Pour one out for the Prodigal Son

The story of the prodigal son is one of the most famous parables in the Bible, but one of its most important aspects is often overlooked: the party. The prodigal son runs away from home, goes broke, then comes crawling back to his Dad. And his Dad throws him a party. What!?

Charlie Sheen: the modern prodigal son

Celebrate Life

I've lived in Boston for only seven months, but after this week I am starting to understand what being a Bostonian is about. On Monday, our city was attacked during its proudest hour, the Boston Marathon. An event whose purpose is to celebrate the marvelous potential of human beings was choked by the human potential for evil. Throughout the week we mourned and we asked a lot of questions. I was blessed to join thousands of people outside the Cathedral of the Holy Cross where Barack Obama, Cardinal O'Malley, the mayor of Boston, and my own pastor, among others, led a powerful multi-faith prayer service. Then on Friday the gravity of the events came to affect me most profoundly.

Memorial outside the scene of the Boston Marathon

If I could have a beer with Jesus

Country songs are not generally known as theological treatises. I may have found one that is though. In a recent country song, singer Thomas Rhett ponders what it would be like to have a beer with Jesus. It's a really awesome thing to think about. Although it's a simple, sentimental song I think that it hits the nail on the head in terms of what it means to be a disciple and actually wades into some serious theological questions.      Here is the song:

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The Kids are Alright

What's the coolest Birthday party you ever had as a kid? My mad scientist seventh birthday party was my favorite. Although the Star Wars one with matching napkins and balloons was sweet too. Although kids cannot legally drink, and let's be honest, even if they could they would be total lightweights, I think that they are underrated partiers. Do you remember how incredibly fun it was to be a kid? Best times of my life. Looking back, it was like a party all of the time. And when we finally decided to throw a real party, whether mad scientist, princess, dress-up, tea party, or Star Wars, it was always off the hook.