Steve, I think the most loving thing you could do for your audience is to say far less. I see you as being able to lead them in a slow reading of the Exodus passage and have them envision themselves looking at a burning bush that does not burn up. Trust that the spirit will give each one of your listeners, a vision of themselves and their relationship with God. Who knows, they might actually takeoff their shoes. But I believe this 12 minute homily lead in this way, would never be forgotten and just might be transformative.
It takes a long time to learn how to say less. At least it has for me. As I spend the final day prepping, I’m seeing the essential and I’m seeing the fluff. So, another deep cutting today is needed. I’ve always loved Nouwen’s urging to preach contemplatively. He learned the need at Harvard and Yale. I appreciate your encouragement to move in this direction!
Navigating the unknown is really the path to follow Jesus.
The pairing of the words navigating and unknown, I find quite humorous. But so fitting into the mystery of the path and the One we follow! Love all of this! Thanks for taking us along!
Just read this and made me think of your comment: “Happiness consists in finding out precisely what the “one thing necessary” may be, in our lives, and in gladly relinquishing all the rest. For then, by a divine paradox, we find that everything else is given us together with the one thing we needed.” Thomas Merton – “No Man is an Island”
Such good good words! I appreciate them all. I think one point is a very good way to go! Thank you for that encouraging word! And I’ll be adding the Ann Lamont quote. But that might take on more of my 12 minutes!😜😎
Steve, I think the most loving thing you could do for your audience is to say far less. I see you as being able to lead them in a slow reading of the Exodus passage and have them envision themselves looking at a burning bush that does not burn up. Trust that the spirit will give each one of your listeners, a vision of themselves and their relationship with God. Who knows, they might actually takeoff their shoes. But I believe this 12 minute homily lead in this way, would never be forgotten and just might be transformative.
It takes a long time to learn how to say less. At least it has for me. As I spend the final day prepping, I’m seeing the essential and I’m seeing the fluff. So, another deep cutting today is needed. I’ve always loved Nouwen’s urging to preach contemplatively. He learned the need at Harvard and Yale. I appreciate your encouragement to move in this direction!
All the best. Remember All will be well.
As Tara would say, “Our wounding becomes our theology.” And probably our politics.🙃
Reminds me of Terry Wardle calling the first half of life “mastery” and the second half “mystery.”
THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing. You are so loved. ❤️
I like that shift from mastery to mystery. One has to wonder then why are so many ministry and politicians stuck in the mastery while in their 80s
Navigating the unknown is really the path to follow Jesus.
The pairing of the words navigating and unknown, I find quite humorous. But so fitting into the mystery of the path and the One we follow! Love all of this! Thanks for taking us along!
Love this, Steve.
My favorite line: Let me keep my distance, always, from those
who think they have the answers.
My favorite real estate mentor taught: Get out of judgement and into curiosity!
“Get out of judgement and into curiosity” one of the best one liners I’ve ever heard! It will preach!
Just read this and made me think of your comment: “Happiness consists in finding out precisely what the “one thing necessary” may be, in our lives, and in gladly relinquishing all the rest. For then, by a divine paradox, we find that everything else is given us together with the one thing we needed.” Thomas Merton – “No Man is an Island”
Such good good words! I appreciate them all. I think one point is a very good way to go! Thank you for that encouraging word! And I’ll be adding the Ann Lamont quote. But that might take on more of my 12 minutes!😜😎