While theologically, there are debates over what happens at communion, it is my opinion that in our rushed society we are neglecting the sign and seal of God’s presence in a gathered community. We are too polarized, too divided, or thinking a little too much about lunch that we miss the ways we ought to enjoy the meal before us. It is more than just a snack; it is more than holy goldfish.

Religious traditions are meant to be lived, not repurposed to serve someone else’s narrative. This Passover, let Jewish rituals belong to those to whom they have always belonged.

Each Friday in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

Both Ramadan and Lent deal in some ways with sacrifice. It is a sacrifice to not place our needs first, and it is a sacrifice to humble ourselves to do the good that may not ever be seen or talked about or apprehended by human audiences.

I find myself baffled and with no adequate heart languages to convey the deep laments, anger and groans I feel as I hear, see and witness the intentional destruction and attempts at erasing what is.