Author Archives: Brothers and Sisters of Love

During the summer of 1985, I was a seminarian working with street gangs at St. Malachy Church adjacent to the old Henry Horner housing projects.  One day a family came to see me.  A teenage gang member had been arrested … Continue reading →

During my freshman year, my team, made up from White kids, was playing a Black team at our community college.  Despite our lockers being separated by team, I ended up alone in part of the locker room with an opponent.  … Continue reading →

About five years ago, I watched a young blonde woman walk her white poodle down the pristine sidewalk, headphones helping her tune out the world, business casual dress.  It was the ultimate view of an up-and-coming suburban woman navigating the … Continue reading →

It was something so surreal that no one could take it seriously.  A man spewing hatred, inciting offense and ignoring all the rules of the political game slowly gained the votes needed to be elected as the Republican candidate for … Continue reading →

Mindset Number Two: You cannot earn mercy, or require others to earn it. On the popular ABC show, Modern Family, the character Phil wants deeply to be there for his family.  He is a bit of a goofball, but warm-hearted … Continue reading →

We hear the word “mercy” in church pews and secular speech alike.  It sounds good. We theoretically have no issue with it.  In abstract terms, we desire to be merciful.  But what is mercy? What does it look like? How … Continue reading →

  It’s that time of year again: Fresh starts, resolutions and goal setting for individuals and strategic planning and visioning for companies.  Plans are everywhere—we are going to be a fitter, happier, richer, calmer, more perfect people. Normally, this would … Continue reading →

Tragic acts of unthinkable violence are covering the news in the United States.  The questions linger: How could someone commit such a terrible act of violence and terrorism? How could someone shoot and kill in their own neighborhood? How could … Continue reading →

  Barach 5:1-9 Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 Luke 3:1-6 The readings talk of anticipating what is hoped for.  For Baruch it is the returning of the Israelites to Jerusalem from forced exile.  For John the Baptist it is the coming of … Continue reading →

America is divided again over guns and gun control.  30,000 people die each year from guns.  That means over 1,000,000 Americans have died from guns since President Kennedy was assassinated.  Yet some of us say that nothing is wrong with … Continue reading →