitled The Summer Day, Oliver reflects on creation and the brevity of life. But she doesn’t Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

As you no doubt have heard, on the morning of August 27, 2025, the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis became the site of a horrid scene. During a Mass celebrating the first week of school, a shooter fired through the church windows, killing two children and injuring 18 others. This Catholic community, a place where generations of believers had gathered for baptisms, weddings, and communions, was shattered by violence that struck at the heart of innocence and faith. Why, why, WHY, we cry, strike at children?!

How do we make sense of such evil? Where is God in the midst of suffering? Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

Many of us have probably lost friends of long acquaintance due to misunderstanding, slights perceived but not meant, grudges over trifles. One wonders if it’s not a sort of psychological self-protection mechanism—and expectation of being inevitably betrayed sometime in the future, so we “head it off at the pass” before it could do greater damage. “If even Jesus could be betrayed, what chance do ANY of the rest of us have!?” may be a subconscious, though erroneous, justification. Will I, too, have to bear the biblical treachery: “… it is not an adversary who deals insolently Read More

Clergy from left, Deacon Amy Schmuck, Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb, retired, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill and The Rev. Lynn Finnegan. Photo by Nate Limback/ladailypost.com

By Deacon Cynthia Biddlecomb
ELCA, retired

In the eighteenth chapter of Genesis, Abraham and Sarah, the couple chosen as progenitors of the People of God, receive a visit. Living in a tent, in an inhospitable wilderness, they would offer hospitality to anyone who came by. In this case, their visitors were a trio of holy ones, come to bring further news of God’s promise to them.

The story is a favorite of mine. In it we have the tradition Read More

By Fr. Glenn Jones:

A headline caught the eye recently: “Denzel Washington Blasts Cancel Culture; Says Faith Matters More Than Followers”. Asked whether he was concerned about losing approval and followers by not acquiescing to popular culture, Mr. Washington responded: “I don’t follow anybody … I follow God, I don’t follow man. I have faith in God.” He added: “You can’t be canceled if you haven’t signed up. Don’t sign up.” This reminds of Oscar Wilde: “A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.”

In a world saturated with noise—social media clamor, cultural trends, and the relentless Read More