St. Luke the Beloved Physician | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector

Happy St. Luke’s Day!

Today is the day we remember the person who, between his Gospel account and the Acts of the Apostles, is responsible for almost one third of the writing in the New Testament (more if we include the Letter to the Hebrews, which some scholars believe Luke also wrote). He was born around eight years after Jesus and died in the year 92. Because of his style of writing, some of the vocabulary he uses, and his being referred to as “one who heals” in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, some have deduced that he a medical professional—perhaps a doctor. And there is a legend (unproven, but lovely) that he painted the first icon of Mary holding the infant Jesus. St. Luke is the patron saint of physicians, artists, bachelors, notaries, butchers and brewers….

St. Michael and All Angels | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

Is there a cost to follow Jesus? | The Rev. Canon Robert A. Jacobs, Deacon

The cost of following Jesus is a theme that reverberates throughout the New Testament. When the rich young man asked Jesus about inheriting eternal life, Jesus didn’t give him an easy answer. Instead, He challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him. This was a high cost indeed, and it left the young man feeling dejected.

We may not be asked to sell all our possessions to follow Jesus, but the cost is still significant. This cost is not just about giving up material possessions or personal ambitions. It’s also about giving up our pride, our desire for control. This is a humbling and challenging process, but it’s also liberating…..

St. Michael and All Angels | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

Getting To Know You | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector

Last Saturday, our Vestry gathered for an annual Retreat Day. Bishop Mary Glasspool joined us to lead our morning program, and as an ice-breaker exercise she asked us to create our own version of a poem titled “Where I’m From.” Everyone filled in blanks in a “mad-libs” type template with details from their own experiences, and we read our offerings aloud. It was wonderful to learn new things about one another. There were benefits in figuring out how to fill in the blanks, too—each of us was asked to think about specific details that serve as windows into how each of us has been formed.

St. Michael and All Angels | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

Faith and Works | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector

On the morning before I sat down to write this, I walked toward the front gate at Holy Apostles and was greeted by one of our Porters, who was eager to tell me about a story he heard on the news. To mark the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, this story focused on different ways that New Yorkers were remembering the day and honoring those who lost their lives. One couple profiled decided to donate one hour of community service for each of the 2,996 people who died….

St. Michael and All Angels | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

Self-Denial | The Rev. Canon Robert A. Jacobs

In our world today, the idea of bearing a cross can seem distant and abstract. We don’t literally carry heavy wooden beams on our back as we navigate our daily lives. The essence of Jesus’ command remains as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. It’s about self-denial, about putting God’s will before our own.

When we consider the life of Jesus, we see a model of self-sacrifice that is unparalleled. He gave up His heavenly throne to walk among us, to experience our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and failures. He lived among us, not as a “KING”, but as a humble servant….

St. Michael and All Angels | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

This long holiday weekend always puts me in mind of the 1996 commercial for an office supply store that was advertising its back-to-school wares. You may remember it too. It featured two kids plodding glumly behind their father who was skipping joyously up the store aisle with a shopping cart as Andy Williams’ infectious song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (yes, a Christmas song!) plays in the background….

St. Michael and All Angels | The Rev. Susan E. Hill, Associate Rector

Seasonal Shift | The Rev. Dr. Anna S. Pearson, Rector

     This is one of those times in the year when we hear sentences that start with “I can’t believe…” As in, “I can’t believe August is almost over!” or “I can’t believe it’s Labor Day weekend already.” Variations on the theme include questions like “where did the summer go?” and statements about time speeding up as age increases. It happens every year, this turn of the season from summer to fall, but it sneaks up on us just the same….

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