December 1, 2021

“Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21: 27-28)

Advent is primarily eschatological. At least the first weeks are. That means that we are intent on waiting, longing, praying for the “long expected Jesus.” A commentator named James Edwards has something quite good to say on the subject. 

“Without eschatology, the purpose and destiny of history fall into the hands of humanity alone. No one, I think, takes solace in that prospect. Unless history can be redeemed, the fallen greatness of human life is the final and tragic word. The longing that things ought not to be as they are, and cannot be accepted in the state they are, is an eschatological longing. The Gospels proclaim that there is a sure hope for the future. This hope is grounded not in history, logic, or intuition, but in Jesus’ declaration that in the final day the Son of Man will return in glory and power to judge evil, end suffering, and gather his own to himself.”

Time to light a candle and wait with hope.

“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (First Sunday of Advent – BCP)

November 30, 2021

In Marilu’s excellent sermon, she noted that Christians are Advent people. She said that we are people who know that things are amiss in the world and ourselves. We know that fixing what is amiss is beyond our power. But we also know the One who can and will make all things right. And it is for Him that we wait.

So says the prophet Jeremiah from our Advent 1 reading. “The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness." (Jeremiah 33: 14-16)

Come, Lord Jesus.

“Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (First Sunday of Advent – BCP)

November 19, 2021

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)

Dear Almost Daily Friends – 

The Almost Daily will be on Thanksgiving Break next week. Please know how thankful I am for each of you. I don’t take for granted your willingness to spend a little time with me each day (almost!).  Thank you.

I pray that you all have a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving and I look forward to being back in your inbox on Monday, November 29th. 

“Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Collect for Thanksgiving Day – BCP p. 246)

November 18, 2021

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

Simone Weil once said, "Though a person may run as fast as he can away from Christ, if it is toward what he considers true, he runs in fact straight into the arms of Christ." And the arms of Christ are truly gracious. Indeed, there is a wideness in God’s mercy.

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 28 – BCP)

November 17, 2021

Anne Lamott says, “My mind is a bad neighborhood that I try not to go into alone.” So funny, so true.

Here’s another take. “If you can sit quietly after difficult news, If in financial downturns you remain perfectly calm, If you can see your neighbors travel to fantastic places without a twinge of jealousy; If you can happily eat whatever is put on your plate; If you can fall asleep after a day of running around without a drink or a pill; If you can always find contentment just where you are……..You are probably a dog.”

As far as I can tell, you can’t get out of your own neighborhood and we aren’t animagi (humans that can turn into animals in the Harry Potter world). But at least you don’t have to go into that neighborhood alone. God is standing guard. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed: Give us that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee, we, being defended from the fear of all enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.” (A Collect for Peace – BCP p. 69)

November 16, 2021

“As Jesus came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1-2)

Perhaps Shakespeare had this verse in mind when he noted the destructive power of time, which will “fill wormholes with stately monuments.”  To recognize the fragility of the world and the tenuousness of that which tethers us to it is oddly comforting. Is it not? Like Mikey with Life Cereal – try it, you’ll like it!

The modern definition of a wormhole is a tunnel connecting realities that are separated by space and time. The heartbreakingly beautiful November days here in Central Virginia are wormholes that lead to the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven. Which, BTW, is much realer than the stones of this earth.

To wit, here is the second verse of All My Hope on God is Founded. “Human pride and earthly glory, / sword and crown, betray all trust; / what our care and toil establish,
tower and temple, fall to dust, / but God's power, hour by hour, is my temple and my tower.”

“Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we, your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen” (The Collect at the Prayers – BCP p. 395)

November 15, 2021

Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

For all of us who find worth in accomplishment and performance, that is a word we long to hear. Jesus says it, but only in parabolic form. You see that verse on gravestones: an epithet used as an epitaph.

The truth is, well at least the gospel truth is that no matter who we have fared in life, those who put their trust in the merit of Jesus Christ will hear these words from God the Father. Actually, we have heard them already; what belongs to our Savior belongs already to us.

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Proper 28 – BCP)

November 12, 2021

I’ve been trying to make something happen that just hasn’t happened. Turning over every stone, making every connection I can make, asking every Tom, Dick, and Harry I happen upon, exerting my will and influence and (in my own mind) charm. I have been the importunate widow. (See Luke 18:1-8) Despite all of this effort (because of it?) all roads have heretofore dead-ended.

Can you relate? Here’s a bracing – and I think, comforting – verse. “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)

God’s desire always prevails. And, thankfully, He always desires what is best for us.

“Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For Guidance – BCP p. 832)

November 11, 2021

Here is Mary Bennet parsing the difference between pride and vanity in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. 

“Pride is a very common failing, I believe…that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or the other, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”

St. Paul takes both pride and vanity to task. “As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point.” (1 Corinthians 4:3)

That sounds awfully nice, doesn’t it?

“Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 29 – BCP)

November 10, 2021

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)

This is one of the great promises of the God who actually understands us. He is the God who really gets us. How often do you not know how to pray as you ought? Despite your efforts and intentions to pray, your brain addles and swirls and before you know it you are looking at your phone or tallying up the tasks of the day.

God’s Spirit helps us, intercedes for us – basically prays in our stead. Just as Jesus lived and died in our stead. The substitutionary work of God continues, thankfully, even today.

The Spirit will even pray this prayer for you today!

“Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will, and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Collect at the Prayers – BCP p. 394)

November 9, 2021

Some real wisdom from director Kenneth Branagh, who burst on the scene at 28 years old with Henry V. He’s 60 now and has been to the school of hard knocks.

A New York Time’s reported asked, “Have you solved anything now?”

