9 Pentecost Psalm 14; II Samuel 11:1–15; Ephesians 3:14–21; John 6:1–21 He [Jesus] said this to test him [Philip]; for Jesus himself knew what he meant to do. John 6:6 I. The Abuse of TrustI must confess: The temptation was great to use the account of David, the man chosen by God to be king …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, Indeed, we continue to observe all safety measures recommended and required by our Bishops, the City of Somerville, and the governor of the Commonwealth. Today, as we concluded two full months of common/communal/public worship with the celebration of Eucharist, there is a sense of return to normalcy–to be …
8 Pentecost Psalm 89:20–37; II Samuel 7:1–14a; Ephesian 2:11–22; Mark 6:30–34, 53–56 Jesus said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ –Mark 6:31 O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, This parish update comes to you with an appeal. Because summer leans, in any case, towards a more relaxed time and vacations, we find ourselves in need of lay readers. So, if you have been longing for a “new” voice or to share with the congregation your own …
7 Pentecost Psalm 24; II Samuel 6:1–5, 12b–19; Ephesians 1:3–14; Mark 6:14–29 With all wisdom and insight God has made known to us the mystery of his will… Ephesians 1:9 As I have remarked on several occasions, so do I repeat here: The writer of the Gospel according to Mark is a great storyteller. Clearly, …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, As I listen to a CD recording of the Psalms of David by the choir of Kings College Cambridge, I am pleased to share with you the homily which I delivered just hours ago to our in-person congregation. As one might anticipate, there are always items of interest, …
6 Pentecost Psalm 48; II Samuel 5:1–5, 9–10; II Corinthian 12:2–10; Mark 6:1–13 “And he called to him the twelve and began to send them out two by two.” Mark 6:7 For those who keep score, it is appropriate to remember that, according to the canons of the Church and the Book of Common Prayer, …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, I send you warm greetings on this Independence Day weekend, even as I confess a certain relief that the work of the women and men in the world of science have enabled us, through development of vaccines, to resume a certain rhythm in our pattern of worship, and …
5 Pentecost Psalm 130; Samuel.1. 1, 17-27; II Corinthians. 8. 7-15; Mark. 5. 21-43 She said, ‘If I touch even his garments…’ Mark 5:28 As I thought about the lectionary appointed for today, I had another “what if” conversation with myself. In some circles, so I understand, this “what if?” is called ‘Monday morning quarterbacking.’ …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, I confess to a return to something in our common life that resembles some aspects of a normal to which I and others are accustomed, even as one parishioner remarked today that some things have changed. My inner response to that welcomed recognition of change was “Alleluia. We …