Eclectic Musings

Homil for 3 Epiphany: January 22, 2012

2012-01-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

We are called to be an example and a calling to others. In our first reading, God relents against Nineveh because they repent after Jonah's half hearted preaching. The whole story is set in motion because Jonah hated the people of Nineveh. Earlier, in the story, God has called him to "go at once to Nineveh ... and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me" but he has

Homily for the Epiphany of our Lord (Transfered to Sunday Jan. 8, 2012)

2012-01-09T10:37:00.001-07:00

My sisters and brothers, let us put Christ in the first place in our lives and keep all else in balance under his grace. Our first reading today we see Isaiah=s prophecy of the Epiphany story. As familiar as it is, there are a few details that are worth noting. Darius, King of Persia, has permitted the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. Isaiah is basically telling the people to enjoy

Homily for January 1, 2012

2012-01-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Our Parish's feast day, St. Stephen, fell on the Monday after Christmas. This year we exercised the option of celebrating it on the Sunday following Christmas which was January 1. My homily from that celebration follows: Today we are celebrating the life and example of our patron saint, Stephen. His name means crown. Rather poetically fitting since he was the first to receive the martyr=s

Homily for Christmas, 2011

2011-12-30T10:40:00.002-07:00

We celebrate again the birth of the Jesus the Lord of all. But really, spiritually, who is he, why do we keep doing this? In our reading from Isaiah we heard the prophet announce peace, salvation and God’s kingship. Using the poetic imagery of the “sentinels” on the city wall who are normally occupied in watching for approaching enemies but, now sing for joy because they see God returning to

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the father’s only son, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Today is the eve of Christmas, in the dark of tonight we mark “the break through.” We celebrate the breakthrough of God’s Word into human experience. The Word which dwelt with God before all things, the Word which worked all creation as God’s

Homily for 3 Advent B: December 11, 2011

2011-12-19T12:07:00.002-07:00

My sisters & brothers, A couple had two little mischievous boys, ages 8 and 10. They were always getting into trouble, and their parents knew that if any mischief occurred in their town, their sons would get the blame. The boys' mother heard that a clergyman in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The clergyman agreed and asked to see

Homily for 2 Advent B, December 4, 2011

2011-12-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

So, where do we start making ready for the coming of the Lord? We start on the inside.... Isaiah announces the deliverance of Yahweh for the people. They have suffered much but “comfort” is coming from God. Literally, the text says to speak "tenderly,” to the heart (the core) of the person). In our reading from 2nd Peter, the author is Aware that he will soon die, so he leaves his fellow

Homily for 1 Advent B, Nov. 30 2011

2011-11-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Let us make joyful preparation for the Lord's return! This part of the Isaiah was probably written 530 510 BC, soon after Jews returned to Israel from the Babylonian captivity. Now the prophet prays to God: please reveal yourself as you did during the Exodus! Display your wondrous works so the other nations will fear you oh God. Note the sense of urgency: rip the heaves open and come to us..

Homily for Proper 29: Christ the King

2011-11-21T18:07:00.001-07:00

This year, my associate priest, Rev. Donne Puckle preached last Sunday (Nov. 20, 2011). I don't have a written copy to post here; he didn't write out his homily. The following, shared for your reflection, is one of mine from 2008. --- Compassion is the law of God. It is important that we understand the context of Ezekiel’s ministry as a prophet. He was sent by God to prophesy against

Homily for Proper 28 A, November 13, 2011

2011-11-21T17:56:00.002-07:00

My sisters and brothers, it is vital that we embrace and fulfill the mission God gives us. In our first lesson today we saw God working through the prophetess Deborah to answer his people’s cry and free them from oppression. Following the death of Joshua, Israel lead by 12 successive judges, charismatic leaders raised up at times of national crisis by the spirit of God. Judges honestly admits

Homily for All Saints/Souls

2011-11-21T17:53:00.003-07:00

My sisters & brothers, some are enjoying the fullness of God’s kingdom. Others, like us, still wait for their turn. Though Christ, we share full communion with all of them. There are two very important details for us to draw from our first reading. First is the encouragement to seek the gift of Divine Wisdom. Or, ask God to fill you with God’s own spirit. The Old Testament ideas are

Back on Blogger

2011-11-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

Alleluia! I've gotten technical issues resolved and I'm back on Blogger.... More to come! Thanks for hanging in with me.

