Weekly Outlook - The many faces of Jesus

Dear readers, I'm not one for New Year's resolutions. I'm relatively happy with the time I spend working out and sleeping. My water and vegetable intake is fine enough. The number of books I read each year is what it is. Saying otherwise, in my mind, invites a false standard that will only end in negative self-talk. A podcast recently changed my perspective, however.  The speaker argued there's liberation in shifting our goals from achieving "success" to seeking joy. For instance: Instead of saying you want to eat fewer cookies a week, go out and find the best cookie and eat it once a week. Instead of saying you want to walk more, find the people you want to connect with and create a plan to walk with them.  I've been noodling on this idea of seeking joy, and I'm coming to understand that comprehensive joy also opens its arms to grief. We all experience grief: lost health, postponed dreams, fractured friendship, death. We know daily disappointment and negative space. The temptation is to box up these feelings, keeping them separate for fear of contamination. But I believe that full-bodied joy includes grief — that's what our faith says. Death and resurrection co-mingle. Conflict and purpose.  With this in mind, I'm looking forward to the Outlook's daily Lenten devotional this year, which explores embracing both grief and hope. Perhaps one way to seek joy is to practice beholding my wounds, calling those beautiful too. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

Staying, leaving and the blessings of Orpah and Ruth by Katy Shevel Public theology and the many faces of Jesus by Rachel Baard Crossing the liminal together: The art of public theology by Jennifer Frayer Griggs Richard Hays, influential scholar who changed his mind on same-sex marriage, has died by Bob Smietana Elegy for a quiet man by Paul Hooker Presbyterian speaker series enrich communities by Sue Washburn In case you missed it... Trump Bible gets new ‘Inauguration Day Edition’ just in time for Jan. 6 A new ad urges supporters to buy a Bible commemorating Trump's return to the White House. The new edition of the God Bless the USA Bible features Trump's name on the cover and will be on sale until Jan. 19. — Bob Smietana Epiphany A poem by Amy Cerniglia. Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent "Draw Close" by Stephanie B. Dunn is an engaging Lenten guide blending prayer, reflection, and creative practices for spiritual renewal, writes Amy Pagliarella. In Richard Hays, a rare combination of confidence and contrition All of this full and good life was funded by an unapologetic conviction about the mercy of God at work in the gospel of Jesus Christ. — Beverly Roberts Gaventa Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary receives prestigious $5M Lilly Endowment Inc. grant for Black church rural and small towns ministry Initiative "We look forward to building a network of Black faith leaders and congregations who learn, grow, and strengthen their leadership while addressing the unique realities facing rural and small-town Black faith communities," says Perzavia Praylow. Defiant Hope, Active Love: What Young Adults Are Seeking in Places of Work, Faith, and Community Why are young adults leaving the church, and how do we compel them to return? Howard Cha-Young Kim reviews Jeffrey F. Keuss' "Defiant Hope, Active Love." Devotional recommendations for Lent 2025 Whether you value biblical interpretation, social justice, or bodily movement, Outlook Book Review Editor Amy Pagliarella has a Lent devotional recommendation for you. Fresh Outlook Bible Studies: “Friendship” Did you know loneliness is America’s most significant health problem, according to Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy in 2022? Explore biblical wisdom and practical steps to cultivate meaningful friendships with this “Friendship” Bible study by Katy Shevel.

Pre-order today! How do we hold space for grief while clinging to hope? Grieving Change and Loss, a daily Lenten devotional from Presbyterian Outlook, embraces the complexity of loss in its many forms — from lost health to fractured friendships — and invites you to encounter the resurrection promise anew. Explore grief’s six stages each week with reflections, Scripture, and prayer.