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Right before our gospel lesson begins, Martha and Jesus have a talk. Martha is upset that Jesus didn’t come to town earlier, knowing her brother Lazarus was sick, and Jesus assures her that he will rise again. Assuming she knows what he means, Martha gives the orthodox answer: “I know that he will rise again … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, Next Tuesday the mid-term elections will take place across the nation. Traditionally voter turnout has been low for the mid-terms, and I want to encourage you to cast your vote. It’s one thing that all Americans do together, and goodness knows we need moments of national unity in these divided times. … READ MORE…
As you know, the federal government has detained families from Central and South America seeking asylum, and is now releasing some of them, in some cases dropping them at transportation hubs with few or no resources for travel to their homes. At the same time a large caravan is coming north through Mexico, with families … READ MORE…
It’s 7 am on a Sunday morning. I drive off the Route 263 ramp onto Sixth Avenue, on my way to the 8:00 service. There aren’t many people about yet. As I wait at the light, I notice a blanket in a doorway. It’s covering something lumpy, and two worn-out sneakers are sticking out of … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, St Paul’s has a distinguished history of speaking up for causes important to our community. In the “summer of love” in 2008, same-sex couples from our congregation and all over California were able to join in legal marriage for the first time in our state’s history. When opponents introduced a proposition … READ MORE…
When listening to today’s Gospel it is as important as ever to remember that we are all disciples. We are all students, we are all learning, we are all followers on the way. Today we hear Jesus say to his disciples, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, On Sunday October 21 I am leading a conversation about the anatomy of the Eucharistic Prayer. The Eucharistic Prayer, also known as the Great Thanksgiving, is the long prayer which starts after the Peace with “The Lord be with you!” and ends with the Great Amen before the Lord’s Prayer. Regardless … READ MORE…
October’s second Saturday was another spectacular Showers Day. It did not rain, AND We set a new record of service to our neighbors: 120 Signed in (29 new guests) 140 Breakfast plates served 99 guests received clothing 32 showers taken 20 haircuts given Thank you too all who participated and all those who donated much … READ MORE…
Now and then our lectionary provides a reading that lines up perfectly with what’s going on in the world or the church. We don’t pick the Scripture we hear on a Sunday: it is prescribed in a three-year cycle, and if we want to do something different we have to ask permission from the bishop. … READ MORE…
Dear St. Paul’s family, A couple of weeks ago I took on a small project of writing thank-you notes to the 127 members of our Legacy Society, that is, those people who made it known to us that the Cathedral is included in their estate planning. It didn’t take long to write one note, but … READ MORE…