Right in the middle of Lent, we get this inspiring message of hope from Jeremiah: “I will put my law within them,” says the Lord, “and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (Jer 31:33). What are we to make of these hopeful…
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps 19:14). On this third Sunday in Lent, as we continue to journey towards Jerusalem and the cross, we are in the territory of frameworks for living out our faith. This is…
The first Sunday in Lent recalls Jesus’ baptism and subsequent testing in the wilderness. Today’s Psalm underscores that the season of Lent is a sustained process in relationship with God. The struggle against enemies is bound up with hearing and learning the teachings of the Lord over time. The language in today’s psalm recalls…
Today is often called Transfiguration Sunday, primarily because the readings all echo a similar theme of being changed, or transfigured. Webster’s defines transfigure, which it notes is a distinctly British word, as “to give a new and typically exalted or spiritual appearance to : transform outwardly and usually for the better.” Within the church, we…
I rarely preach on our lectionary texts from the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible, primarily because I feel that we can connect somewhat more with the Gospel writers than the prophets of old… but today’s text from Isaiah really speaks to me. As Jack proclaimed the first reading today, most of us probably heard the…
One of the many tasks and opportunities before the community who are becoming the people of God is discernment. As the community meets together for worship and fellowship and for learning, they are also listening for the call of God who will be working within certain individuals to cultivate gifts and inclinations that will lead…
See January 13.
On the occasion of the Annual Meeting. The meeting was delayed until January 20, 2024, due to a driving ban, but we used the readings from 2 Epiphany. Eli called Samuel, and Samuel said, “Here I am.” The Lord said to Samuel, “See, I am about to do something,” and Samuel related this to Eli, who responded,…
On every January 6, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. It’s a date that – like Christmas – changes from day of the week to day of the week based upon the year. The Episcopal Church doesn’t let us move our celebration of Epiphany to a Sunday like we can with All Saints without…
Last week, I talked about the theme of preparing for God’s peace. Within the church in general, the theme of the third candle we light in Advent is generally considered to be Joy, symbolized in the rose candle and vestments in the church today. Joy is a difficult thing to define. It is distinct from…
Last week, I talked about the theme of hearing God’s hope. Within the church in general, the theme of the second candle we light in Advent is generally considered to be Peace. Peace is an elusive thing for us – in our culture in general and specifically in our own lives. Every one of us…
Within the church in general, the theme of the first candle we light in Advent is Hope. Hope is more than wishful thinking. It’s hearing God’s words as promise that we will be led to true freedom. You may have read these words penned by Henri Nouwen in his book Bread for the Journey: “Optimism…
