The Holy Innocents

The Collect
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive, we pray, into the arms of your mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
124

The Readings 
Jeremiah 31:15-17     +     Revelation 21:1-7     +     Matthew 2:13-18

Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted, because they are no more.
~Jeremiah 31:15

Setting aside a day to remember, to contemplate, the slaughter of the innocent children of Bethlehem? On the fourth day of Christmas, no less? Yes, for this too is part of the story: that God descends fully into the dark brutality of this world in all its grasping, power-clutching madness. And we are right that we refuse to be comforted, or to choose the false comfort of willful ignorance to the world's cruelty. And yet it is that same world that Christ comes to redeem--and we look for the Day.

"See, the home of God is among mortals.
He will dwell with them as their God;
they will be his peoples,
and God himself will be with them;
he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,

for the first things have passed away."

~Revelation 21:3-4

Closing Prayer
Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~Collect no. 21, For Social Justice (BCP p. 260)

Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

The Collect
Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm

92

The Readings

Exodus 33:18-23     +     I John 1:1-9     +     John 21:19b-24

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us . . . 

~I John 1:1-2

John's Gospel is the last of the four canonical gospels, both in its place of order in the Bible and in its date of composition. The Gospel is symbolized by an eagle, reflecting the traditional view that the Fourth Gospel is the most mystical, peering into heaven, as it were. The opening verses of the Gospel, "the Prologue," contain lofty language about the eternal and divine nature of the Word (logos in Greek) of God, which "was made flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). Its language is echoed in the first epistle of John, as well as in the hymn, Of the Father's love begotten. Written in Latin in the fourth century by the poet Aurelius Prudentius, the following translation can be found in our hymnal (Hymn 82), and speaks of the revealing of the face of the God who in former times none could see and live (Exodus 33:20).

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for pouring upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through that same Word, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

~adapted from the Collect for the First Sunday after Christmas Day 

Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr

The Collect

We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Psalms

28, 30

The Readings (from the Daily Office of Morning Prayer)

II Chronicles 24:17-22     +     Acts 6:1-7

And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit . . . 

~Acts 6:5

Christmas Day is followed by three Holy Days in succession: St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents. Each day will be posted here with a song to serve as an invitation to reflection on the day's prayers and readings.

Today's song, "Good King Wenceslas" is an appropriate carol for this feast of Stephen, who, in addition to being the first martyr, was also one of the first deacons. As clergy, deacons have a particular ministry to the poor, and a calling to consistently and boldly hold the needs of the world before the eyes of the church.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, who for us in this holy season became poor: may we always work to lighten the sufferings of those in need, and hold nothing so dear, even our lives, as the love we hold for you.

Amen.

  

Saint Thomas the Apostle

The Collect
Everliving God, who strengthened your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in your Son's resurrection: Grant us so perfectly and without doubt to believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that our faith may never be found wanting in your sight; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Psalm
126

The Readings
Habakkuk 2:1-4    +     Hebrews 10:35-11:1    +    John 20:24-29

For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet 

     "in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; 

     but my righteous one will live by faith."

~ Hebrews 10:37-38a

Poor St. Thomas. He is so frequently, and quite unfairly, remembered for his doubt. And on top of that, his feast day is a mere four days before Christmas--come on, who can be expected to remember and make space for one more thing at this time of year?

And yet, as is often the case, there is a logic to the church's calendar. There is a distinctive Advent quality to the readings for St. Thomas. And on this winter solstice, when we hunker down for the longest night of the year, we prepare to turn toward the dawning light of Christ. As the blog 'Laudable Practice' reflects:

In the very darkest day of the year, the traditional calendar celebrates the Apostle who in the darkness of the upper room beheld the glorious Light which had filled and transfigured the darkness of the Tomb. In the words of Keble:

Thus, ever brighter and more bright,
On those He came to save
The Lord of new-created light
Dawned gradual from the grave - 'St Thomas' Day', The Christian Year.

