by jakeowensby | Feb 15, 2019 | Luke 6:17-26
As fall term gave way to Christmas break in my senior year at high school, I had not applied to a single college. So, Bernadette Mathews—one of my religion teachers—grabbed me by the sleeve and took me to her alma mater for a personal tour. She had graduated...
by jakeowensby | Nov 20, 2018 | Uncategorized
Jerry had chosen his spot strategically. Every car entering the grocery store’s parking lot passed within a couple of feet of him. As drivers turned in, they would spot him and his hand-made sign. Etched on a bit of cardboard large block letters announced, “NEED...
by jakeowensby | Jun 9, 2017 | grace, Trinity Sunday
Her brown eyes were not gazing into mine. She was taking in the four of us at the table. Greeting us with a smile of recognition. Chatting with us briefly like the group of regulars that we were. We had spoken to each other dozens of times. At least, she had taken my...
by jakeowensby | Jun 2, 2017 | 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, grace, Pentecost Year A
Collette Divitto couldn’t get a job as a professional baker. Many of the applications she submitted got a similar response. “Your skills are great. You’re just not a good fit for our company.” Undaunted, Collette started her own business selling cookies. With the help...
by jakeowensby | Mar 8, 2017 | 2 Lent A, Genesis 12:1-4a, Uncategorized
A large holiday cookie tin sat on the hearth in the den of my father’s house. My wife Joy and I pried the top off while no one was looking. A jumbled heap of old photographs filled three quarters of the container. My father figured prominently in each picture. Some...