Homily for Proper 14 A,

2011-08-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, let us seek the Lord even in the most unexpected places. In our first reading we have the conclusion of Elijah’s flight from the people who want to kill him. He has traveled far through the wilderness and nearly died of thirst and starvation. Mysteriously aided by an angle, he now arrives at Horeb, “The mount of God.” Though various phenomena, such as wind, storms,

Homily for Pentecost, 2011

2011-06-14T13:43:00.001-07:00

My sisters & brothers, how will we respond as we are renewed in the Holy Spirit? In our first lesson God shares with the elders of the people the same Spirit that was given to Mosses. The griping of the people has set this whole scene in motion. They are tired of eating manna every day and complain, wanting the foods they used to have in Egypt. Moses turns to God. He is overwhelmed by the

Homily for the Feast of the Ascension

2011-06-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard the expression, you certainly have had the experience: “Hurry up and wait.” The stories of Christ that we hear today always make me smile. Jesus is giving us the classic “hurry up and wait” scenario. You are my witnesses to the very ends of the earth, to transform the world to faith. But first, stay here and pray for the Holy Spirit . . . Our first reading today

Homily for 5 Easter A, May 22, 2011

2011-05-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

My brothers and sisters, being a bystander is not ok! We must all role up our sleeves and take our place in the Family of God! In our first reading today, we heard a short clip about the works of our patron St. Stephen. As he is pursued by the murderous crowd, has a vision of heaven. From this he draws the grace he needs to die in full imitation of Jesus; by willing giving his soul to God

Interesting conversations in the Scientific American Web Site today.

2011-05-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

This first one (Click Here) is about the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and the obvious speculations that go with it. Clearly, the researchers involved in the SETI project presume that any extra terrestrial intelligent race we my find will post no threat to us. In fact many hole the belief that such a race would be highly advanced and altruistic, sharing with us their

Homily for 5 Lent A, April 10, 2011

2011-04-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, the resurrection takes place both in our world and inside each of us. The lesson we had from Ezekiel, the valley of the Dry Bones is a powerful symbol of renewal and restoration. It may well be the source of the Jewish belief in the resurrection at the end of time. It is likely that Ezekiel was among those deported when the Babylonians first took Jerusalem, in 598 BC.

Homily for: 4 Lent A, April 3, 2011

2011-04-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, God is full of surprises. Our first lesson from the prophet Samuel begins a saga for us. The prophet is off about God’s work, blessing the next King of Israel. But, God has not chosen the usual suspects. The present king (Saul) has enjoyed God’s favor, but has lost it by disobeying the prophet Samuel’s instructions. God now orders Samuel to anoint a new king, a son

Homily for 3 Lent A, March 27, 2011

2011-03-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, let us drink of the Lord’s refreshment for our souls! In the first lesson we heard today, God gives water from a rock to Israel as they wandered through the desert. The Israelites travel “by stages” toward the Promised Land. As God showed his power during their slavery, winning their freedom by inflicting ten plagues on the Egyptians, he now tests the Israelites’ faith

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent A, 2011

2011-03-23T16:42:00.002-07:00

March 20, 2011 My brothers and sisters, let us put renewed faith in God! In our first lesson today we have the very brief story of God calling Abram, who God will later rename Abraham, to pick up his life and go. We need to understand the context of the story. Abram and his people were semi-nomadic - before God called to him. About 4,000 years ago, Abram his father and nephew Lot traveled

1st Sunday of Lent A, March 13, 2011

2011-03-16T17:12:00.002-07:00

My sisters and brothers, let us strive to make wise decisions by always seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Today’s first lesson is a collection of excerpts from an epic tale about the creation of humanity. God formed the human “from the dust of the ground” and gave him his spirit of life. I have always found it ironic that this poetic description from millennia ago, turns out to be so

Homily the Last Sunday of Epiphany (Transfiguration Sunday), March 6, 2011

2011-03-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, let us reach to Christ for the power we need to transform or lives. The core of the story we heard in our fist lesson today is Moses receiving the 10 commandments from God. Previously, Moses has ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Law verbally from God – both the Ten Commandments and the case law. Moses has told them to the people; they have agreed to their side of