By celebrating St Thomas in the dark days of December, the Church witnesses to the created order caught up in the Lord's Resurrection, and thus being sign of Life and Light. For from old St Thomas's Day, the days come "every brighter and more bright".

Then there is the proximity of Christmas Day. We will hear in the Christmas Gospel, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not". St Thomas's Day prepares us to gaze upon Light Incarnate, with the Apostle to confess "My Lord and my God" of the Infant in the Manger, no less than the Risen One.

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we ready ourselves for this holy Christmastide, give us the gift of faith, that we may be among the blessed ones who have not seen and yet believe; for your love's sake. Amen.

Saint Andrew the Apostle

The Collect
Almighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Andrew that he readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ, and brought his brother with him: Give us, who are called by your Holy Word, grace to follow him without delay, and to bring those near to us into his gracious presence; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
19

The Readings
Deuteronomy 30:11-14    +    Romans 10:8-18    +    Matthew 4:18-22

From a sermon by Mark Frank, for St. Andrew's Day:

O blessed Saint of this day, that we could but leave these nets as thou didst thine; that nothing might any longer entangle us or keep us from our Master's service. Follow we St. Andrew as he did Christ: cheerfully and without delay, and while it is today, begin our course. Cast off but the networks, the catching desires of the flesh and the world, and so you also may be said to have left your nets . . . let Christ be your business, his life your pattern, his commands your law. You may well throw away your nets, having caught him in whom you have caught glory and immortality and eternal life . . .

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, give us ears to hear your voice, from wherever and to wherever you call us, and a will to rise and follow you in faith and love. Amen.

Commemoration of All Faithful Departed

The Collect
O God, the Maker and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
130

The Readings
Wisdom 3:1-9     +     I Corinthians 15:50-58     +     John 5:24-27

When this perishable body puts on immortality, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
     "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
~I Corinthians 15:54

From Lesser Feasts and Fasts:

Beginning in the tenth century, it became customary to set aside another day--as a sort of extension of All Saints--on which the Church remembered that vast body of the faithful who, though no less members of the company of the redeemed, are unknown in the wider fellowship of the Church. It was also a day for particular remembrance of family members and friends.

Though the observance of the day was abolished at the Reformation because of abuses connected with Masses offered for the dead, a renewed understanding of its meaning has led to widespread acceptance of this commemoration among Anglicans, and to its inclusion as an optional observance in the calendar of the Episcopal Church. 

Closing Prayer
Remember thy servants, O Lord, according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people; and grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, they may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ BCP, p. 488

All Saints' Day

The Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Psalm
24

The Readings
Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 or Isaiah 25:6-9    +   Revelation 21:1-6a    +   John 11:32-44

Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, "Take away the stone."

The readings for this All Saints' Day feature death as a common theme. The Gospel reading about the raising of Lazarus from the dead, in particular, paints a scene of rising suspense tinged with ghastly details. It's a narrative that fits quite well with the macabre atmosphere of last night (All Hallows' Eve), but we might wonder about it as the Gospel for today's principal and celebratory feast.

When Jesus had said this, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him and let him go."

The unifying key in all of these readings, and the reason behind their selection, is that their proclamation is clear: death does not win. In Christ all are made alive, for Christ has defeated the power of death to finally divide us. The pain and universality of death is acknowledged--it is the shroud that is cast over all peoples--and its stench fills our nostrils. But the shroud will be removed, and the Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.

And the one who was seated on the throne said, "See, I am making all things new."  

