Author Archives: John Strain

We entered the season of Advent this week.  Both the Western and Eastern branches of Christianity observe the season, each with a different emphasis.  This brief period of time marks the beginning of the church year, offering us entrance into … Continue reading →

9/11/2001.  That’s all one needs to say.  It is as clear a reminder as December 7, 1941.  Some dates just do not fade away.  They stay with us.  They haunt us.  We cannot forget.  We do not want to forget.  … Continue reading →

An acquaintance of mine died Sunday morning, August 28, 2011.  I met him only twice, and he was unlike anyone else I’ve ever known.  He has been much on my mind; I have the sense that I should write about … Continue reading →

Last week I invited any who read these posts to consider the long journey from earth to heaven.  The Bible verses that remind us to stay focused on eternal things are many, and most who read this know those verses.  … Continue reading →

Did you experience the “after-Easter letdown” that so many encounter following the Holy Week climax we call Resurrection Day?  I don’t know if I would use the word “letdown,” but I was worn out yesterday, the Monday after Easter.  Sunday … Continue reading →

Many of you have shared the last forty days of Lenten Journey with me.  Thank you for that!  We’ve arrived; this is Resurrection Day!  For forty days, we’ve reflected, repented and pursued renewal. Everything has pointed to this day.  He … Continue reading →

Today is a day of waiting.  Like the disciples we rest, we wonder, and we wait.  The disciples, in fear, waited and wondered in hiding.  All of them rested on the Sabbath.  We know from their responses on Sunday that … Continue reading →

Our Lenten journey brings us to this day.  We’ve known it was coming; it comes every year.  The Gospel writer’s descriptions tell me about the day, but I struggle to grasp the images.  Why would people do something like this?  … Continue reading →

We are coming to the end of the journey.  One last supper tonight.  The garden overnight.  The most awful of days tomorrow.  A day to reflect on all that happened.  Then the morning that changes everything!  It’s almost over! The … Continue reading →

One thing remains constant in my mind from one Holy Week to the next.  The Gospel accounts of that week remind me each year of the incredible amount of teaching Jesus did during the last week of His life.  We … Continue reading →