I’m conducting an informal poll this morning and am wondering if anyone has recently woken up, rubbed their eyes, and looked into the mirror and thought, “Wow, I am marvelously made!” Hmm. Not many. There probably will be more folks at the 10:30 service… Today’s psalm does push the bounds of hyperbole for our 21st-century … READ MORE…
Some years ago, the Washington Post ran an article about the Washington Auto Show, which takes place annually just before Christmas. A star of the show was the Mercedes G-Class sport utility vehicle. Someone in the admiring crowd was quoted as follows: “Jesus would love to drive one of these … if he’s Jesus here-and-now … READ MORE…
Alleluia, unto us a child is born. O come let us adore him, Alleluia. What did you get for Christmas? Did you get what you wanted? Was it what you really wanted? It’s a question that evolves through our lives, from the colorful toy of early childhood, to the electronic gadgets and gift cards of … READ MORE…
Alleluia, unto us a child is born. Come let us adore him, Alleluia. “Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning.” The long wait is over, and Christmas Day is here at last. If you have young children in the house I am sure you have already today been through a frenzy of stocking-emptying … READ MORE…
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. … READ MORE…
A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” On this second Sunday of Advent, we are back at the beginning. The beginning of the good news; the beginning of Mark’s Gospel; the beginning of John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry; the beginning of a healing word to God’s people from the ancient … READ MORE…
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…