I am always fascinated by the story of how clergy came to discern and surrender to the call to ministry. Some are more inspiring than others, and this one, written after the ordination of Rev. Janie Koch in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, was particularly so to me, especially in her explanation of the meaning … Continue reading The call to ordination, and to the grace of the Eucharist
Month: September 2018
Who’s supposed to build the kingdom?
As Christians, there’s very little we could do with our time that is more important than prayer. At some point we must get off our knees and enact that which we find in our conversations with God. But, without that prayerful guidance, the work of our hands, hearts and tongues can be aimless, even counterproductive … Continue reading Who’s supposed to build the kingdom?
God’s will above all
If you're familiar with the Episcopal Church, or certainly if you are an Episcopalian, you probably have heard that we're the church that reads to God. From collects and psalms to Scripture and the prayers of the saints, our services are dominated by reading aloud our devotion to God. Naturally, we all find favorite prayers, … Continue reading God’s will above all
Climbing out of Sheol
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:1-4 Jews of the Old Testament lived constantly … Continue reading Climbing out of Sheol
Finding faith at the headsman’s block
An exploration of faith symbolism in Vladimir Nabokov's "Invitation to a Beheading" If I had intentionally sought to write a piece on faith imagery in literature, Vladimir Nabokov would not have been my first choice. It’s unlikely he would have made it into the top ten. C. S. Lewis is the obvious choice, and a … Continue reading Finding faith at the headsman’s block
The way of the cross — The way of Love
Today is the Feast of the Holy Cross, Triumph of the Cross or Exaltation of the Holy Cross — recognized respectively in the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox (Sept. 27) traditions as a day to reflect on the meaning of the cross. As Christians, regardless of denomination, the cross carries easily-recognized significance. It is our … Continue reading The way of the cross — The way of Love
Set down your yoke, through grace
“Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” Acts 15:10-11 This passage recalls an encounter between two … Continue reading Set down your yoke, through grace
Anointing ourselves in unity
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even … Continue reading Anointing ourselves in unity