KB’s answer: “No. But I may have discovered, for me at least, there is nothing to solve. That Beckett phrase of fail, fail again, fail better is maybe one to bear in mind. But who pretends that life is one slowly ascending curve of human development? Most of the time you have to smash into something: death, the broken relationship, the horrible career moment. Then you think, Well, what matters to me? What do I enjoy? Or even just, I’m still here.”

The psalmist says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)

Failure is to be welcomed!

“We thank you, Lord, for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on You alone. Amen.” (BCP p. 836)

November 8, 2021

You have your own set of pleasures and satisfactions in life. One of mine is splitting wood. The heft and explosive force of the axe with its clean sweep through the center of the log, the nose of the blade nestled snugly into the chopping block, the oak or ash or walnut or poplar bifurcated and sent airborne, the heartening ascent of the carefully stacked woodpile, the promise of a cheering fire, with novel and a dram of whisky perhaps, and the pleasant muscular ache of a job completed.

You know what this is like in your own avocational life. Here’s what the bible says. 

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15)

“O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For the Good Use of Leisure – BCP p. 825)

November 5, 2021

A woman named Camilla in Thornton Wilder’s The Bridge of San Luis Rey traded on her beauty. She climbed social classes, acquired a husband, standing and wealth. But then she contracted a case of small pox that left her exquisite face disfigured. Although those who loved her did not forsake her, she forsook them. She could not believe that she could truly be loved without her physical charm.

What do you rely on for your acceptability? I have traded on and continue to trade on any number of things that I imagine pass for social capital. Of course, they are all castles in the air. And in the end, they will all crumble. All that will be left is the only thing that has always been solid – the imputed righteousness of Christ.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 28 – BCP)

November 4, 2021

“And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?  It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” (Luke 13: 20-21)

Anyone take up bread baking during the pandemic? Or maybe you’ve been a bread baker from way back? Anyway, whether you bake bread or not, anyone can notice what you do not see in the rising dough: the yeast.

Jesus says that the woman hid the leaven in the flour. The Kingdom of God is hidden. You cannot see what is hidden. Ergo – you cannot see the Kingdom of God at work. Why is this such good news? Because even and especially when all seems to be lost or broken or hopeless, God is at work! Not only do you not make the Kingdom of God happen, you can’t even see it happening. As we read elsewhere in the bible, we walk by faith and not by sight. 

“Grant, O Lord, that the course of this world may be peaceably governed by your providence; and that we may joyfully serve you in confidence and serenity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 3 – BCP p. 229)

November 3, 2021

“Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife.” (Proverbs 17:1)

In a world filled with strife, moments of peace and quiet are highly prized. Some of our strife is inevitable and some of it is self-generated, which to some degree is inevitable, too. (See the acclaimed HBO series, Succession, for a host of examples!) 

It seems to me that as one ages, feasting depreciates in value, while the value of peace soars like the current housing market. Do you yearn for peace? St. Paul says that Jesus is our peace, having demolished the dividing wall between us and God. I pray that Jesus will establish His peace in your heart today.

“Visit us, O Lord, and drive far from us all snares of the enemy; let your holy angels dwell with us to preserve us in peace; and let your blessing be upon us always; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Compline – BCP p. 133)

November 2, 2021

I’m grateful for our democracy in this country and for the men and women who run for office and enter into “public service.” I can’t imagine the difficulty of exposing oneself to the slings and arrows of abuse and criticism that comes with that kind of public life.

Nevertheless, this election day is a good time to be reminded of the psalmist’s wisdom. “Do not put your trust in rulers, in human beings, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:2)

We do not put our trust in these men and women, but we can pray for them!

“Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For an Election – BCP p. 822)

November 1, 2021

It’s All Saints’ Day! Here is an insight from a Thornton Wilder character in The Bridge of San Luis Rey. It’s perfect of All Saints’ Day.

“She saw that the people of this world moved about in an armour of egotism, drunk with self-gazing, athirst for compliments, hearing little of what was said to them, unmoved by the accidents that befell their closest friends, in dread of all appeals that might interrupt their long communion with their own desires. They were the sons and daughters of Adam….”

Not what you were expecting for All Saints’ Day? Being a saint has nothing to do with behavior, and everything to do with the robes of righteousness draped around us by Jesus Christ and His death on the cross.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

“Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Christ the King – BCP)

October 29, 2021

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

A mom told me that her daughter and lost her first tooth. The mom, of course, talked about how the Tooth Fairy would come in the night and take her tooth from under her pillow and leave her some shiny coins. This terrified the daughter – and rightly so! When you think about it, the Tooth Fairy is super scary – sneaking in while you are asleep.

The eyes of the Lord are in every place. He sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake. But whether you are bad or good, He loves you and directs all things. God is safe, not scary.

“Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace. Amen.” (Compline – BCP p. 135)

October 28, 2021

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, had a great response to a press member questioning whether he would ever be interested in coaching college football. He said, “Never say never. But, never.”

Will God ever fail you? Never. Will God ever abandon you? Never. Will God ever stop delighting in you? Never. I love the hymn How Firm a Foundation. 

“The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose / I will not, I will not desert to His foes / That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake / I'll never, no never, no never forsake.”

St. Paul says, “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:28)

“Everliving God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness and the hope of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (For the Mission of the Church – BCP p. 816)

October 27, 2021

“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8)

One more The Wind in the Willows reference. Mr. Toad’s chief downfall is that he is supremely wise in his own eyes. And inevitably and invariably, his self-aggrandizement leads to calamity. His faithful friends are the ones who help turn him from evil and bring healing and refreshment.

Mr. Toad lives in each of us as we all are the inheritors of Adam’s folly. Wisdom in our own eyes and fear of the Lord have an inverse relationship, don’t they? Thankfully we have a Friend, too. And what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear.

“Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 18 – BCP)