Archaeologists have recently discovered an ancient synagogue on the shores of the Sea of Galilee where they believe Jesus taught. Like most things archaeological, there is a bit of educated guesswork going on. The town is named Magdala, from which Mary Magdalene may have derived her name, and its close proximity to water would have supported a fishing economy, so prevalent in the gospel ...
The Golden Rule
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.” - Leviticus 19:18 (Moses 1393-1273 BC) “That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another.” - Egyptian papyrus (664 BC – 323 BC) “Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself..” - Confucius (500 BC) “Regard ...
Truth or Dare
For many years, my widowed grandmother lived next door to a kindly older Hispanic man. They both loved to garden and would talk to one another over the fence that separated their backyards as they would tend to their tomato plants or bean stalks. Then one day, a swarm of police cars descended upon the elderly neighbor’s home and my grandmother’s friend was led away in handcuffs. She later found ...
Sheepdogs and Shepherds
The movie American Sniper starring Bradley Cooper details the life of Iraqi War veteran and Navy SEAL, Chris Kyle. Chris was the deadliest sniper in American history and went by the nickname, “Legend.” In one of the early scenes in the movie, Chris Kyle’s father explains to the young Chris and his brother that there are three types of people in the world: sheep, who are the majority of people ...
He Must Increase
If you are a runner and have children, there will come a point when your children ask the question, “Can we come with you?” You may try to put them off at first, but sooner or later they will beg and plead enough that you give in. If they are three or four years old, they’ll only make it a block or two, with you practically jogging in place beside them, before they tire out and want to go ...
Blind Spots
Every three years, hospitals must go through a major inspection to make sure they remain in compliance with all the local, state, and federal health rules and regulations, which are themselves constantly evolving and changing. The inspection is a grueling process spread out over a very long week as multiple investigators go over every facet of operations with a fine-tooth comb. Much is at stake. ...