This Advent season, which begins today, is a time of darkness and stillness and quiet. It is the time the Church has set aside for centuries to prepare for Christ. So let us now take a moment to center ourselves, to seek silence, to make room in our hearts for the beloved guest who is … READ MORE…
My younger son was born 12 days after his due date. If you’ve ever been closely involved in a pregnancy, you know that after eight months you are good and ready for the baby to be born; that last month just seems unnecessary, and every day past the due date feels like a week. It … READ MORE…
As Roman Catholic leadership meets in Rome for an historic global conversation, will the Spirit of Francis prevail? Two years ago, on St. Francis Day, I had the honor of preaching at the Blessing of the Animal’s service when “All things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts” shared our sacred space at St. Paul’s … READ MORE…
Last Monday the Supreme Court of the United States opened the door much wider to marriage equality in this nation. It was a day of astonished rejoicing across the land. One of my clergy colleagues, the Rev. Hilary Smith of the Diocese of Virginia, stationed herself at the door of the Richmond, Virginia, courthouse, with … READ MORE…
Acts 9:36-42; Philippians 2:1-13; Psalm 25: 1-8; Matthew 21:23-32 In the name of God: Creator, Redeemer And Sanctifier. Amen As you know, this weekend is devoted to sharing the art work, writings and lives of the children of Dorcas House, the foster home in Tijuana supported by us, and people both within and outside of … READ MORE…
Annie Dillard describes church as a dangerous place, a place where we should wear hard hats and lash ourselves to the pews lest God’s power should sweep us away and turn our worlds upside down. When we read something like this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, I start looking for my hard hat. As it happens, … READ MORE…
Over Labor Day weekend we traveled to Birmingham, Alabama to visit good friends from seminary. We had a great time, partly because our daughter Robin is best friends with their daughter, Mary Bentley. They had a blast playing together, except when they didn’t. I can’t tell you how many times I heard: “I’m sorry, Robin.” … READ MORE…
Last week we encountered Moses as a baby in the bullrushes, given up by his mother and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. Today we have moved at warp speed from his infancy to his maturity. Moses has grown up; he has killed an Egyptian whom he saw abusing a Hebrew slave and he is a wanted … READ MORE…
Welcome to the scenic resort of Caesarea Philippi. In our guided Gospel tour of the Holy Land, we have now arrived at the northernmost point in our journey with Jesus. It’s literally a turning point in the Gospel. From here he will turn south and head for Jerusalem. But at this hinge moment he talks … READ MORE…
Sermon – Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Genesis 37:14, 12-28; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22; Romans 12:9-18; John 20:19-23 In the Name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Theodore VanKirk died two weeks ago. He was the last surviving member of the crew that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. … READ MORE…