Homily for 8 Epiphany A, February 27, 2011

2011-03-10T12:21:00.001-07:00

My sisters and brothers, we must never allow the necessities of life, to replace God in our lives. From Isaiah we hear the liberation that God promises to his people. The Prophet continues to speak on God's behalf. God has given this prophet to Israel as assurance that, at a time of God's choosing (“time of favor”), the people will indeed return to Palestine and take possession of the

Homily for 7 Epiphany A, February 20, 2011

2011-03-10T12:20:00.002-07:00

My sisters and brothers: God calls us to the kind of holiness that makes a difference. Three nurses appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates. St. Peter said to the first, "Tell me what you did on earth." Said she, "I was a birthing room nurse. I helped bring hundreds of precious babies into the world." "Enter!" said St. Peter. Then he turned to the second. "And how about you?" he asked.

Homily for 6 Epiphany A, February 13, 2011

2011-03-10T12:18:00.001-07:00

My sisters and brothers, one day the Devil challenged God to a baseball game. Smiling God proclaimed, "You don't have a chance, I have Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here." "Yes," snickered the devil, "but I have all the umpires!" Today our lessons present us with the question of choosing sides. Will we choose God or not? Our first lesson from Ecclesiasticus (

Loggerhead Turtles, born with internal GPS

2011-03-02T09:36:00.001-07:00

Loggerhead turtles are born with an ability to know where they are on Earth, and which way to swim to get to favorable feeding grounds. That's the conclusion from a new study by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Click Here This is a great story and accompanying audio file. Wonderful - the complex way God has made all us creatures!

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Epiphay, cycle A: 2011

2011-02-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God! Micah has given us what became a classic expression of the Christian Life. As a Prophet he was a fearless champion of the oppressed and exploited. The scene for today's reading is a lawcourt. The ungodly are told: “plead your case.” Israel is on trial for contravening the Covenant established through Moses. After God makes his case, Israel

Christmas Reflections and a Longfellow quote...

2010-12-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's Christmas poem seems especially timely for us even in our 21st century context. It captures the strange mix of emotions that many of us feel at this time of history. I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all

Homily for 3 Advent A, December 12, 2010

2010-12-14T09:41:00.002-07:00

John and Jesus, James and the prophets all did their parts for the union of heaven and earth, we must continue doing our part as well. Our first reading today is part of a hymn of praise to God for Zion’s restoration. The Lord will lead the people in a new exodus out of captivity in Babylon, through the wilderness. This time, the desert will not be a place of trial and suffering but a paradise

Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent A, December 5, 2010

2010-12-07T10:46:00.002-07:00

A Scots man, and atheist, was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly the Loch Ness monster attacked his boat. In one easy flip, the beast tossed him and his boat at least a hundred feet into the air. It then opened its mouth, waiting below to swallow them both. As the man sailed head over heels and started to fall toward the open jaws of the ferocious beast, he cried out, "Oh, my God! Help me

Homily for 1 Advent A, Nov. 28, 2010

2010-11-29T09:21:00.002-07:00

My brothers and sisters, we are preparing to celebrate Messiah’s anniversary of birth, but more deeply we are looking forward to His return. Isaiah wrote the verses of our first reading about 740 BC; it was a time when spirits were low in Judah. His message is that God will launch a new era in which God will actually dwell on earth. The prophet describes this as a time when all peoples will

Homily for Proper 28 C, Nov. 14, 2010

2010-11-21T18:21:00.002-07:00

Did you hear the latest news, there is a character who is trying to convince people that Jesus was really a Californian and not a Hebrew? There are three reasons that this scholar says makes this claim: 1, Jesus never cut his hair; 2, He went barefoot every where; 3, He started his own religion. Seriously, all the talk in our readings today about the end of time is given us as an inspiration

Homily for All Saints/Souls - November 7, 2010

2010-11-08T10:20:00.003-07:00

Today we thank God for the great example of faithful Christians who lived before us. In our first reading Daniel envisions a world that a Holy One of God will eventually control. This is the most recently written book in the Old Testament (about 165 BC). The first six chapters are stories about Daniel set at the Babylonian and Persian courts. The remainder of the book is visions about the

