“For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified […]
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Was Paul crucified for you? Read More »
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”” (John 1:29) January 14, 2023 Greetings, Fighter, Forgive me for starting today with this declaration from John the Baptist – one that is likely to alienate all but the most
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Jesus Christ, Liberator Read More »
“In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:1-2) January 7th, 2023
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
“A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18) December 30th, 2022 Hi Fighter, These words are from this Sunday’s Gospel reading from Matthew. They echo the words of the prophet Jeremiah (31:15) that echo the words
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
Now large crowds were traveling with [Jesus]; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25-26) Hi Fighter, It’s hard to understand how Jesus became so popular making statements
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
What was I thinking? Read More »
“Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!” (Luke 12:51) Did Jesus really say that? Are those really the words of the ‘Prince of Peace’? If you’ve been following our Gospel readings for the last few weeks, you’d be forgiven for thinking we
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
The Price of Peace Read More »
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them.
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
What went wrong with the church? Read More »
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36) Hi Fighter, How do you urge a fighter to be merciful? You don’t win fights by being merciful! I still remember the final words given to me before I climbed into the ring for my first fight. My cornerman urged me to put aside any
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
It’s a spooky thought – that some events, and some people, have a spiritual significance that transcends time. That’s not true for all of us, is it? Or is it? I feel comfortable with the thought that God loves everyone equally, and that therefore everyone has an equally significant role to play in the divine drama. The Bible though tells a very different story.
Preacher, Puncher, Father of four
Onwards and Upwards! Read More »
The church marks the first Sunday after Christmas as the “Feast of the Holy Family”, which sounds like a further slap in the face for those whose families look anything but holy. Even so, our Gospel text for the day suggests that Jesus’ earthly family may not have been as functional as we might have first assumed!
Preacher, Pugilist, Activist, Father of four
