Signs of the Times

Signs of the Times  •  21 October 2016  •  No. 93

¶ Processional. “The Prayer,” performed by busker Call Morris. (Thanks Randy.)

Signs of the Times  •  13 October 2016  •  No. 92

¶ Processional. “Am I Wrong,” Damien Escobar. (Thanks Gwenyth.)

Signs of the Times  •  7 October 2016  •  No. 91

Abbreviated edition

The significant proximity of two dates prompts this abbreviated edition of "Signs of the Times."

¶ On 7 October 2001, 15 years ago today, President George W. Bush’s announced the start of the war in Afghanistan, saying “Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader.”

It isn’t easy being a Guardian Angel, what with missing the Upstairs bingo nights, the harp and zydeco concerts, the Zamboni races in the center rink. (As you might imagine, St. Peter is an avid hockey fan.)

Can’t say I miss the celestial contra dancing, slow-footed as I am. But Saints James and John always stage a great lightning show, complete with a mojito and Cheetos happy-hour beforehand, followed by the Mother Theresa breakdance contests and “I Love Lucy” reruns. (Rickey Ricardo, who subs for St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, still greets everyone who arrives with “you got some ’splainin’ to do.")

But I digress.

Signs of the Times  •  29 September 2016  •  No. 90

Introduction: Special issue on fear

Not every fearful moment is holy, but holy moments are almost always scary.

Think of Hagar’s deathwatch in the desert, the Hebrew people at the Red Sea, Elijah when surrounded by Aram’s army, the psalmist’s pilgrim in the valley of the shadow of death, the angels’ first words—fear not!—to Zachariah, Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds; then later Jesus’ resurrection greetings to the disciples.

Signs of the Times  •  23 September 2016  •  No. 89

¶ Processional. “Rivers of Babylon,” The Melodians.

Signs of the Times  •  15 September 2016  •  No. 88

Instead of the usual "Signs of the Times" column, ponder this new essay, and let me know what you think.

Signs of the Times  •  8 September 2016  •  No. 87

¶ Processional. Bach’s “Prelude 1” performed by Irena Koblar.

Signs of the Times  •  2 September 2016  •  No. 86

¶ Processional. “Approach My Soul God’s Mercy Seat,” hymn from the indigenous “Spiritual Baptist” tradition of Trinidad & Tobago. (More on that below.)

Signs of the Times  •  25 August 2016  •  No. 85

¶ Processional. Korean figure skater Yu-na Kim, 2010 Olympic champion, performing to the song “Arirang,” the unofficial national anthem of both North and South Korea.