Whitsunday

The Collect

O GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle (Acts ii. 1)

WHEN the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

The Gospel (St. John xiv. 15)

JESUS said unto his disciples, If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.

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Holy Saturday... He descended into Hell

Why is Holy Saturday important, and what does it mean that Christ descended into Hell?

Tradition affirms that immediately after the death of Christ, he went down in triumph into the place where the souls of those justified under the Old Law were held. While called hell (hades in Greek, sheol in Hebrew), the Creed is actually referencing a place where souls were separated from the presence of God and not the hell of eternal damnation.

Scripture calls this place the Abraham's bosom (St. Luke 16:22). The place where faithful, covenanted people waited for the Messiah to open the gates of heaven to them. Among them included the Old Testament patriarchs as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David and even our Lord’s foster Father St. Joseph. Christological discourses identify this as the last phase of Jesus’ messianic mission.

St. John 5:25 teaches that "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live". It would not be fair to those who lived before Jesus if they did nor have a chance to hear the Gospel and be saved. On Holy Saturday we remember that even the dead had the chance to hear and be saved.

The Collect

GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection: for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Easter Even Readings: (1 Saint Peter iii. 17; Saint Matthew xxvii. 57)

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Good Friday

 BEHOLD the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. (Saint John 1:29)

The Collects

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end, Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of the sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live: Have mercy upon all who know thee not as thou art revealed in the Gospel of thy Son. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word, and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy fold, that they may be made one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Reading: (Hebrews x. 1; Saint John xix. 1)

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Quinquagesima, or the Sunday next before Lent

The Collect

O LORD, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

The Epistle (1 Corinthians xiii. 1)

THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

The Gospel (St. Luke xviii. 31)

THEN Jesus took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side begging: and hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

Quinquagesima - Message in a Minute

There can be no avoiding the fact that Lent is almost upon us. Lent brings with it specific obligations which are unlike those of any other season in the church calendar.

People do all sorts of admirable things for Lent -- give up smoking, cut back on television watching and aimless channel and web surfing, pray more, read their Bibles more, come to church more, attend study classes more, and so on. Of course, I don't want to discourage any of those enterprises. However the danger in any form of spiritual discipline - Lenten or otherwise - is that it can focus us excessively on ourselves and our own successes and failures. Today's epistle is about just that. St. Paul tells us that the point of the Christian religion, and the purpose of spiritual discipline and exercise, is to increase charity. Charity is, simply, doing good for another person. Charity and love are, in this sense, interchangeable words.

As we enter Lent, let us try to be attentive to what today's collect addresses, "O Lord, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth." And think about what St. John says, "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

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Third Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Epistle (Romans xii. 16)

BE not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. 

The Gospel (St. John ii. 1)

AND the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Epiphany III - Message in a Minute

At the beginning of the service of Holy Matrimony, the priest reads off a list of reasons, taken from scripture, which explain why we have weddings. We say that God established marriage in the Garden of Eden; we note that the New Testament teaches us that the relationship between a husband and wife points to the unity between Christ and the church; and we cite St. Paul's general endorsement of the whole idea. We also read these words in this morning's gospel: "Which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Cana of Galilee." To this point, if Jesus did not think marriage is a good thing he would never have gone to a wedding in the first place, and he certainly would not have performed his first miracle at the reception.

The miracle he performs is a friendly, comfortable sort of miracle -- not at the same dramatic level as the creation of a new planet or the healing of an illness or the raising of the dead. The miracle at Cana covers up a social embarrassment -- the host of the wedding reception has run out of wine at the height of the party. Simply restated, Jesus' mother tells him that they have no more wine, he has a somewhat icy exchange with her, and then he changes an enormous amount of Water into an equally enormous amount of wine. 

The miracle of Cana is an epiphany of Jesus as God. God the Father makes water into wine in nature through a series of steps. Jesus starts with water and ends with wine, but he short-cuts what normally happens in between. That reveals that he has control over natural processes, and that makes him God. So St. John reports, "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory" -- that is to say, the miracle showed that he is God.

