In the Old Testament reading we learn of Moses setting up the tabernacle. The text is filled with lots of detail of the construction and how things were put into place. What items were necessary and where they found their homes. All of these things in order to create a context which was right for …
Sometimes we are the cause of our own joy or pain, and sometimes we are not. If we follow Jesus’ ways, study his teachings, look to Jesus as the perfecter of our faith – we will come to understand that our pain and sorrow should not cause us to lose heart or grow weary. God took on human form as Jesus. In doing so God shows us that God knows what it is like to feel joy and happiness and also pain and sorrow.
Jesus’ disciples were his students. He was responsible, in part, for their spiritual formation. He instructed them through parables. He taught them as a living example. He questioned and stretched their understandings of the divine and humanity. He also prayed for them. Each of us has a spiritual teacher in our lives - a priest, …
In our Gospel reading today Nathanael asks: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” I imagine him asking this kind of flippantly. He already believes that nothing good can come from such a place. I, for one, know exactly how it feels to have already made my mind up. Like Nathanael I have at certain …
Today The Episcopal Church commemorates the life and work of Nelson Mandela. His story is one which is likely familiar to most of us. From political work in apartheid South Africa, to years in prison, to presidency Madela’s life warrants study and reflection. Words cannot do justice to the immensity of his dedication to liberation. …
This morning many of you are likely preparing for a thanksgiving meal. Perhaps you rose early to begin preparing complicated dishes. Or maybe you couldn’t sleep last night as you prepared yourself mentally to spend time with difficult family members. You might already be on the road to the place where you will join others …
Today’s appointed Gospel is the parable of the Good Samaritan. A story which I would guess that most of us have heard discussed and studied time and time again. Recently I was listening to a recent episode of author and theologian Rob Bell’s podcast The Robcast. He took on exploring the mandate of loving God …
Continue reading "THE YOU IN LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF"
“Jesus said, beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen my them for them you have no reward from [God] in heaven.” In this statement, I hear all of these things and more: Beware of posting too many selfies. Beware of bragging about your latest adventure. Beware of complaining about your …
I am thrilled to sit here writing the preliminary piece to the resurrection of Morning Reflections at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. I am also so glad you, dear reader, are here with me reading what I hope will be a part of your ongoing spiritual formation. May the morning reflections, written by members of your …
In our Gospel this morning it is like Jesus already knows what our answer might be to the question, “What is a kingdom like?” His parable responds to the prompt. Jesus tells us, God’s kingdom cannot be bound by what we deem a kingdom on earth.
