Last Sunday afternoon, Ryan McKenna had a mountaintop experience. You might have seen it on TV. He was the teenager who got to take selfies with Justin Timberlake during the halftime show of the Superbowl. Imagine finding yourself standing next to your idol, lit up by dazzling beams, in a show witnessed by millions of … READ MORE…
I remember a time working in the hospital when a teenager was admitted to our intensive care unit for a significant head injury. I don’t recall the exact nature of the injury, only that the prognosis wasn’t good, and the doctors prepared the family for the worst possible thing any parent could face. I sat … READ MORE…
This Epiphany season we are hearing a lot about being called by God. Today, we have stepped out of the regular cycle of readings to celebrate Cathedral Day, which we do here by observing the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, our patron, transferred from last Thursday. The Gospel reading appointed for the day … READ MORE…
Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20 2 Kings 14:25 speaks of a prophet named Jonah. Contemporary Biblical scholars agree, however, that the Jonah of the book was not historical. The book is placed with the prophets; but instead of a collection of oracles calling Israelites or Judeans to repentance, … READ MORE…
In our liturgical calendar we have taken a leap forward in the life of Jesus. Just 8 days ago we were celebrating the Epiphany and the baby was still in the manger. Last Sunday we saw that baby, now grown, being baptized and commissioned for adult ministry, and today, Jesus is recruiting. Some of John … READ MORE…
Our Lord’s Baptism B St. Paul’s San Diego Mark 1:4-11 There is a great family movie that came out about 10 or so years ago. It’s called The Lion King. If you haven’t seen it or haven’t seen it recently I really commend it to you. It is layered with spiritual and religious themes. In … READ MORE…
Alleluia, unto us a child is born. Come let us adore him, Alleluia. Today is the day. It’s finally here. This is the morning that our children and grandchildren have been waiting for, the morning when the mystery of all those enticing packages under the tree will be revealed. Maybe you’ve already opened your gifts … READ MORE…
The Rev. Canon Jeff Martinhauk Advent 4B, December 24, 2017 St. Paul’s Cathedral, San Diego 2 Sam 7:1-11,16; Luke 1:26-38 The story from second Samuel this morning is one of great hope and anticipation. As the text says, the Lord has just helped King David defeat all of his enemies, and Israel is now at … READ MORE…
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…