Pastoral Letter from the House of Bishops on Immigration

2010-10-04T11:28:00.004-07:00

Today I finally had a moment to read the Pastoral Letter from The Episcopal Church House of Bishops on immigration (Link). I am delighted to see a distinct move to the political center. While I have always agreed with our leadership in their defense of immigrants’ fundamental Human Rights. I have also been critical of the tendency to ignore the legitimate fears of border county residence. We

Homily for Proper 22 C - October 3, 2010

2010-10-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, it seems strange but the old saying of the physical fitness crowd really does apply to both our faith lives and our bodies: “use it or lose it!” Christian tradition has taken our reading from Habakkuk as the prophet's complaint against the internal evils of Judah. The language used here is the same employed by Amos, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to condemn the social abuses of

Homily for Proper 19 C - September 12, 2010

2010-09-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

My brothers and sisters, God is both forgiving and just. This may not make since to us but it is a genuine blessing. In our reading from Exodus we see the people of Israel turn to sin wile waiting at the foot of Mount Sinai. They enrage God but Moses convinces God to relent and forgive. This image of God as wrathful is common in the Old Testament but we also have the reminder that people

Prayer by Richard Foster, Taken from "Prayer"

2010-09-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

In his book simply titled “Prayer” Richard Foster gives us a wonderful and simple prayer that is the perfect thing for us to take home with us today. I’ll put this on my blog for anyone who wants to look it up form home and there are a few paper copies in the back of church for those who don’t care for using the Internet. Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be

Homily for Proper 18 C - September 5, 2010

2010-09-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

My brothers and sisters, the most difficult piece of our being Disciples of Christ is often the simplest; allowing Jesus to change us! In our reading from Jeremiah we hear that God forgives those who repent! This comes through the imagery of God’s people being like vessels shaped on a potter’s wheel. Some of us may be more cooperative than others but we are all being shaped. The idea being

Homily for Proper 17 C - August 29, 2010

2010-08-30T09:33:00.002-07:00

My brothers and sisters, humility is a much maligned but very genuine virtue. In our reading from Sirach we heard that pride, or more precisely “arrogance,” is the root of all sin! Through excessive pride humanity proliferates every kind of evil. In essence the author is telling us that personal glory displayed through arrogance and pride is false and displeasing to God and other human

Homily for Proper 16 C - August 22, 2010

2010-08-26T14:09:00.002-07:00

Being an Authentic Christian means always patterning our lives after “The Way” of Jesus! Today we hear from the Prophet Isaiah that merely external worship does not cut it with God. Worship must be joined to internal sincerity. Those who conduct their affairs with justice are the ones who are acceptable in the eyes of God. Then our prayers will be heard, our efforts blessed and the Lord will

More on Immigration and Border Security

2010-08-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has expressed her views of these issues in a Sunday bulletin insert that can be freely reproduced by parishes around the country. In short, she examines the Biblical teachings on hospitality to strangers and calls us all to reflect on our national situation from the perspective of our Christian Faith. Here is the Link! Any thoughts?

Homily fo Proper 14 C, August 8, 2010

2010-08-10T18:04:00.002-07:00

Homily for Proper 14 C August 8, 2010 My sisters and brothers, we must be prepared, you simply can’t know when you will meet the Lord! As Bill was approaching mid-life, physically he was a mess. Not only was he going bald, but years of office work had given him a large pot belly. The last straw came when he asked a woman co-worker out on a date, and she all but laughed at him. That does it, he

Homily for Proper 13 C; August 1, 2010

2010-08-06T16:13:00.002-07:00

There was a rich tycoon known only as Mr. Frump, who profited from hostile corporate takeovers, often evicted hundreds of people at once from their Manhattan apartments to make way for his building projects, and was known for his ruthless firing policies. He also cheated on his income taxes, and had no concern for the safety and welfare of his employees. Maximum profits was all the really cared

Clergy Burnout discussed on NPR

2010-08-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

If you did not catch "Talk of the Nation" today on your local public radio I recommend you pick up on the podcast/archive version. Clergy burn out was the topic and they did a great job with the topic! Here is the link

Homily for Proper 8 C, June 27, 2010

2010-07-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, prayer is the medicine that will get us through the challenges of discipleship. In our first reading today we heard about Elijah passing on his responsibility to this disciple Elisha. Elisha in his turn proves to be a worthy successor and demonstrates his worth in powerful ways. Elijah and Elisha start this journey at Gilgal, in the hill country north of Bethel.

