Tag Archives: Lent

We Feel Closest to God in the Desert

By Robin Bates | Published: March 5, 2016

André Gide takes the story of the Prodigal Son and sees it a parable of unconventional exploring and spiritual hunger. Returning home, as Gide sees it, is a defeat, yet the message is Christian nonetheless.

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During Lent, Don’t Avoid the Knife

By Robin Bates | Published: February 13, 2016

To use a horticultural analogy, Lent is a time to nurture the insights, to prune the tree, that come with Epiphany. This wonderful Rumi poem captures what is at stake.

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From the Dark, Cold Grime a Flower Comes

By Robin Bates | Published: March 22, 2015

Mary Ann Bernard shows spring coming only with difficulty–but being all the more meaningful because of that.

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O’Connor’s Christianity and Racism

By Robin Bates | Published: March 15, 2015

“Artificial Nigger” can be read two ways–either as a story of sin and redemption or as a story of Whites finding unity by scapegoating Blacks. A definitive interpretation may depend on readers’ reactions.

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A Good Faith Is Hard To Find

By Robin Bates | Published: March 7, 2015

Flannery O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard To Find” is a profound meditation on doubt and faith.

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Tracking Eliot’s Spiritual Journey for Lent

By Robin Bates | Published: February 22, 2015

My Lenten discipline is to better understand T. S. Eliot’s religious poetry.

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Learning to Love the Desert

By Robin Bates | Published: February 15, 2015

In “Ash Wednesday,” T. S. Eliot turns the despair of “Hollow Men” on its head, seeing it not as the end of hope but as the beginning of faith.

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the dance of Jesus music holds the air

By Robin Bates | Published: April 20, 2014

These Lucille Clifton poems usher us from Lent into Easter.

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“Jane Eyre” as Lenten Meditation

By Robin Bates | Published: March 9, 2014

In Jane’s battle with St. John Rivers, we have material that helps us understand the true meaning of Lent.

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