Celtic Odyssey

O God, whose Child Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear Christ's voice we may know the One who calls us each by name, and follow where you lead; through Christ who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Today marks Buddha's birthday. At Buddha Mind , a local monastery where Mahina attends, they celebrated this holy day by having their annual Bathing Ceremony and Bizarre with games, food, and music. The ceremony is beautiful with the liturgy mostly chanted in Chinese. The beautiful surroundings and monastery, along with the sacred chants, offers a glance into the world of Buddhism that is very much alive in Oklahoma. Before the ceremony they had ten people make profession with repentance, refuges, and vows. It was an honor to witness this sacred ritual. Mahina stated that all she wanted for Mother's Day was for us to attend with her. Mariah and I did with pleasure. Although the ceremony itself is long, one doesn't really notice it until it starts winding down. Since I don't speak Chinese (and can't fake it well, either), I just close my eyes and listen to the chanting and get carried away. Also, I dress in my collar and monastic robes for the sacred ceremony. My...

John 20.19-31. It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.” Thomas, the one called Didymus, one of the Twelve, wasn’t with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”    But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger in the wounds left by the nails, and put my hand into his side, I won’t believe.” After eight days his disciples were again in a house and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus entered and stood among...