Drug Cartels Threaten U.S. Law Enforcement Officers

2010-06-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

The issue of border security and violent crime has taken another turn for the worse here in Southern Arizona. Last month the violence of the drug wars in Northern Mexico spilled over the border with the killing of Rob Krentz a rancher in Cochise County. Many believe his death was retaliation because he had discovered a large drug stash on his property and notified the authorities. Considering

Homily for Proper 6 C - June 13, 2010

2010-06-16T11:21:00.001-07:00

May sisters and brothers, God is not only just, God is also merciful: which side we see depends on our response to his call. In our first reading we heard about Jezebel plotting murder to give possession of a vineyard to her husband King Ahab. We also heard of God’s reprisal through the agency of Elijah. King Ahab ruled Israel, the northern kingdom, ca 870-850 BC. Ahab has committed a

Homily for Proper 5 C - June 6, 2010

2010-06-16T11:19:00.003-07:00

My sisters and brothers, Jesus and Elijah have demonstrated grate power and set a tremendous example. Our first reading relates how the power of God was manifested through the ministry of Elijah. Even on the soil of another god, Baal, Yahweh is fully potent. Ahab (king of the northern kingdom, Israel, ca 870-850 BC) and his wife Jezebel rebelled against God by worshiping Baal; the

Up date on the "More on Border Security" post

2010-06-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Mr. Ayoob has added his part two to his reflections on visiting with law enforcement in Southern Arizona. I had no idea that the Huachuca City PD had fagged suspicious activity for the FBI. One has to admit, purchasing 500 cell phones at one time looks very odd. Once again, Mr. Ayoob's blog is proving to be very informative. Also I must reiterate, he is an authoritative source. Here is

More on Border Security

2010-06-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today I spent lunch cursing the blog-o-sphere for different perspectives on our Arizona border security issues. This Link will take you to a posting by Massad Ayoob who is a nationally recognized police firearms instructor and author (hence the gun related details in his posing). He recently visited Southern Arizona and interviewed some local law enforcement about their experiences with crime

Homily for Trinity Sunday C, 2010

2010-05-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Today’s celebration of the Trinity reminds us that God is available to us in three different ways, or kinds of relationship. In our first lesson from Proverbs we see wisdom described as if it were a person. Many Christians have viewed this as a description of the Holy Spirit’s role. John (in the prologue to his Gospel) associates this with the Logos who was with God at the beginning and

Homily for Pentecost C, 2010

2010-05-26T15:49:00.001-07:00

Come Holy Spirit; kindle in us the fire of your love! In our first reading we heard the story of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. The experience was so overwhelming that the first disciples could only describe it as being over taken by violent winds and fire! It is now fifty days since Easter. The way Luke puts it shows that Pentecost is a milestone in the story of salvation. He attempts to describe

Bishiop Kirk Smith on PBS Religion and Ethics

2010-05-25T09:35:00.001-07:00

On May 21, 2010, last Friday's broadcast, PBS: Religion and Ethics program gathered religious leaders for a discussion of Arizona's SB 1070 - the Arizona State immigration law. I highly recommend both the video and transcript posted on the PBS web sight. Click Here As I mentioned in an early blog posting, I favor comprehensive immigration reform in the form of a worker visa program that is

Homily for 6 Easter C

2010-05-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christianity. Our reading from Acts tells the story of the Conversion of Lydia and her household. In the ancient Greek culture, women were basically treated as property. In Roman culture, they had a bit more status but the improvement was not dramatic. I point this out because this story of the first Christians accepting Lydia as a head of

Border Security and Immigration Reform - From a Center-est Perspective

2010-05-06T10:10:00.005-07:00

As an Episcopalian and political Independent, I am experiencing great offense at the polarized political bickering engendered by Arizona’s new Immigration Law. Recently an article in the Washington Post by Eugene Robinson was brought to my attention; it is this article that moved me to write down my thoughts. He makes appeal for “Fact-based analysis” and then grossly under represents the

