When Jesus stands before Pilate to be judged on trumped up charges of sedition (John 18: 33-38) we see the confrontation of two kingdoms: The kingdom of this world (the cosmos), and the kingdom of God. One is ruled over by those who seek to control by force and intimidation, the other seeks to transform through loving kindness. One is a kingdom of lies, the other of the Truth. We must choose between these two realms - and we must choose NOW. Who will reign in our hearts, and in our lives? It's up to you ... Choose wisely

Yesterday evening Pastor Rich attended a lecture and exposition of relics curated by Father Carlos Martins. The presentation, held at the Marian Center in Stony Point, NY, featured a talk by Father Martins, last week's guest on Faith Unscripted, followed by time to be in the presence of the relics Father brought from the Vatican.  Almost 500 people came to listen to the lecture and see the relics. They came for various reasons, but all came looking to somehow connect to the Holiness of God.  What can we do to allow God to act in our lives - that is part of the Pastor's reflection: to enable God to room in our lives to work, we must live grateful lives, worship in a faith community, know our sinfulness and confess it, turn back to God, and, Most IMportantly, FORGIVE! I hope you enjoy the show.

Beginning what is sometimes called the "little apocalypse," Jesus tells his amazed disciples that the mighty Temple of Herod, which was a wonder of the ancient world, would one day be destroyed with "not stone resting upon another." What is the Lord telling his disciples? What is he telling us? Pastor Rich reflects on this passage in his sermon entitled "Birthpangs."

Beware, Jesus tells us, of hypocrisy - doing the right thing, but for the wrong reasons (such as self-aggrandizement or honor in the eyes of others). Do not prey on the weak and vulnerable, rather care for them as you can. Generosity means using what we have in the service of those who may be in need. Jesus asks us to have compassionate hearts and to ACT compassionately.

Pastor Rich interviews Fr. Carlos Martin, the curator of relics at the Vatican, who is currently taking an exhibit of over 150 relics on a tour of the United States. Fr. Martin explains what relics are, the scriptural basis for using them as part of one's spiritual life, the connection between relics, the holy ones of every age, and the healing power of God. A fascinating exploration of a not well-known aspect of Christian spiritality.

Jesus' disciples James and John want to share in the Lord's majesty when he becomes King of the Jews. Jesus teaches them that genuine greatness requires a willingness to be "the slave of all." What is the difference between those who would command, and those who genuinely lead? Pastor Rich reflects on true Christian greatness and genuine Christian leadership.

On Election Day Christians have an obligation to pray that God's will be done, to know the issues and the candidates well eanough to make a good choice, and we must act consistent with our Biblical faith by voting for candidates and on issues carefully and prayerful. Pastor Rich also discussed Rev. David Jeremias' new book, Where Do We Go From Here, The book is a brilliant discussion of the evil of Marxism and the Scientific Socialism that Marx' theories spawned. We must be careful today as Marxism makes inroads into our society through movements like the "cancel culture," alienation of parents from having influence in the education of their children, "gender fluidity," and hostility to people of faith and their engagement in the public square.

Pastor Rich discusses the relationship between faith and other disciplines in our increasingly diverse and pluralistic world. And in an age where things seem to be coming unglued, Pastor discusses how God DOES act powerfullly in our world, and the importane of repentance and turning back to God in our (and every) age.

Halloween has become all about ghosts and goblins and witches and the like, but in its origins, it was a holy day in its own right - the eve of the feast of all saints. So it is worth remembering the sacred origins of Halloween and how it is connected to the Saints who have gone before us - our mothers, fathers, grandparents, and beloved friends who have gone before us in death and are now numbered among the saints!

Love does, and our faith in the God who IS love invites us to love actively and generously. In this episoce we talk about what looks like.