11 Pentecost, Ps. 133; Genesis 45:1 – 15; Romans 11: 1 – 2a, 29 – 32; Matt. 15: (10 – 20), 21 – 28 It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. Matt. 15: 26b Those who study twins, both identical and fraternal twins, have noted that twins …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, [As I close off my week, I bring two items to your attention]. The first is professional. I met this week, via zoom of course, with representatives from the diocese and other clergy. The purpose of the meeting was to share any updates regarding the pandemic and any …
10 Pentecost, 9 August 2020 A Ps. 105:1 – 6, 16 – 22, 45b; Gen. 37: 1 – 4, 12 – 28; Rom. 10:5 – 15; Matt. 14:22 – 33 After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. – Matt. 14:23 Because of the normally hectic, …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, This week the Episcopal Bishops of the Episcopal Dioceses of Massachusetts sent to clergy, wardens and officers of parishes an updated enhancement of guidelines for reopening of parishes for in-person liturgies. I refrain from repeating them all here, as they are many and explained in great details. I …
Ps. 17: 1 – 7, 16; Genesis 32: 22 – 31; Romans 9: 1 – 5;Matt. 14: 13 – 21 Jesus said, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ Matt. 14: 16 Why is it so often the case that we do not miss or appreciate what we have, what brings …
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. James, As too often we equate the term “news” primarily with a recitation of events with negative outcomes, I recall that there are times when “no news is good news.” That is surely the case this week, in our continued isolation physically from each other. Unfortunately—no bad news—I was …
Ps. 105:1 – 11, 45b; Genesis 29:15 – 28; Rom. 8:26 – 39; Matt. 13:31 – 33, 44 – 52 “’Have you understood all this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes.’” —Matt 13:51 It wasn’t true then, and it is not true now! In another era, I recall hearing my contemporaries say, when they got into …
8 Pentecost: Sticks and Stones Dear Good People and Friends of St. James, As I listened this morning to the weather forecast for today, Saturday, and for tomorrow, Sunday, 26 July, it occurred to me that exactly a year ago, our forecasters had suggested that we shelter in place. We shelter this year again in …
Psalm 139:1 – 11, 22 -23; Genesis 28:10 – 19; Romans 8:12 – 25; Matt. 13:24 – 30, 36 – 43 For the creation waits with eager longing…Romans 8:19 Like the Burma-shave signs posted in another century along our nation’s highways, there is another sign that, according to Paul’s letter to the Romans and Jesus’ parable about …
Dear People and Friends of St. James! It would appear that life is assuming, more and more, a new normal, except of course for the frightening increase of COVID-19 cases through our land, but especially in our south. I bid your prayers, as always, that our leaders will lead, recognizing that leadership extends beyond self-centered …