matt tullos: writer
There was John and then there was Jesus. John couldn’t be categorized as anything but completely, radically, undeniably committed. His calling and mission propelled him into the vortex of the Jesus story. What do you call a man who wears camel’s skin and a belt? How do you explain a consistent diet of wild honey and more »
They up and left for Egypt and parts unknown. Jesus disappears from the pages of scripture. We do have one curious story. Maybe Mary and Jospeh forgot him or they just didn’t notice that he wasn’t with him until they reached the ancient exit ramp outside the walls of the Holy City. Even that story more »
As a stealth and sinister conspirator, he sent his henchman into the city of promise. He orchestrated the visceral wails of young mothers. The horsemen of the holocaust… Their hooves crushing the hearts of the mothers. Cruelty felt palpable that horrid night. I’d rather skip this story. There’s nothing good in all the unspeakable, gratuitous more »
Jesus was born. Yes, this is where the greatest adventure commenced and yet the beginning can only be described as “before.” Before war, before cities, before language, before thought… Jesus was there. Spirit moving over the face of the deep. Jesus began before the shout of angels outside Bethlehem’s borders. But his story expanded far more »
DarknessConfusionRejectionUncertaintyImprovisationAccommodationDustStrawLaborDangerAdaptationPainGaspsBreathsSweatContractionsInterruptionAnimals FearWonderWhispersConsolingMotivationSoonWeepingHelplessness PushingGraspingEncouragingTearsStrainingFluidBloodTiny headChestReliefJoy InfantCryingFatherRejoicingMotherSmilingCHILDRagsNurtureConnection KingAnswerPeaceLambSaviorHope JoyExchangeLoveSacrificeGraceYesJesusBeginning ___________________________
Can you hear the Great Samaritan? He’s just outside your door He’s carrying the wounded We so oftentimes ignore His holy arms are holding The lonely and the lost So great his holy ransom How precious was the cost. You are his solution Chosen for this day. Please don’t cause him sorrow. Please don’t turn more »
It’s not often that you find yourself walking through the mall with an archangel. But that’s kind of the way dreams are: a normal day and you then- throw in something odd- like going to school in only your underwear or discovering that your teeth are falling out one by one during the sermon at more »
“You see the people crowding against you,” His disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’” i wonder if the angels ask Him that on Sundays. Jesus looks through this mass of believers millions speaking singing and seeking a whirlwind of worship as the world spins from sun’s rise to fall. “Who touched more »
“But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19b Advent is to ponder. If you don’t take time to turn everything off and ponder sometime this week, you are left with all that is temporal, ordinary and fleeting about Christmas. Stop and ponder. Luke tells us in his gospel that more »
Don’t you worry, Mary. Just lean into My plan.I will not leave you helpless On the way to Bethlehem.No money in your purse…No place for you to stay…But don’t you worry, Mary.I’m enough for you today.Don’t defend your reputation.There’s greatness just ahead.Your name will be rememberedLong after they are dead.So just cry if you need to.Feel free more »