by jakeowensby | Feb 3, 2023 | Being Human, Matthew 5:13-20, salt of the earth
Sister Charleen pulled me aside after one of my high school English Literature classes. Noticing my uncharacteristic silence during the discussion, she asked, “Have you read the book?” We were studying The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I admired and respected...
by jakeowensby | Nov 11, 2022 | Luke 21:5-19
“The world breaks everyone.” As an ambulance driver in the First World War, Lt. Frederic Henry had tended to bodies savaged by machine gun fire and disfigured by artillery. He had witnessed souls shaken by violence, carnage, and loss. And it seemed to him that some...
by jakeowensby | Jul 16, 2021 | Uncategorized
My friend R- said, “Before long I won’t remember who you are. I won’t really remember who I am.” For over forty years I’ve called R- to catch up and stay connected. Who he is has shaped the course of my life. He was a gifted teacher, dedicated to nurturing not only...
by jakeowensby | Feb 7, 2020 | Matthew 5:13-20
Jesus had a way of making you stop and think. Think about who you are, what you stand for, and what you ought to be doing with your life. Frequently, he did this by saying odd and confusing things that force you to step back and reflect instead of giving you clear...
by jakeowensby | Oct 25, 2019 | Luke 18:9-14
My clerical collar, black shirt, and black suit were drawing discrete glances. I had slipped away from the church office to get some cold medicine at a nearby drug store. The checkout line turned out to be unexpectedly long. A man standing in front of me looked over...
