One of the things that most defines good poetry for me is what I would call its “evocativeness.” Does the poet not just describe a setting but evoke a feeling, a memory, a sensory reaction? Jane Kenyon absolutely does that in her poem “Let Evening Come.” Whether you grew up in...
Luke 22:47-53
posted by DJL
While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” When those who were around him saw what was coming,...
Wright’s Law and the Power of Love
posted by DJL
At first you think this is a video about an amazing teacher, Jeffrey Wright, who is willing to do just about anything to engage his students in learning — learning about physics, about themselves, about each other and the world. Then you think it’s really about the power of vulnerability, of self-disclosure, as Mr. Wright shares with them some of his personal life and in this way creates an atmosphere of profound trust where transformative learning can take place. And then you realize it’s really all about love. In the face of the incredible challenges that Jeffrey and his son and family face, there are a few choices they could...
The Annunciation
posted by DJL
We are not yet at the point of Advent where we hear the story of Gabriel’s visit to Mary. But, to be honest, I think we save that reading too late in the season to give it due attention. Perhaps it’s because, as Denise Levertov notices in her poem “The Annunciation,” we...
Luke 1:30-33
posted by DJL
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor...