Michael Milton

Michael Milton and Faith for Living, Inc.

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March 19, 2016

Planning Services

Cathedral of Evora. The cloisters of the cathedral were built between 1317 and 1340 in Gothic style, and shows the influence of the cloisters of Lisbon Cathedral.
Cathedral of Evora.
The cloisters of the cathedral were built between 1317 and 1340 in Gothic style, and shows the influence of the cloisters of Lisbon Cathedral. Source: Image used with permission by Faith for Living, Inc.

What approach to take in Maundy Thursday this year? What call to worship is best? Do I stay with the Lectionary readings for the Easter sermon or do I go elsewhere? The questions of the season that press a pastor can also cause the shepherd to miss the miracle of the event in his own life. I share some thoughts from another fellow practitioner and scholar on the theology of the act of what we do in this and every season. I found it helpful and I offer it to you. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the very services that you are building and leading for the people of God and for the glory of God.

A WEDDING. A HANDSHAKE. A kiss. A coronation. A parade. A dance. A meal. A graduation. A Mass. A ritual is the performance of an intuition, the rehearsal of a dream, the playing of a game.

A sacrament is the breaking through of the sacred into the profane; a ritual is the ceremonial acting out of the profane in order to show forth its sacredness.

A sacrament is God offering his holiness to men; a ritual is men raising up the holiness of their humanity to God.

– Originally published in Wishful Thinking


Buechner, Frederick. Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC. New York: Harper & Row, 1973.

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What is Faith For Living?

Faith for Living is the 501c3 North Carolina non-profit ministry of the Rev. Michael A. Milton, Ph.D. that exists to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible, through every means available, so that there will be a multitude caught up to be with Jesus Christ when He comes again. Faith for Living reaches out to support individuals, the Church, and other non-profits through communication, discipleship, and education.

Featured Music of Michael Milton

“Jesus Came” words & music by Michael Anthony Milton
© 1999, 2012, 2020 Bethesda Music (a div. of Faith for Living, Inc.) | BMI

Featured Resource

“When your heart is broken, when your spirit is so crushed that you wonder if you will live again; when your life is in a total blackout; then, this book will give you the light and strength you need to carry on.”

—Russell, Amazon Reviews.

Songs in the Night is available in paperback and Kindle. COMING SOON: Songs in the Night: How God Transforms Our Pain to Praise will be released as an audiobook on AUDIBLE.

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