A description of Christians from Marcus Aurelius’ era (how do we measure up?)

December 22, 2015.Reading time 5 minutes.

In 130-ish AD a famous letter was written to Diognetus (probably the tutor of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius), describing Christians and their character and conduct in the world. As we enter a time of New Year’s reflections, let’s glance at this description and compare it to our own personal formation and influence in today’s […]

The Saint in St. Patrick’s Day

March 12, 2014.Reading time 2 minutes.

St. Patrick’s day will soon be upon us, replete with green-clad revelers and rivers of green beer. For some it will be a time to flaunt their Irish roots and for others it will simply be another excuse to party. However, there is a deeper significance to the holiday than merely kissing red-heads and drinking […]

The end and the beginning

October 23, 2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

In the end it’s all about the “one.” Today will be my last official Hole in our Gospel posting, and I think the most appropriate way to end is with Richard Stearns’ own words. He writes: “In the end God works in our world one person at a time. The hungry are fed, the thirsty […]

How to change a bad perception

October 8, 2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

How do you change a bad perception to a good one? (And, no, this isn’t the beginning line of a cheesy joke—it’s actually a very important question) If perceptions have grown dubious or negative, how do we change them? I hate it when people draw inaccurate perceptions about me. And even more than that I […]

Down with the glorified self

May 30, 2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

Working in Los Angeles County can be hazardous to one’s health. I’m not talking about the high-speed freeways or the frantic pace of life, but rather the cultural atmosphere that insists on glorifying “self.” Here in the entertainment capital of the world, we are obsessed with beauty, success, and fame, and we can sometimes forget […]