Closing Prayer
O God, thank you for uniting us to your Son, that as we are drawn into union with your Christ we grow in union with all the saints. Help us, this day and every day, to know that nothing, not even death, shall separate us from your love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles

transferred from 28 October

The Collect of the Day
O God, we thank you for the glorious company of the apostles, and especially on this day for Simon and Jude; and we pray that, as they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so we may with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
119:89-96

The Readings
Deuteronomy 32:1-4     +     Ephesians 2:13-22     +     John 15:17-27

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. ~Ephesians 2:17-22

Closing Prayer
Defend us, we beseech thee, O Lord, from all perils of mind and body: and at the intercession of the ever blessed and glorious Virgin Mary, mother of God, of thy blessed apostles Simon and Jude, and all saints, graciously bestow upon us both peace and safety: that all adversity and error being done away, thy Church may serve thee in untroubled freedom, through the same, Christ our Lord. Amen.
~from Saint Augustine's Prayer Book

Saint James of Jerusalem, Brother of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Martyr

The Collect of the Day
Grant, O God, that, following the example of your servant James the Just, brother of our Lord, your Church may give itself continually to prayer and to the reconciliation of all who are at variance and enmity; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
1

The Readings

Acts 15:12-22a     +     I Corinthians 15:1-11     +      Matthew 13:54-58

"All the apostles and elders kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul as they told of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles. After they finished speaking, James replied, “My brothers, listen to me..."

~Acts 15:12-13

We live in a time in which keeping silence and really listening seem to be in short supply. Everywhere there is noise, arguing, interrupting. We do not listen to what another is saying, or give her the benefit of the doubt, but instead internally formulate our rebuttal while our "opponent" is speaking. The breakdown of substantive political discourse in favor of shouting down and speaking over others is a symptom of a troubling lack in our society and in our souls that is not limited to election time.

Today, be intentional in going against the grain of this trend. No one of us can change society overnight. But we can pray for grace to grow within us; we can cultivate silence in our souls that will allow us to better hear God and one another; we can honor the dignity of our brothers and sisters by really listening to them, and honor ourselves by expecting the same respect from others. It is in such listening and speaking that the wonders of God may be made manifest, the reconciliation to which God calls us.

Closing Prayer

O God, thank you for giving us examples, like James, of leaders whose strength is in their wise and compassionate understanding. Help us to make space in our lives for your holy wisdom, that we may make space for others; this we pray in the Name of the one who is our peace, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. 

    

Saint Luke the Evangelist

The Collect of the Day
Almighty God, who inspired your servant Luke the physician to set forth in the Gospel the love and healing power of your Son: Graciously continue in your Church this love and power to heal, to the praise and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Psalm

147:1-7

The Readings
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 38:1-4, 6-10, 12-14     +    II Timothy 4:5-13    +    Luke 4:14-21

He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
      because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.
   He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
      and recovery of sight to the blind,
   to let the oppressed go free,

      to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

~Luke 4:17-19

Though true of all four Gospels, it is in Luke's account that we see most clearly the favor Jesus shows to those on the margins of society--the poor, the outcasts, the oppressed, the weak. When Jesus stands in the synagogue to read from the prophet Isaiah, he publicly inaugurates his ministry with these words that tie the work of the Messiah to freeing those who are bound and downtrodden. 

Earlier this week, the Catholic Church officially canonized Oscar Romero. An archbishop in El Salvador, Romero was an outspoken critic of the violence, social injustices, and human rights abuses in that country's civil war; he was murdered in 1980 by a gunman while celebrating Mass. Romero wrote,    

"When we struggle for human rights, for freedom, for dignity, when we feel that it is a ministry of the church to concern itself for those who are hungry, for those who have no schools, for those who are deprived, we are not departing from God’s promise. He comes to free us from sin, and the church knows that sin’s consequences are all such injustices and abuses."

We often hear about the desire to "keep politics out of religion"--if that means faith leaders refraining from endorsing political candidates and becoming party mouthpieces, well and good. But the gospel, though not partisan, is inescapably political. It has always declared good news to the poor and been a source of nervousness for the powerful who fear being cast down from their thrones (Luke 1:22). The gospel is not for the faint of heart or lovers of the status quo; it is for those who look forward with hope for a better, more just world, and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.   

Closing Prayer
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ For the Future of the Human Race, BCP p. 828

Saint Michael and All Angels

The Collect of the Day
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
103

The Readings

Genesis 28:10-17     +     Revelation 12:7-12     +     John 1:47-51

War broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.

