The anything-goes passiveness of the religious and political Left is matched by the preachy moralism of the religious and political Right. The person who uncritically embraces any party line is guilty of an idolatrous surrender of her core identity as Abba's Child. Neither liberal fairy dust nor conservative hardball addresses our ragged human dignity.

I could more easily contain Niagara Falls in a teacup than I can comprehend the wild, uncontainable love of God.

The gospel declares that no matter how dutiful or prayerful we are, we can't save ourselves. What Jesus did was sufficient.

There is a beautiful transparency to honest disciples who never wear a false face and do not pretend to be anything but who they are.

In Love's service, only wounded soldiers can serve.

Accepting the reality of our sinfulness means accepting our authentic self. Judas could not face his shadow; Peter could. The latter befriended the impostor within; the former raged against him.

We even refuse to be our true self with God- and then wonder why we lack intimacy with him.