Jesus teaches two powerful lessons that challenge how we view holiness and faith. First, He tells the crowd in Matthews Gospel, that it is not what enters a person’s mouth that makes them unclean, but what comes out of the heart. Our words and actions reveal what is truly inside us. Anger, pride, hatred, deceit and selfishness begin in the heart before they appear in our lives. God is not only concerned with outward behavior; He desires hearts that are transformed by His grace….
It’s wonderful to know that people have been using this space to share prayers that are especially meaningful to them. I’m a bit late to the party, but wanted to include a prayer/canticle that touches my heart, too: O Gracious Light Phos hilaron O gracious light, pure...
We are continuing to share beloved prayers from our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Today’s prayer comes from Linda Gibson, and it is a good reminder that the psalms are ancient prayers that are also included in the BCP, pp. 585-808. Here is a portion of Linda’s favorite, Psalm 27, that we use in Sunday worship:
Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? *
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
5 One thing have I asked of the LORD; one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life;…
Over the past three weeks, many people have asked me some version of this question: what is it like to be back? Four months away on sabbatical leave is both a long time and the proverbial blink of an eye. Either way, there are aspects of sabbatical that are unique. The time spent absent from the regular rhythms of work is longer than a vacation, and the lack of contact with colleagues more absolute.
This was true for me, at least. And, I now know, invaluable. As I said on my first Sunday back in church, sabbatical leave of any duration is an extraordinary privilege. In a more just and equitable world, every working person would have the opportunity. And part of the strength woven through the experience of leaving our “regular life” is a deeper understanding of our commitment to that life…..
We are continuing to share beloved prayers from our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Today’s prayer for Quiet Confidence is from Patrick Murray. It can be found in the Prayers and Thanksgivings section of the BCP, pp. 814-841.
O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(BCP, p. 832)…..
As we celebrate the semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this weekend, we might have some mixed feelings. I, for one, am pleased to have learned the word “semiquincentennial”! But more seriously, many of us are feeling both proud of the high ideals of our country, but also sorrowful about our failings to live up to those ideals. It is an ongoing challenge to be a country that truly acts as if all people are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We are continuing to share favorite prayers from our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). If you have a special BCP prayer you’d like to recommend, please let me know! ([email protected])
Today’s prayer is one of the “collects” that we use to begin our Sunday worship. A whole array of these collects, in traditional as well as more contemporary versions, can be found in the BCP, pp. 159-261. The following is used on the Sunday closest to September 21:…
In Matthew’s Gospel chapter 10, Jesus speaks words that are both challenging and encouraging. He tells His disciples that if they follow Him, they should not expect to be treated better than He was. If Jesus faced rejection, criticism and suffering, His followers may face the same. Discipleship is not always easy. Faithfulness to Christ often requires courage….
…Jesus also tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. The cross represents sacrifice, obedience and trust. Each of us carries crosses, difficult responsibilities, personal struggles, disappointments, or sacrifices made for the sake of faith. Jesus does not promise a life free from burdens, but He promises His presence as we carry them.
We are continuing to share favorite prayers from our Book of Common Prayer (BCP). If you have a special BCP prayer you’d like to recommend, please let me know! ([email protected])
Today’s prayer is from Lucy Sexton. It can be found in the service of Holy Baptism in the BCP, pp. 299-311…
I wonder how you feel about Artificial Intelligence (AI)? The members of my family run the gamut, from embracing it enthusiastically in their work and tasks like travel planning, to shunning it entirely on moral, creative, and environmental grounds. I will confess to using it occasionally to get help on complicated problems with my computer or phone, but have no fear: there will be absolutely no AI sermons!
No matter your feelings about AI, there is no doubt that we will have to grapple with its implications in our lives and the world around us. Pope Leo has released his first encyclical, “Magnifica humanitas,” on the subject (https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/encyclicals/documents/20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html). The subtitle reads in part, “On Safeguarding the Human Person,” which fits well with Jesus’ gospel message emphasizing the full dignity and value of every one of God’s children….