~ Revelation 12:7

Angels, at least sentimentally, are not generally very controversial. The idea of guardian angels holds a place in popular imagination, even among many who would not describe themselves as religious, and probably including some whose idea of God is much more agnostic. Statues of angels beautify gardens and cemeteries, and their protecting images hang over children's beds. But for all that, I often find it easier to believe in the demonic than the angelic (though biblically they are two sides of the same coin--demons are fallen angels as recounted in our passage from Revelation). So much of the world we inhabit seems, and has always seemed, to be at the mercy of dark forces, an unending litany of suffering and horror. That is not to deny human agency and complicity in sin, individually, societally, generationally. Clearly, we cannot simply pass off responsibility for the evil we see and experience and take part in  ('the devil made me do it!'). And yet even our best efforts can end in disasters, and our well-intentioned plans sometimes turn a bad situation worse. To see the problems we continue to struggle against as individuals and as societies (violence, sexism, racism, greed, indifference, and on and on), after all this time, can be immensely disheartening. And, for me, it underscores the need for those renunciations that are part of our baptismal rite--renouncing "the spiritual forces of wickedness … the evil powers of this world . . . (and) the sinful desires" that would destroy us (BCP p. 302). And that all too present reality of the darkness of this world also makes me grateful for the reminder today that the dragon and his angels are not the only army on the field; to be reminded "Are not the angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14); to be reminded that, as the comforting angels ministered to Jesus in his trials (Mark 1:13), so they minister to us; to be reminded, finally, that though the battle rages, still "the LORD has set his throne in heaven, and his kingship has dominion over all" (Psalm 103:19).

Closing Prayer
Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and while our path lies through the changes and chances of this mortal life, grant us the fellowship of thy saints, the protection of thy holy angels, and the hope that our journey leads to thine eternal and blessed kingdom. Amen.
~from Saint Augustine's Prayer Book, p. 415

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

The Collect of the Day
We thank you, heavenly Father, for the witness of your apostle and evangelist Matthew to the Gospel of your Son our Savior; and we pray that, after his example, we may with ready wills and hearts obey the calling of our Lord to follow him; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
~BCP pg. 244

The Psalm

119:33-40

The Readings
Proverbs 3:1-6     +     II Timothy 3:14-17     +     Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him.
~Matthew 9:9

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby reflects on the calling of St. Matthew, as depicted in Caravaggio's painting:

There is a barrier of darkness between the five men and Jesus. All the light has come in with Jesus – the figure on the far right of the picture. Jesus is the source of light; it doesn’t come from the window, in which we see the cross.

Evangelism is the good news of the coming of Jesus Christ into this dark world. Without this light, we are in the dark. The light comes to us unwarranted, unsought, without our initiation. This is the free work of God to bring light into the darkness. It’s not technique, manipulation, organisation or systems. It is God.

The men in the picture were not looking for Jesus; he came to them and transformed their world. In fact, he caused great disruption. Apart from him there is only darkness. Jesus is the light of every person; he comes to all and for all. He comes not just to those who might seek him.

Caravaggio brings drama into this painting through the outstretched hand of Jesus. His hand singles Matthew out. It’s a definite choosing – a particular invitation. In the same way, Jesus comes and reaches out to each of us.

Matthew clearly can’t quite believe that this invitation and command are addressed to him. Surely there has been some mistake?

You can see him thinking, ‘Me? What, me? You’re kidding. Wrong guy. There’s another Matthew down the road.’ What could he have done to have warranted this action of God?

Does that ring bells with you? That beautiful, wonderful moment when you realise that Jesus looks on you, and doesn’t hate, doesn’t despise, is not indifferent, but utterly compelled and compelling in love. He says, ‘Follow me.’

As a Christian, it is my deepest conviction that in Jesus Christ, God comes to call every one he has made. Everyone has been summoned in Jesus Christ. For in Jesus Christ, God has poured out his love and his grace, his forgiveness and his mercy, his faithfulness. God would not be doing this without you or me.

