I like Thomas. I’ve always liked Thomas. He was falsely labeled as “doubting Thomas.” Imagine being Thomas. Jesus died a week before and you’ve been sequestered with the rest of the 11 for fear of the Jewish and Roman authorities. Someone has to go out for supplies and so you go. Never would you have … Read More
During my years as a psychiatric chaplain, I frequently had very vivid dreams that would entangle my every day with my love for urban fantasy novels (and tv shows) and with my theological pursuits. In these dreams I would have to solve some unsolvable puzzle or complete some heroic act which would result in the … Read More
Jesus Replied (Luke 23:43) Year ends. God reigns whether we notice or not. Promises made long ago remain true – all are loved, all are valued, no one excluded. Advent draws near, calling us to pause and listen, watch, prepare, and begin again. The days are surely coming when all feet everywhere will travel in … Read More
Those little purple faces poking up next to the sidewalk on my way out of church on Sunday were nearly my undoing. Not exactly the color purple in a field, but I noticed. I saw them innocently reaching for the sun, the first of spring flowers I’ve seen this year. And, yes, I thanked God … Read More
What are you afraid of? On that first Easter evening the disciples were afraid of everything. Jesus was dead and gone; the body had even been removed from the tomb. They were afraid for their lives. They were at a loss. They were so afraid that they had locked themselves in a room. Was it … Read More
Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid in the deepest night where terror has free reign. Do not be afraid when rulers threaten death and destruction. Do not be afraid when you are lost and alone. Do not be afraid when there is no way through the wilderness. Do not be afraid when the … Read More
Since moving to Minnesota a little over three years ago, I miss being near the ocean in ways I wouldn’t have predicted. However, I love living in a place where I can watch eagles and hawks hunt as I drive to and from church. I’ve seen a pair of eagles carrying fish back to their … Read More
Sitting in my office with the remnants of Lent services and studies scattered amidst the props and pieces of Holy Week services yet to come, I’m finding it hard to believe that Easter is just days away. Usually Lent feels a bit pressured and overly long; there’s a lot to do out in the wilderness … Read More
This morning I drove from Yankton, SD to Omaha, NE. I was awed by the beauty of the landscape which wasn’t quite as flat as I anticipated. I drove through miles of farmland with some fields freshly furrowed to show the black richness of the soil. The trees that bordered these farms wore a hallow … Read More
Why church? How are we to be church? Is church dying out or transforming? Which church has it right? These questions and other similar ones govern so many of the conversations among those in church leadership across denominations. Where do ecumenism and interfaith dialogue come in? Do we need a building? How do we raise money? … Read More
Interested in spiritual direction or learning more about it to decide whether it's for you? Curious whether you can afford it? Wondering if Rachael Keefe is available to speak to your group or present at your conference on mental health and faith or suicide prevention and the church?
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