Jeremy Riley: In a few words

My wife and I were at our church on Palm Sunday when we encountered something new.  I’ve read the four Passion Week accounts of the Gospels many times in my life.  Whether reading them aloud, or in my head, I never came across a certain dramatization of it.  But this past week, this time, it [...]

As you read this, I hope you might take a few minutes this Good Friday to read and chew on the words below.  Place yourself at the sites of each biblical scene, and try to picture yourself there.  Here is a piece of music that I hope you turn on in the background as you [...]

If there is one thing you need to know about the Roman Empire, it’s that the dominant ancient power knew how to kill people and to keep them under their thumb. If people ever stepped out of line, or if there were ever any hints of rebellion, the Roman authorities would take drastic measure.  They [...]

Death, be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so ; For those, whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow, Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me. From rest and sleep, which but thy picture[s] be, Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow, And [...]

  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have [...]

E’en so I love You, and will love, and in Your praise will sing; Solely because You are my God, and my Eternal King. Jesus was nailed to a rugged piece of wood, naked.  He was beaten, had his beard torn off and was left alone by his followers.  Jesus was placed as a common [...]

Why, then why, O blessed Jesus Christ, Should I not love You well? Not for the hope of winning heaven, or of escaping hell; Not with the hope of something gained, Not seeking a reward; But as You have loved me, O ever loving Lord!   An individual ought to love God for His grace [...]

O my Jesus, You embraced me upon the cross. For me did bear the nails, and spear; and manifold disgrace; I have a crucifix necklace that I purchased at a monastery in Greece and wear it every day as a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice.  But I must admit, it turns into a ritual and another [...]

My God, I love You; Not because I hope for heaven thereby, Nor yet because who know You not must die eternally. ——————— Why do people say that they love God?  Is it because out of fear of punishment?  Is it because we have this picture of a wonderful afterlife?  The love of God and [...]

As someone who was raised in an Evangelical church, I was not originally introduced to Lent.  After much reflection I have found that this period is very helpful in producing a focus on Christ and His sacrifice.  As mentioned in a previous post, “we should participate in Lent not out of superstition or thoughtless ritual.  [...]