Evangelism is, then, a joyful proclamation of what has happened. It’s the news of Jesus Christ. His life as the light breaking into this dark world for us. His death as the fount of our redemption. His resurrection as the hope of all. This news must be told, or how will people know?

The full address may be read here.

What has been your experience of Jesus calling in your own life?
What are some ways in which you have sought to share the light of Jesus with others?
What are some new ways in which Jesus may be calling you to share the good news today?

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for reaching out to us in love; help us to accept that love you offer, and to rise to the challenge of your call. Give us opportunities to extend to others, boldly and gracefully, the invitation you have extended to us. Amen.

Holy Cross Day

The Collect
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Psalm
98

The Readings
Isaiah 45:21-25     +     Galatians 6:14-18     +     John 12:31-36a

. . . I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
~Galatians 6:17

"You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever." (BCP p. 308) These words are spoken following the baptism in water, as the bishop or priest marks the newborn Christian, tracing the sign of the cross in oil of Chrism on the forehead. The cross is the sign of God's victory, and of our salvation.

Holy Cross Day is a festival day--in a way, it is a complementary day, half a year on, to the appropriate solemnity of Good Friday. On this day, we are not enjoined to look upon the cross and sorrow at the suffering of Jesus, but to give full and joyful praise to the victory, to "glory in the mystery of our redemption," and to embrace the great paradox to which the church, following the Gospel of John, attests: that "the cross is the glory and the exaltation of Christ."*

Such a celebratory day may seem tempered by the day's collect, in which we pray for "grace to take up our cross and follow him." And certainly, that is a central act of discipleship for which we do need grace. It is also a charge that is frequently abused--"my cross to bear" is often a phrase trotted out when we feel like giving some glory to ourselves, or wallowing in self-pity, or casting ourselves as just really so much more selfless, so much better, than all those others. In other words, a phrase we can use to justify having the opposite attitude to which the charge calls us.

So, although we do each have unique lives in which we "take up our cross," today reminds us also that it is the cross of Christ, not our own, with which we have been marked. Our own "cross" is found in the grateful and grace-enabled living out of a life that has found salvation in the cross of Jesus. Like Paul, may we never boast in anything else.  

Closing Prayer
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
~A Collect for Fridays, BCP p. 99

The San Damiano Cross in Assisi, Italy

* From a homily by St. Andrew of Crete, for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

The Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who gave to your apostle Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach your Word: Grant that your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
91

The Readings
Deuteronomy 18:15-18     +     I Corinthians 4:9-15     +     Luke 22:24-30

. . . we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. We are fools for the sake of Christ . . .
~ I Corinthians 4:9-10

One of the more intriguing and unusual concepts in Christian spirituality is that of "the holy fool." Though associated most often with Russian Orthodoxy, holy fools can be found in many times and places (St. Francis of Assisi is a well-known example from Western Christianity). Eschewing social conventions, often in shocking and eccentric ways--dressed in rags, or naked in the snow, throwing away opportunities for wealth or stability, speaking blunt and unsettling truths that others fear to even think about--the holy fool appears unhinged, but his or her life is fired by a divine inspiration. Like the prophets of old, their appearance and behavior compels us to look, and to consider--to consider the shocking claims of this thing we call the gospel.

Basil, Fool for Christ

The great onion-domed cathedral in Moscow is named 

for this 16th century holy fool, who is also buried there.

A scriptural inspiration for the holy fool may be found in today's passage from First Corinthians. But the idea is not simply a case of lifting a phrase from sacred writings to justify some bizarre behavior (though that can and does happen). In the writing leading up to this passage of the letter, St. Paul has been at pains to stress that the gospel is, indeed, foolishness. And we who cling to it are, by the world's standards, fools. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . . God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise . . . For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified (I Cor. 1:18, 27; 2:2).

