Letter from the Pastor

                A group of retired residents of an institution diplomatically called “A Home for Senior Citizens” had gathered for an afternoon discussion led by a volunteer from a local university.  Each person was asked to quote a favorite poem or to sing a favorite song and then to comment on the verse or song.  One frail, little lady both began and ended the session when she lifted her hand and repeated part of a familiar line: “Grow old along with me… the best is yet to be.”  No sooner had her voice faded […]

          In the famous story of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare raised the now famous question, “What is in a name?”  And in the next sentence he gave his equally famous answer, “That which we call a rose, by any other name, would smell as sweet.”           In his poetic language, Shakespeare was saying that names, in and of themselves, have no meaning.  And in our western culture that is largely true.  Names are simply labels that are applied to people for purposes of identification.  They are sometimes chosen by association as when […]

                There is an old movie based on the beginnings of the Chinese communist revolution.  A Chinese mob breaks into orphanage run by a Catholic priest.  The communist officer, a big bully type, tries to assault a pretty, young orphan girl.  The priest, at the risk of his own life, tries to defend her.  While two or three soldiers were holding the priest, the man slaps him saying: “Your Christ recommends turning the other cheek”.  The priest complies.  The officer slaps him on the other cheek too.  The priest then in great anger […]