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Second Sunday after the Epiphany

 The Collect

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle (Romans xii. 6)

HAVING then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.

The Gospel (St. Mark i. 1)

THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; as it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Epiphany II - Message in a Minute

The baptism Jesus brought is the baptism the church offers to all humanity. It is much more than the purely symbolic baptism of John. We baptize in the name of the Trinity, as Jesus told us to because baptism takes us into the life of the Trinity. God almighty lives his eternal life in us and through us by the Holy Ghost. We don't have to look at the Lord as someone or something out there as an abstraction -- we are united to him.

The sacrament of Baptism also attacks the root of sin. The people whom John baptized may have been quite sincere in their desire to change their ways, but after they got dunked they were still on their own. We know our best efforts and intentions are not enough; we need help from outside, and we need to apply it on the inside.

Baptism shows us that we are all connected. Having a resentful or judgmental or vengeful attitude toward our fellow Christians is forbidden because, what we do to other Christians, we do to ourselves. As St. Paul teaches, "We, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another." And, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."

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First Sunday after the Epiphany

The Collect

O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle (Romans xii. 1)

I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

The Gospel (St. Luke ii. 41)

NOW his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Epiphany I - Message in a Minute

What must it have been like to be the earthly parents of God's son? What must it have been like to have a son who never committed a sin? We have only the sketchiest answers to these tantalizing questions.

Today's gospel provides some insight. It tells us of a trip that Jesus, Mary and Joseph took to Jerusalem at Passover. This annual event was an obligation on Jews who could make the trip. They traveled from Nazareth in a caravan, and as Joseph and Mary traveled home, they were sure Jesus was somewhere in the group. After a day, they realized he was not, and they went back to Jerusalem in a panic to look for him.

They found Jesus in the temple, where he was astonishing the rabbis with his ability to debate the Hebrew Bible. When Mary asked him why he had treated them so badly and forced her and Joseph to search for him in desperation, he replied, "What's the big deal? Didn't you realize that I had to be doing my father's business in my father's house?'

This story marks the turning point in Jesus' understanding of himself and his mission. There is no doubt now that he knows that he is the Son of God, and that he has come to earth to do what his Father wants him to do. But instead of going away to study, he prepares himself for his ministry by staying in Joseph's house, learning his foster father's trade and studying the Hebrew Bible.

Jesus comes to the temple not only to debate his elders. He comes to remind himself and us that his mission on earth is to sacrifice himself to forgive our sins, just as Hebrew priests sacrificed animals as sin-offerings in the temple under the old covenant.

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The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles

The Collects

O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant, that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, whose voice bare witness to the baptism of they beloved Son Jesus Christ: Grant we beseech thee, that we may deserve to be inwardly created anew, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Readings: (Ephesians iii. 1; St. Matthew ii. 1)

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

The Epiphany - Message in a Minute

The mystery of Epiphany has to do with the inclusiveness of God. The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles teaches us that through Jesus everybody can become one of God's chosen people. From Abraham to Jesus chosenness was limited to Jews. Now chosenness is for everyone -- both Jew and Gentile. 

The word gentile in this context refers to the non-Jew. Jesus came to earth to make it possible for Gentiles to join the chosen people through baptism, and so become honorary Jews. St. Paul teaches "that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." So the fellowship of the mystery turns out to be a Church where membership is available to all humanity. 

After we learn what the mystery of Epiphany is the following reflective questions lie before us, "Do we accept this mystery? Do we want to join the fellowship?" 

Jesus says, "Many are called, but few are chosen." People must ask of themselves, "Do I choose to be chosen?" God has shown now that he has chosen us. Will we now choose him? 

