It is all too easy to stick to the attitude that might is right. In contrast, mercy usually seems like weakness, a foolish abandonment of the tough and resolute course of action I typically want to pursue. I think we all experience it. Someone hurts me, so naturally that person should be made to suffer in return. A neighbor insults me, so I insult her right back. Or perhaps I even go so far as to spread that delicious little piece of info about her that I know will ruin her r

Recently I heard about a rather fascinating tradition among some of the great missionaries, albeit morbidly bizarre to our confused cultural sensibilities. In eras and regions of particular Christian missionary fervor, it is not uncommon to find references to men and women preparing for their great endeavor by packing not a suitcase, but their own coffins! Can you imagine that? Through a series of providential events and inspiration, you find yourself preparing to go and shar

There once was a man who claimed to be more than just a man. Everywhere he journeyed the crowds flocked to him, even if only to catch a glimpse. Many broke through the swelling throngs to reach him, determined to overcome any obstacle in order to speak with him, to encounter him, to merely touch the tassels of his cloak. Everyone who did found that profound healing of some kind inevitably resulted from that encounter. But this man was so much more than a wise teacher. He was

I found this picture recently and it got me thinking. Saint Paul famously wrote in his first letter to the Christian community of Corinth, "For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I

I've noticed a curious feature of human life that is pretty intriguing when you think about it. I'm talking about the seemingly inescapable desire, like an insatiable thirst, which marks our lives from beginning to end. We go through life ceaselessly seeking all sorts of different experiences, relationships, and material treasures. We pursue achievements, titles, and honors in our academic and professional lives. We may spend years in search of the dream house, the perfect va