3 Epiphany Psalm 27:1, 5–13; Isaiah 9:1–4; 1 Corinthians 1:10–18; Matthew 4:12–23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 As I have reflected with you over these last weeks about the direction of our …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, As the weather outside my study’s window takes on the appearance of winter, several thoughts of importance to our common life come to mind: Because the winter season always brings an increase in contagious illnesses, e.g. the common cold, you are reminded that, should you feel ill, please …
2 Epiphany Psalm 49:1–12; Isaiah 49:1–7; I Corinthians 1:1–9; John 1:29–42 [Andrew] first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ … John 1:41 On Friday, 6 January 2023, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. By today’s standards of almost instantaneous 24-hour news cycle, that is old news. Indeed, …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, I use this occasion to bring to your attention two “business” matters. The first, announced at Eucharist, is that the next vestry meeting of the parish is scheduled for Sunday, 22 January, in St. Francis Hall, immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist. Concerns or recommendations may be given …
1 Epiphany Psalm 29; Isaiah 42:1–9; Acts 10:34–43; Matthew 3:13–17 It is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness. Mtt. 3:15 Not that I, this week, was consciously thinking about beginning a new career; however, two events presented themselves to me and caused me to think long and hard regarding a basic …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, The Observance of the Baptism of Jesus, as presented in today’s lectionary, portrays actually the state of affairs in our communal life at St. James. The preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth brings each year a hectic pace that demands much output of energy. The Baptism confronts …
Feast of the Holy Name Psalm 8; Numbers 6:22–27; Galatians 4:4–7; Luke 2:15–21 “After eight days had passed, it was time … and he was called Jesus.” Luke 2:21 In a world anxious to get somewhere fast—I suppose in order to see what is at the end of the road?—the observance this year of Christmas …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, As the first day of the year 2023 bends towards its close, I am pleased, indeed, overjoyed, that I am able to share via this medium the sense of wonder and awe which the beauty of our sanctuary evoked in me, as I opened our doors on this …
Christmas Psalm 96; Isaiah 9:2–7; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–14 (15–20) In those days a degree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. Luke 2:1 We have gathered this evening in this holy place because along our life’s pathway someone taught us to value tradition, and without voicing how or why, …
Dear Members and Friends of St. James, It is my hope that, even as you prepared for and basked with others in the joy of the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus, you have been able to steal for yourself some “alone time,” during which you might reflect on the intervention of the Divine …