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter cycle C

2010-04-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers let us follow the example of Peter and Paul – responding to Christ’s call with diligence. In our first reading we heard the famous story of the conversion of St. Paul. He is not only smacked down by God but healed by Ananias and baptized. That is, Paul becomes a member of “The Way” that he had been persecuting. His conversion is utter and complete. Luke has told us,

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, cycle C

2010-04-20T12:18:00.002-07:00

My sisters and brothers, our lessons today express the faith of our predecessors in Christ. In our first reading Peter and John are arrested by the Temple authority for teaching and proclaiming that “in Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. The Sanhedrin has ordered them “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter proclaims that they will obey God before human authority.

Homily for Easter 2010

2010-04-05T09:21:00.002-07:00

My sisters and brothers, Mary Magdalene sets us a wonderful example us. Her example is one of openness to receiving Christ and of sharing Christ. Today/tonight, we celebrate that Christ conquers the deepest fears of humanity and offers the greatest blessing and oneness with our Creator. God incarnate (Jesus the Christ) not only embraces the deepest human fears and pains of human existence

Homily for 4 Lent C - March 14, 2010

2010-03-15T21:42:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, God offers us all a wonderful homecoming; but will we be a gracious as our Divine host? In our reading from Joshua the people of Israel take possession of the land of Canaan! Their wandering are over, home is with in their grasp. Perhaps “disgrace of Egypt” refers to the abject social status the Israelites had there; as slaves. Regardless, God is saying: my rescue of

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Lent C

2010-03-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

A four year old spilled his cola on the rug and wanted to clean up the mess himself. So his mother told him that the mop was just outside the back door. Quickly, he ran to the door, but realized that it had become dark outside. Suddenly scared, he told his mother what the problem was. Assuring him, she told him that Jesus is everywhere, even in dark places, and that he should trust Jesus to

2010-02-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Today the Pew Foundation has released a study on Religion Among the Millennials. That is, the generation between ages 18 to 29. They are notably less religious than previous generations. However, they are no less apt to pray daily than previous generations. As church leaders we have our work cut out for us if we are to address the needs of this generation in a manner that they will see as

2010-02-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sled Dog Story Yesterday the New Times ran a great little story about riding in a sled behind a dog team. The author did a great job of catching the enthusiasm of the dogs - they truly love to run as a pack. For the story click here!

Homily for the Last Sunday after Epiphany C

2010-02-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said, “Jesus knows you're here.” He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued. Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard “

Homily for the 5th Sunday afther Epiphany C

2010-02-13T12:16:00.002-07:00

My sisters and brothers, God calls us to ministry and mission despite, and sometimes because, of our personal faults. Our first reading is an account of the wild vision in which Isaiah hears the call of God and offers himself in service. In this passage, Isaiah gives the grounds for his authority as a prophet – his credentials. The year is 742 BC, Assyria is expanding its borders and Israel

Homily for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany C

2010-02-13T12:13:00.002-07:00

My brothers and sisters, we must follow God’s call, one simple step at a time. In or first reading we heard the call of the prophet Jeremiah. As a youth, too young to command the attention of leadership, he is called and appointed by God. Note the intimacy, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… and consecrated you.” In the late 600s BC, King Josiah guided the people back to godliness

Homily for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Jan. 24, 2010

2010-01-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, as we heard Luke tell of the beginning of Jesus ministry, let us make a new beginning of our Christian lives. In our lesson form Nehemiah, we see the people receiving the work of the Lord and rededicating themselves to God, after their return from exile. This story actually starts in the book of Ezra with Cyrus of Persia’s decree, in 538 BC, permitting the Jewish

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

News is slowly trickling out about the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti. Because I have a colleague there it hits me especially hard. The Episcopal Church supports an extensive missionary diocese in Haiti and Episcopal Relief and Development will be on the ground supporting emergency needs for the victims. The best we can do at the moment is make a donation and pray. E.R.D. web site

Spiritual Opportunities of Marriage

2010-01-12T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hay folks, I have a grate book to recommend for anyone who is married/partnered or contemplating the commitment. Especially if you see your relationship as a “Vocation” and want to deepen the spiritual dimensions of that part of your life. The Sacred Dance: Spiritual Opportunities of Marriage by: Larry Wampler. My wife and I looked over Larry’s manuscripts as he drafted the book and since

