We are always tempted to make faith into something that we handle, not a way by which we surrender.

How perfectly the prophet Joel summons us to Lent with those two adverbs: “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart.”

If we give the signal—our readiness, our openness—God lifts us up.

If only there were an app that alerted us every time that Christ was near, every time that Christ wanted us to let up on our worthwhile labors long enough to look at someone we love.

The sermon is so simple. However dark your world, imitate me and all will be well. The question it poses is likewise quite stark: Do we believe him enough to rally?

We use the word “God” to speak of that which is much too great for us to seek and to find. We cannot search for God to satisfy our curiosity. God must find us, or we are lost.