When we light incense in church, the charcoal first bursts into a strong flame. It catches quickly, burns brightly, and draws our attention. Then, after a little while, everything becomes calm. The surface looks still, and it may seem as though the fire has faded away. But when you lean down and gently blow on it, the coals begin to glow red again. The fire was never gone. It was hidden beneath the surface, waiting for breath. That is why the deacons keep the censer moving, a

Japanese traditional tea cups have no handles. You hold the cup directly in your hands. This may seem unusual, especially if we are used to mugs with handles. But there is wisdom in this simple design. The cup itself helps you know whether the tea is ready. They consider, that if the tea is too hot to hold, then it is too hot to drink. What a beautiful lesson for life. So often, we want to rush. We want quick answers, quick healing, quick success, quick change. We pray today

A man once wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper. He said, “I have been going to church for 30 years. During that time, I have probably heard about 3,000 sermons. But honestly, I can hardly remember any of them. So I wonder: are priests wasting their time preaching, and are we wasting our time listening?” That letter started a great discussion. People wrote back and forth. Some agreed with him. Others defended the value of preaching. Then one reader sent a simple respon