Conservative supporting gay marriage law in California

2010-01-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a new twist on the continuing debate. Ted Olson, a conservative republican, is the lead attorney in favor of restoring the marriage right of same sex couples in California. Why? He explains his reasons in Newsweek. He explains his position in Newsweek In para-phrase, he sees stable domestic relationships as a benefit for our entire society. Stable, committed, same sex couples

Homily for 1 Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord)

2010-01-11T11:38:00.001-07:00

My brothers & sisters let us be refreshed in our commitment to follow Christ. In our reading from Isaiah we hear that “your Creator has redeemed you!” You are precious and be loved in the sight of God. The prophet address the people in the voice of God: you are created by God and should not fear for the future. God will come through for you. The prophet uses many symbols of danger (“

Eye witness testimony "Highly Unreliable"

2010-01-06T09:28:00.001-07:00

Scientific American Mind has published a powerful article on research into the reliability of eye witness testimony. For the last twenty years, since the introduction of DNA evidence in criminal trials, there has been an increasing body of data indicating that eye witnesses to crime identify the wrong person very frequently. This of course results in many wrongful convictions. If you have

Homily: 2nd Sunday of Christmas, January 3, 2010

2010-01-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

My sisters and brothers, have you made a clear and deliberate choice to follow the teachings and example of Jesus the Christ? In our first reading today we heard (once again) Jeremiah’s version of the restoration of God’s faithful people. It certainly fits our celebration of the coming of Christ and the starting of a new year. In our second reading Paul expresses his hopes and prayers for

Homily for Christmas, 2009

2009-12-27T17:11:00.000-07:00

My sisters & brothers, how do we respond to the love God expresses in the birth of Jesus? Our Gospel tonight is the Nativity story and Luke is concerned to place Jesus in the time-line of history, as a real human being; placing his berth in the context of major event. It is possible that Judea was included in a census of 8-7 BC, “the first registration.” From Matthew we know that Herod the

Homily for 4th Sunday of Advent, 2009

2009-12-22T19:18:00.002-07:00

My sisters & brothers let us follow the example of our ancestors in faith and diligently serve the Lord. From the prophet Micah we heard another proclamation of the coming of the Messiah! Micah wrote at a time when the Assyrian army had invaded the kingdom of Israel, and when corruption was rife in Judah. The rich cheated and robbed the poor; priests and prophets adapted their words to suit

Homily for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2009

2009-12-14T09:54:00.000-07:00

My brothers and sisters let us enjoy the closeness of Christmas and share our joy with those in need. In our reading form Zephaniah we again we see the theme of rejoicing at the restoration and redemption given by of the Lord! The prophet himself tells us that he is descended from Hezekiah, most likely the king who ruled Judah 715-687 BCE. His intimate knowledge of Jerusalem and affairs in

Homily for 2nd Sunday of Advent "C"

2009-12-06T18:39:00.003-07:00

In our reading from Baruch we hear the call for celebration as God brings back the exiles and reestablishes the glory of the Jerusalem. This book is set in the time of the Exile, when some the people had been deported to Babylon and others had dispersed around the Mediterranean. The author speaks to Jerusalem as if it were a person. It is time to remove mourning attire, to don forever splendid

More on Sexuality and Ordained Ministry

2009-12-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

Lest we think that the conflicts revolving around the ordination of practicing homosexual persons is simply a matter of Canada and the U.S. verses the world - Thinking Anglicans and Inclusive Church, both based in Great Brittion as far as I know, have furthered the conversation in there own way. Thinking Anglicans can be found here! and Inclusive Church here! In particular, Inclusive Church

Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent, 2009

2009-12-01T14:32:00.002-07:00

My brothers & sisters, redemption is here and available in Christ. Our first lesson from Jeremiah comes from the time when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC. In bad times, the prophet told of God’s love for his people. Today’s passage was edited or written centuries later. We hear that it is a certainty that a time will come when God will complete His promises. That is what we

Homily for November 15, 2009 - Proper 28 B

2009-11-15T16:11:00.003-07:00