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Second Sunday after Christmas

 The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle (Isaiah lxi. 1)

THE Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

The Gospel (St. Matthew ii. 19)

WHEN Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: and he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Christmas II - Sermon message in a minute

The Christ Child and His family had no home of their own at this time in their life; so in their honour at this season, perhaps we can invite someone in and give them a home and a family for a few hours at an important occasion. Indeed all will be the richer for it in ways that endure meaningfully.

At Christmas in a special way the coming of Christian light reveals the darkness and evil that are in some people, and just what they will do to carry out their wicked intentions -- but the darkness does not conquer it. "The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it."

When we open our lives to that light which comes into the world through Christ, some of it will shine through us into the lives of others.

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First Sunday after Christmas

 The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle (Galatians iv. 1)

NOW I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: but when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

The Gospel (St. Matthew i. 18)

THE birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.


Christmas I - Sermon message in a minute

God’s great gift to us has come unto his own and to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the great wonder and mystery of Christmas. Do we perceive it?

God is born! God is with us! Our Immanuel! The Reverend David Curry said, "we, whether we are wretched and miserable, tired and worn out, foolish or wise, strong or weak, young or old, happy or sad – we are his own."

We are the company with whom God dwells. We are his own.

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Fourth Sunday in Advent

The Collect

O LORD, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle (Philippians iv. 4)

REJOICE in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Gospel (St. John i. 19)

THIS is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Advent IV - Message in a Minute

The hustle and bustle of the season is one of the reasons that Advent is important. It prevents us from domesticating and secularing Christmas to such a degree that we miss the point of it all. First of all, it attacks human complacency by telling us the clock is ticking. "You are going to die." "The world is going to come to an end." "Whose side are you on?" "The time to make up your mind is not later on when you can get around to it but now."

Advent also reminds us of some other threatening facts. God is going to judge. Judgement day is coming. He is going to assess your life. You are going to be found wanting. You are going to deserve to go to Hell and the only thing that will save you and give you the promise of heaven is the simple statement, "I'm guilty, I'm sorry, Jesus died for me."

Finally, with its second-half focus on John the Baptist, Advent reminds us that Jesus entered the world of real people where real things happen, things like looking out for your own selfish interests, and not liking people to confront you with the truth about yourself, and doubting, and finally questioning if anything at all has any real meaning.

Jesus came into that world, the world we recognize as the one we have to live in, it is not a sugar-coated fantasy world but reality world. Jesus came into the world, and he saved the world, and when this world is gone he is going to take us to heaven if we want to go. So, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."

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Second Sunday in Advent

 The Collect

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Epistle (Romans xv. 4)

WHATSOEVER things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Gospel (St. Luke xxi. 25)

AND there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Advent II - Message in a Minute

In today's reading Saint Paul says about the scriptures that they are for our edification--they "were written for our learning." They tell us about God, they teach us about ourselves, and they tell us how God has acted for our benefit throughout human history--particularly in the history of Israel, and again in the life of the church.

The next thing he says about the scriptures is that they give us patience and comfort. Patience is steadfastness, the ability to hang on when things seem to be falling apart. The scriptures provide that patience by their testimony that God is in charge of what is going on and in the end it will all turn out according to his plan.

Finally the teaching and the patience and the comfort the scriptures provide add up to hope--which brings us full circle to the end of the world. Christian hope is the promise that in the end we are going to be in heaven with God. When you know the story has a happy ending, you can put up with any twist in the plot that may present itself along the way. So "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

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Feast of Saint Luke the Evangelist

The Collect

ALMIGHTY God, who didst inspire thy servant Saint Luke the Physician, to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of thy Son: Manifest in thy Church the like power and love, to the healing of our bodies and souls; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle (2 St. Timothy 4.5-15)

WATCH thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: for Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee; and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the copper-smith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works. Of whom be thou ware also, for he hath greatly withstood our words.

The Gospel 9 (St. Luke 10.1-7)

THE Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes, and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.

