Christmas preparations have a way of bringing to mind old family traditions and conversations. When I think of the Christmases of my childhood I envision the special, handpainted china that we used at Christmas dinner, and recalling the festive table, I immediately hear my mother’s voice, saying things like, “Children are to be seen and … READ MORE…
It’s Advent. Advent means chocolate calendars, silly animated videos of Hershey’s kisses and dancing reindeer, premature Christmas carols, lights in the window, happy conspiracies over gifts, sparkly clothes, holiday sweets. And now, this, courtesy of Scripture: Grim confessions. Apocalyptic prophecies. Human sin and divine anger. The Psalmist’s desperate plea for rescue: “Restore us, O Lord … READ MORE…
Lutheran pastor Nadia Bolz Weber says that anytime we draw a line between us and others, Jesus is on the other side of that line. It’s the main point of the gospel lesson today, but it’s not been an easy lesson for the church, or I would imagine any of us, to learn. We are … READ MORE…
All summer and fall, in our Old Testament readings, we have been hearing an outline of the beginnings of the people of God, a whistle-stop tour through the first books of the Bible, starting with Genesis back in June on Trinity Sunday with the creation story and racing through the highlights of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, … READ MORE…
A couple of weeks ago I returned to Yale Divinity School to celebrate the 20th reunion of the class of ‘97. It was a joyful time of reconnecting with old friends, worshiping together, and witnessing how, thanks to many generous gifts, the YDS campus has been transformed from the derelict state it was in when … READ MORE…
Soli Deo Gloria! Today, our past, present and future meet, as we commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, that began in earnest when a young Augustinian monk, Dr. Martin Luther, posted 95 theological points that he wanted to dispute, within the Catholic Church that he served –points on which he thought the church … READ MORE…
Proper 24A, October 22, 2017 St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego Ex. 33: 12-23; Matt 22:15-22 In the gospel for today, the Pharisees set up a trap for Jesus. It’s a trap many of us find ourselves in today. They want Jesus to choose between church and state. Because Jesus has been critical of the religious … READ MORE…
It’s a well-worn story line: a partner in a relationship disappears without trace. Time passes, and the partner left behind eventually moves on with his or her life, perhaps remarrying or pursuing a different lifestyle. But then the missing partner returns, and drama ensues. We’ve all read books and seen movies with some variation of … READ MORE…
It was a chilly February evening in Alexandria, Virginia. The church was full and warm. I knelt before the bishop, and my priestly colleagues gathered around me. Warm hands pressing down on my head, my shoulders, my back. Bishop Theuner began the ordination prayer, and at the appropriate moment, all others lifted their hands while … READ MORE…
This year, and I hope every year, we are focussed on community. Here at St. Paul’s Cathedral we are focussing on not just the idea of community, but of incorporating community in our daily and church lives in a very real way. And we have the perfect example of operating in community today, for we … READ MORE…