March 30, 2023

R.S. Thomas was a Welsh Anglican Clergyman as well as a poet. He called his fellow countrymen and parishioners "an impotent people, sick with inbreeding / worrying the carcass of an old song." Hmmm… must have been a much beloved pastor….?

Insisting that the people around you get better is always a recipe for disappointment and resentment.  Best thing to do is take everything to God, who is the only Agent of change.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.” (Collect at the Prayers – BCP)

March 29, 2023

Here’s some good news for those of us with regrets, which is all of us. (Never trust anyone who says he or she has “no regrets”.) First from Shakespeare: “What’s past is prologue.”

And here is the Bible. Remember what Joseph said to his brothers, long after they sold him into slavery and left him for dead? “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

What has happened already is just the beginning of the story that God will bring to redemption. What’s past is prologue.

“O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Second Sunday after Christmas – BCP)

March 28, 2023

“The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” (Psalm 119:160)

Flannery O’Connor once said, “Writing a novel is a terrible experience, during which the hair often falls out and the teeth decay. I’m always irritated by people who imply that writing fiction is an escape from reality. It is a plunge into reality and it’s very shocking to the system.” Most sermon writers I know would agree with Flannery.

The thing the preacher never wants to hear in the receiving line after church? “Great sermon – but now back to the real world.” There is nothing more real than the need for forgiveness and nothing less solid than the parasitic mockeries of sin. To wit, love is in the indestructible DNA of the universe, while lust is a phantasm doomed to defeated extinction.

“Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday of Easter – BCP)

March 27, 2023

“If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, O Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130: 2)

Are you around someone who is always looking for what you are doing wrong? Hard to let your hair down. Or maybe you are lucky enough to be with someone with whom you can do no wrong. Freedom and creativity ensue.

Judgment kills, but love creates. Through Christ’s blood, the Lord does not note what is done amiss.

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday in Lent – BCP)

March 24, 2023

Although the perfections of grace are infinite, art historian and professor Matthew Milliner gives us 6 goodies.

“The Christian understanding of grace amplified the notion of the gift in ways that were hitherto only dimly imaginable. At least six such ways, in fact. Barclay spells out the Apostle Paul’s notion of grace, describing its “six perfections.” These include (1) superabundance, that is, an extravagance of scale; (2) singularity, that is, the giver gives not due to a recipient’s merit but from the giver’s own goodness alone; (3) priority, meaning the gift chronologically precedes any initiative of the recipient; (4) incongruity, which is to say, “without regard to the worth of the recipient”; then comes (5) efficacy, that is, grace achieves its aim of imparting benefit to the recipient; and finally, (6) non-circularity, that is, grace escapes any quid pro quo arrangement.”

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16)

“Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 23 – BCP)

March 23, 2023

“I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music.”  That’s from Johann Sebastian Bach. I mean, have you listened to the Brandenburg Concertos recently?

Why would God make music? Because He delights in beauty and he delights in us. “The Lord your God …will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

“O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty,and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”  (For Church Musicians and Artists – BCP)

March 22, 2023

“He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2)

Many of us have a love hate relationship with rest. On the one hand, we are desperate for true rest. On the other hand, when a time for rest comes, we are too anxious/unjustified/afraid to be alone with ourselves to actually rest. Rest = a little death, and we will fight death tooth and nail.

I suppose that is why the Good Shepherd “makes” me lie down in green pastures. Still, sometimes it’s hard not to plan the next move, even while the waters are still.

“O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall beour strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For Quiet Confidence – BCP)

March 21, 2023

 Yesterday was the Vernal Equinox. Here is what Mark Twain says. “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

I mean, I’m thinking about St. John’s in the Virgin Islands while it is 26 degrees in the early Central Virginia morning. I think spring fever is God’s implant. You yearn for something more, something thrilling, something that makes you feel deeply. If that kind of life didn’t exist, then we wouldn’t yearn for it.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

“Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday in Lent – BCP)

March 20, 2023

“Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21)

Brett Goldstein, the actor who plays Roy Kent on Ted Lasso grew up as an avid football (soccer) fan in England. Football is the bond between Brett and his father. “I think that’s why sport exists,” he said. “It’s a way of saying ‘I love you’ while never saying ‘I love you.’”

Sometimes intimacy sneaks in via Trojan Horse. God’s grace is everywhere.

“Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: We commend to thy continual care the homes inwhich thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech thee, every root of bitterness, the desire of vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection thosewho, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh. Turn the
hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents; and so enkindle fervent charity amongus all, that we may evermore be kindly affectioned one to another; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For Families – BCP)

March 17, 2023

This snippet from Wendell Berry’s novel, Jayber Crow.

“One Saturday evening, while Troy was waiting his turn in the chair, the subject was started and Troy said — it was about the third thing said — “They ought to round up every one of them sons of bitches and put them right in front of the damned communists, and then whoever killed who, it would be all to the good.” […]

It was hard to do, but I quit cutting hair and looked at Troy. I said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.” Troy jerked his head up and widened his eyes at me. “Where did you get that crap?” I said, “Jesus Christ.”

And Troy said, “Oh.” It would have been a great moment in the history of Christianity, except that I did not love Troy.”

Here’s the thing: it IS a great moment in the history of Christianity because Christianity isn’t about what you do but what has been done on your behalf. Jesus Christ forgives everybody on every side of every quarrel.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday of Lent – BCP)

March 16, 2023

"The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives."  That’s from none other than Albert Einstein.

I don’t want to one up the genius, but I think that not only are we permitted, but encouraged to be children all our lives in all things. “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)

What does this mean to you? If you have a second, let me know!

