I think it's metaphorical for the end of our human life individually — we come into being with God — but not a Scriptural literalist with the ideas of Armageddon and the end of the world period.

We each have a cross or crosses to bear. We can see obvious pain around us as well, and we usually do what we can to help. But do we understand how we also contribute to structures of oppression in our society? In our church?

The book of Exodus is the memory of how Israel came into being as the chosen people of God. Because as church we often refer to ourselves as Israel or the new Israel, we need to see ourselves in the story.

Religion being thrown around in public discourse gives us a particular opportunity to challenge ourselves to realize our meanings and assumptions when we talk about ecumenicalism. To talk about the church is to include the global Christian community, not just a certain domination or authority.

If religion and politics matter then they must intersect

Stewardship means understanding that gifts and blessings are meant to be shared among people and that it's important to give from your scarcity, not just your abundance. Colleen McLeanColleen McLean is a life long Roman Catholic with a few pagan adventures along the way.  She has been active in lay …