Today is the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptizer.....the day when we celebrate the birth of the one who heralded the arrival of the Lord.  In my mind, St. John has always been the eccentric relative, the one who had enormous wisdom and who stood just outside the mainstream (thank God) and... Continue Reading →

Today is the Feast of St. Alban, who died as a martyr in Britain in 304. The Gospel text for today is: Luke 21:29-36 (NRSV) Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer... Continue Reading →

Juxtaposition. That's the word that comes to me this morning as I sit in my time....looking out the window here in Sewanee before heading home this afternoon.  Thinking of Charleston... Juxtaposition.  Of anger and sadness.....fear.......laid beside hope and trust in God's grace.  Our practice of faith calls us hold both of these.  Neither can be... Continue Reading →

This morning, I'm reflecting on these verses from Psalm 119 97  Oh, how I love your law! * all the day long it is in my mind. 98  Your commandment has made me wiser than my enemies, * and it is always with me. 99  I have more understanding than all my teachers, * for... Continue Reading →

Today is the Feast of Evelyn Underhill, an intriguing lady that I think of as my own daughter's namesake.  I have been interested in Evelyn for many years, first coming across her in my theological studies when we would brush up against mysticism (for one does not face it head on, right?). I remember her... Continue Reading →

I have found the website The Daily Office:  A Congregation Without Walls very helpful.  The Mission St. Clare is also great, with the readings and remembrances for the feasts.  So, we have two great tools for our Daily Office prayer.  Take advantage of them! This morning's Daily Office reading is Matthew 18:1-14 (NRSV).  This portion... Continue Reading →

Today is the Feast of Emmegahbowh, the first Native American ordained in The Episcopal Church. I love the Psalm appointed for his feast, Psalm 40: I waited patiently upon the Lord; he stooped to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay; he set... Continue Reading →

Today is the Feast of St. Barnabas.  I have never really known that much about him, even though we read of him in the Book of Acts.  I love the way the commentator described Barnabas, as giving Paul a second chance after folks didn't trust him...remembering what he had done in his persecutions.  Barnabas reached... Continue Reading →

Today is the Feast of St. Ephraim of Edessa...this interesting man known as the "harp of the Holy Spirit."  He lived in the 4th century, and was active during the Council of Nicea, defending the Divinity of Jesus Christ.  He was a deacon, whose service to the poor placed his own life in jeopardy...and he... Continue Reading →

Today is the Feast of St. Columba, d. 597, this remarkable saint of Scotland, the founder of Iona.... founder of monasteries and shining light in a time of darkness throughout Europe.  I have always loved this strain of Christianity, this wonderfully rich Celtic tradition.... And how interesting that the Gospel for today is the text... Continue Reading →