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Twentieth Sunday after Trinity

The Collect

ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, of thy bountiful goodness keep us, we beseech thee, from all things that may hurt us; that we, being ready both in body and soul, may cheerfully accomplish those things which thou commandest; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle (Ephesians v. 15)

SEE then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

The Gospel (St. Matthew xxii. 1)

JESUS said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.

Trinity XX - Message in a Minute

Marriage is not just a mundane institution which provides a degree of order to society. Indeed, the sacramental marriage is also the sign of the presence of God among us and is the bedrock of community. It provides the clearest model on earth of the eternal destiny of a love-filled heaven.

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Whitsuntide

 "O SING unto the Lord a new song for he hath done marvellous things." (Psalm 98: 1)

Pentecost is the feast of the universal church that commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles fifty days after the resurrection of Our Lord. The holiday coincides with the Jewish harvest festival know as Shavuot. Within the English church, the holiday is known as Whitsuntide due to the colour of the garments worn by those who were baptized during the vigil of the feast.

As a Christian celebration, Whitsunday dates back to the first century, and as a result, it is not surprising that there is little early evidence of it. The feast which was originally only one day in duration, and fell on a Sunday; additionally, it was so very tied to Easter that it appears to have not been much more than the end of Paschaltide.

In previous generations civil and ecclesiastical courts did not sit during Whitsuntide, and servile work was forbidden. In addition, in England the gentry amused themselves with horse races and Ember day commemorations. While Whitsun Ales and county merry-makings are almost wholly forgotten in England, in Italy it is still custom to scatter rose leaves from the ceiling of the churches to recall the miracle of the fiery tongues; hence in Sicily and elsewhere in Italy Pentecost is called Pascha rosatum.

The colour of the vestments worn for the feast is red, symbolic of the love of the Holy Ghost or of the tongues of fire.

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Memorial for Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury

 The Collect

O GOD, who hast brought us near to an innumerable company of Angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant us during our pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in our Country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings: (Philippians iv. 4; Saint Luke vi. 17)

Dunstan was an Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, a Bishop of Worcester, a Bishop of London, and an Archbishop of Canterbury and was later canonised as a saint. His work restored monastic life in England and reformed the English Church. He served as a key minister of state to several English kings.

Dunstan was the most popular saint in England for nearly two centuries, having gained fame for the many stories of his greatness, not least among which were those concerning his famed cunning in defeating the devil.

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Ascensiontide

 The Collect

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Readings: (Acts i. 1; Saint Luke xxiv, 49)

“And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." (Acts 1:9)

The fortieth day after Easter Sunday commemorates the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. The term used in the Western Church, ascensio signifies that Christ was raised up by His own powers. Within the Eastern Church this feast was known as analepsis, the taking up, and also as the episozomene, salvation from on high – denoting that by ascending Christ completed the work of our redemption. Holy Tradition designates Mount Olivet near Bethany as the place where Christ left the earth. As an Ecumenical feast it ranks with the feasts of the Passion, of Easter, and of Pentecost as being amongst the most solemn of the liturgical calender.

The Ascension is the capstone of the life of Jesus Christ, and is made up of three key events: (1) Christ's final departure from the earth; (2) His going up into heaven; and, (3) The taking of His place at the right hand of the Father. These events are affirmed in the Nicene Creed and in the Apostles' Creed, and implies Jesus' humanity as being taken into Heaven.

The historical observance of the Ascension is located in the time of the Church Fathers, and although there is little evidence of it prior to the fifth century, St. Augustine affirmed that it is of Apostolic origin and claimed that it was of universal observance before his time. Mention of the feast is also found in the writings of St. John Chrysostom, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and in the Constitution of the Apostles.

Certain local customs are connected with the liturgy during this feast, such as the blessing of beans and grapes after the Commemoration of the Dead in the Latin Canon, the blessing of first fruits within the English Book of Common Prayer on Rogation Days, and processions with banners outside the churches to commemorate the entry of Christ into heaven. There is also a uniquely English custom of carrying at the head of the procession a banner bearing the device of the lion, and at the foot the banner, an image of a dragon to symbolize the triumph of Christ in His ascension over the evil one.