Watch over thy children, O Lord, as our days increase; bless and guide us wherever we may be. Strengthen us when westand; comfort us when discouraged or sorrowful; raise us up when we fall; and in our hearts may thy peace whichpasseth understanding abide all the days of our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (For a Birthday – BCP)

March 15, 2023

Ides of March or March Madness for today’s ADD? Picking sport over Shakespeare. That’s because 1 out of every 4 Americans puts a wager on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tourney. I doubt 1 out of every 4 Americans would recognize “Beware the Ides of March” (March 15th) as a quote from the Bard’s tragedy, Julius Caesar.

I finished my bracket and then got so uptight I had to delete it. How can I not root for (by that I mean pray for) the Hoos to go all the way like they did in 2019? But is that really a smart pick? And, you might ask, what possible relevance is this self-indulgent “devotion” to you?  None, really. Except for this: when life wraps you around the axle, you need other people to pray for you. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

“Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Prayers of the People – BCP)

March 14, 2023

It’s March Madness! Here’s a funny thing. Famed bracketologist Joe Lunardi – the recognized expert in seeding the college basketball teams, confessed that last year he lost his family pool to a Cocker Spaniel!

Conclusion? You just don’t know as much as you think you know. And, life is dramatically unpredictable.

Here’s what the Apostle Paul says – “Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.” (1 Corinthians 8:2)

“Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Third Sunday in Lent – BCP)

March 13, 2023

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The title of Frederick Buechner’s classic book says it all: “Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale.”  The message of the gospel is first a tragedy. (What?! I’m not such a great guy after all? The wages of sin is death?!?!) Then it is comedy. (Huh? I’m getting off scot-free despite myself?! That’s ridiculous! The gift of God is eternal life?!)

And then finally it is Fairy Tale. How do fairy tales end? Happily ever after.  As Julian of Norwich famously said, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

Amen!

“O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality tolight: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory;through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise for ever and ever. Amen.” (Tuesday in Easter Week – BCP)

March 10, 2023

“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)

Today’s myth to debunk: old and delicate manuscripts – rare first editions – should be handled only with white gloves. WRONG! According to a UVA curator, these gems should be held by clean, bare hands. Gloves attract unnecessary dirt. ‘That’s how these books were read, and how they were made.”

What about you? How were you made? How should you be handled? Maybe you relate to The Traveling Wilburys’ song: “I've been fobbed off, and I've been fooled / I've been robbed and ridiculed / In daycare centers and night schools / Handle me with care.”

God made you to live your life; you’re not a china doll. Yet, still, He handles you with care.

“O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.” (A Collect for Peace – BCP)

March 9, 2023

What is unresolved in your life? How does that feel? Unresolved issues are more difficult for some personality types than others, but no one loves tangled knots. Mystery writer P.D. James once said that during times of stress and crisis, more people read murder mysteries. The reason is fairly obvious - there is always a resolution at the end.

The cross of Christ both is and isn’t a resolution. In this life, it will not solve life’s fractured and disassociated parts. On the other hand, all those fractured and disassociated parts meld together in his hands, feet, and side.

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”  (Colossians 2:13-15)

“We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and, for the glory of thy Name, turn from us all those evils that we most justly have deserved; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honor and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (The Great Litany – BCP)

March 8, 2023

“A stone’s throw from Jerusalem, I walked a mile in the moonlight / And though a million stars were shining / My heart was lost on a distant planet….. I’m lost without you, I’m lost without you.”

Although Sting is singing about a woman, the song applies to God. Were it not for God’s immediate, detailed care, then the vicissitudes of life, the refracted sharp shards of this fallen world, the bruising bouts of relational strife would just be too much. I’m lost without You, I’m lost without You.

Be assured, He does care. He does help. He does bind up our wounds with His tender love.

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those whosleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield thejoyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.” (Evening Prayer – BCP)

March 7, 2023

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)

Time for John Donne to give commentary to this verse with his brilliant, timeless poem.

Batter my heart, three-person'd God, for you 

As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend; 

That I may rise and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend 

Your force to break, blow, burn, and make me new. 

I, like an usurp'd town to another due, 

Labor to admit you, but oh, to no end; 

Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend, 

But is captiv'd, and proves weak or untrue. 

Yet dearly I love you, and would be lov'd fain, 

But am betroth'd unto your enemy; 

Divorce me, untie or break that knot again, 

Take me to you, imprison me, for I, 

Except you enthrall me, never shall be free, 

Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me. 

“Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Third Sunday in Lent – BCP)

March 6, 2023

“Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.” (Romans 4: 4-5)

Hard to get any clearer than this lectionary passage from the second Sunday in Lent. Our “work” is simply to trust. And trust isn’t even work; trust is a gift. By trusting another you are dispossessed of any agency. You are trusting someone else to do something for you, something that you cannot do yourself.

In this case, you are trusting Jesus Christ for his death and his resurrection in your very stead. He IS your righteousness. All that is His is yours.

“O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”(Second Sunday in Lent – BCP)

March 3, 2023

“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” (John 4:7-9)

Richmond born author Tom Wolfe lays out the 4 key elements in gripping prose. 1) constructing scenes; 2) dialogue — lots of it; 3) carefully noting social status details — "everything from dress and furniture to the infinite status clues of speech, how one talks to superiors or inferiors ... and with what sort of accent and vocabulary"; and 4) point of view.”

The bible follows Wolfe’s dictates, especially in the Gospel of John. The woman at the well meets Jesus at noon (why noon in the heat of the day?).  They have a playful yet cut to the heart verbal exchange (“Sir – I have no husband.” “You are right…you have had five husbands and the man you now have is not your husband.” The social status is front and center. “How can you ask me for a drink?”

The point of view? The point of view of the Bible when taken from stem to stern is God’s gracious rescue of our wayward human race. Mercy is the narrative arc.

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday of Lent – BCP).