When six corporations control more than 90% of media communications, the media does not inform, it indoctrinates. Corporate media provides selective information, often unreliable, for the express purp… — Egberto Willies and Keyan Bliss
Signs of the Times • 1 March 2019 • No. 188
Correction. In the original copy of this post, I mistakenly attributed the authorship of the hymn, "What a Friend We Have In Jesus," to Charles Wesley. In fact, it was composed by Joseph M. Scriven. My apologies—see the correction notice (at bottom) for more information about the amazing story behind this hymn. —kls
¶ Processional. “What a Friend We Have In Jesus.” — Mississippi Mass Choir feat. James Moore
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
The imposition of Ash Wednesday, inaugurating the practice of Lenten lament, is the preparation for and anticipation of the exultation of Easter Morning.
The ashen smudge is not accusation but recognition of our frenzied and frantic efforts at braggadocios living; it is the call to reclaim our true selves in the leisure of Sabbath’s composure aligned with Creation’s intent.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Fretfully does my heart drag its heels into the sanctuary of delight. For my wanton days and weary praise reveal the toll taken by life’s relentless demands
To where shall I appeal for release from such encumbrance? To whom shall I turn to lay these burdens down
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
24 February 2019
Today’s hard news from the United Methodist General Conference made me remember something a friend (and United Methodist pastor) wrote some years ago about another travesty in the Wesleyan tradition.
“John Wesley recognized such violence hidden in the clean and tidy profits of slave traders and owners. He exposed it, addressing them with the fire of a prophet: ‘Thy hands, thy bed, thy furniture, thy house, thy lands are at present stained with blood.’
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
Ash Wednesday reflection
Several years ago, at an Ash Wednesday service, the one preaching that evening made a stunning confession.
“Ash Wednesday is actually my favorite holiday,” she said.
Read more ›Signs of the Times • 21 February 2019 • No. 187
¶ Processional. “Baba Yetu” (“Our Father,” a rendition of The Lord’s Prayer in Swahali, performed by the Gospel Choir in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
by Ken Sehested
If, in the end, I did not believe that grace will ultimately
rob the grave of its triumph—that mercy will finally trump
vengeance—then I would opt for any and every form of
resistance to imperial sovereignty, including any and every
form of “terrorism” (whose designation is always assigned
by those currently in control, as if imperious rule is not
itself the most definitive expression of terror’s sway).
The reign of brutality must be challenged, to the death if
need be. But the nature of that challenge, its form and shape
and character, is shaped by one’s vision of the future:
to whom it belongs, by what means it is secured, and by
what authority it is granted.
Signs of the Times • 14 February • No. 186
¶ Processional. “We Have Come Into This House,” Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup, Victor Goines, Eric Reed, Reuben Rogers, & Winard Harper. (Thanks Dale.)
by Ken Sehested
The Maître D’ of Heaven commands the ’poverished-poor to table: the halt and helpless, lamed and maimed ushered up for honored seating.
The Beloved’s steadfast love is like a lip-smacking feast of abundance. But the Market’s squaloring famine sows the seeds of violent harvest.
Read more ›by Ken Sehested
The Maître D’ of Heaven commands the ’poverished-poor to table: the halt and helpless, lamed and maimed ushered up for honored seating.
The Beloved’s steadfast love is like a lip-smacking feast of abundance. But the Market’s squaloring famine sows the seeds of violent harvest.
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