The story of Christ's ascension can be found in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts.

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Memorial for Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury

 The Collect

O GOD, who hast enlightened thy Church by the teaching of thy servant Anselm: Enrich us evermore, we beseech thee, with thy heavenly grace, and raise up faithful witnesses who by their life and doctrine will set forth the truth of thy salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Readings: (Romans i. 16; Saint John vii. 16; viii 12)

Saint Anselm was a Benedictine monk, Christian philosopher, and scholar who is recognized for many intellectual accomplishments, including his application of reason in exploring the mysteries of faith and for his definition of theology as faith seeking understanding.

Throughout his years, Anselm maintained a strong allegiance to his monastic lifestyle and to his intellectual pursuits. He composed several philosophical and theological treatises, as well as a series of beautiful prayers and meditations in addition to his oftentimes inspirational correspondence. Anselm held the position of archbishop until his death in 1109. A biography by his contemporary Eadmer provides many insights into the life of this remarkably saintly and scholarly man.

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Sexagesima, or the Second Sunday before Lent

 The Collect

O LORD God, who seest that we put not our trust in any thing that we do; Mercifully grant that by thy power we may be defended against all adversity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Epistle (2 Corinthians xi. 19)

YE suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

The Gospel (St. Luke viii. 4)

WHEN much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way-side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way-side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.


Sexagesima - Message in a Minute

Our gospel today uses an image taken from planting to describe the different sorts of responses people make to God's word. It is not the most difficult story in the world to figure out in the first place, and, as he does only rarely, Jesus goes on to give an explanation of what the parable means.

The fundamental idea is that the word of God is like seed. A sower would go out with a bag of seed and toss the seed on the ground as he walked along. He did not place the seed carefully, he broadcast it instead. That meant that the seed would fall onto different types of ground, different in their likelihood of being a place where the seed might take root and grow. Seed that fell by the wayside, or fell on dry rock, or fell among thorns and weeds would be lost. Seed that fell on good ground would spring up as fruitful plants.

Jesus is telling us that that is exactly the way God's showing himself in the world plays out. God sows the seed of his word in various different ways. He shows himself to us through the things that happen in our everyday experiences -- both in the dramatic and in the not-so-dramatic. He sows his seed quite specifically through the church -- in sermons and in the sacraments and in prayer and in Bible study and in our relationships with our fellow Christians. The seed which is God's word has a purpose. And the purpose is to help us grow up into fully mature human beings -- to grow up into Jesus -- what St. Paul calls "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Wayside, rock, thorns, or good ground? It is all up to you.

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The Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles

 The Collects

O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant, that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, whose voice bare witness to the baptism of they beloved Son Jesus Christ: Grant we beseech thee, that we may deserve to be inwardly created anew, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Readings: (Ephesians iii. 1; St. Matthew ii. 1)

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

The Epiphany - Message in a Minute

The mystery of Epiphany has to do with the inclusiveness of God. The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles teaches us that through Jesus everybody can become one of God's chosen people. From Abraham to Jesus chosenness was limited to Jews. Now chosenness is for everyone -- both Jew and Gentile. 

The word gentile in this context refers to the non-Jew. Jesus came to earth to make it possible for Gentiles to join the chosen people through baptism, and so become honorary Jews. St. Paul teaches "that the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." So the fellowship of the mystery turns out to be a Church where membership is available to all humanity. 

After we learn what the mystery of Epiphany is the following reflective questions lie before us, "Do we accept this mystery? Do we want to join the fellowship?" 

Jesus says, "Many are called, but few are chosen." People must ask of themselves, "Do I choose to be chosen?" God has shown now that he has chosen us. Will we now choose him? 

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