Like the holy fools after him, Paul seeks to remind us that the gospel represents the great reversal: the least become the greatest, the mighty are cast down and the humble exalted, the first are last, God takes the form of a slave and is shamefully executed--God's power is made perfect in weakness.

It's tempting to look at Jesus and so much of the scriptures as representing a sort of exalted, respectable wisdom. And, indeed, in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). But God's wisdom is not the world's; the way of Christ is not a philosophical path to advancement, or a pragmatic road of conventional morality, or a set of keys to success. Perhaps it is inevitable that most of us fail to fully embrace the implications of the gospel, but the holy fools will at least not let us forget: the way of Christ is a scandal, and we who follow Jesus are his own fools.

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, who gave all for love of us: may nothing in this world keep us from loving you. Amen.

Saint Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Collect of the Day

O God, you have taken to yourself the blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

~BCP pg. 243

The Psalm 

34:1-9

The Readings

Isaiah 61:10-11     +     Galatians 4:4-7     +     Luke 1:46-55  

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God . . . as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
~ Isaiah 61:10

Today is observed in the Roman Catholic Church as the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Among the Orthodox it is called the Dormition ("Falling Asleep") of the Theotokos. In both cases, the feast reflects the ancient belief that at her death, Mary was taken up, body and soul, to glory--to the presence of God. Though the Anglican tradition has never officially affirmed such a belief, it also does not deny it. Today's collect, in language at once reserved and solemn, demonstrates the Anglican characteristic of seeking to say neither too much nor too little about the deep mysteries of faith.

But I will nevertheless venture here to say something. Regardless of one's views (or agnosticism) about the end of Mary's earthly life, the traditional doctrine points to and is undergirded by a central article of faith: "the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come." As always, Mary does not point to herself, but to her Son--and by extension, to all who are in Christ. "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his" (Rom. 6:5). Christians do not profess hope in some future of eternal disembodiment, nor in a vast, cosmic sea in which all individuality is obliviated. Rather, we profess by faith that we shall be raised, in the totality of our being. Whatever that mystery may look like ("raised a spiritual body," as St. Paul puts it in I Cor. 15), our Christian hope is that we shall be more, not less, than we were--more fully ourselves than ever before. And perhaps it is not too much to imagine that the body of the one who carried and bore the eternal Word of God into the world is already there where we shall by grace also be--the fullness of her being exulting in the glory of God her Savior.      

Closing Prayer

Anthem to the Theotokos
(from Saint Augustine's Prayer Book, p. 392; Greek Orthodox Hymn)

Into his joy, the Lord has received you,
Virgin God-bearer, Mother of Christ.
You have beheld the King in his beauty,
Mary, daughter of Israel.
You have made answer for the creation
to the redeeming will of God.
Light, fire, and life, divine and immortal,
Joined to our human nature you have brought forth,
     that to the glory of God the Father,
     heaven and earth might be restored. Amen.

Sunset at St. Mary's Sewanee

The Transfiguration

The Collect

O God, who on the holy mount revealed to chosen witnesses your well-beloved Son, wonderfully transfigured, in raiment white and glistening: Mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietude of this world, may by faith behold the King in his beauty; who with you, O Father, and you, O Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

The Psalm
99

The Readings
Exodus 34:29-35     +     II Peter 1:13-21     +     Luke 9:28-36

You will do well to be attentive to this, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
~ II Peter 1:19b

The Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain is one of those mysterious episodes in the Gospels that opens itself to all sorts of interpretations and insights. Some of the most profound reflections of saints and mystics have been drawn from this well. One such insight is that in this moment a veil is lifted and we catch a glimpse of Jesus as he truly is, in glory.


On one hand, it is a vision that terrifies the three disciples who are on the mountain with him. Traditional icons of the Transfiguration show Peter, James, and John bowled over and falling backwards, veiling their own faces.

But a further mystery is that, as we believe Jesus to be fully human--the true fulfilment of humanity--so we believe that his transfiguration is a vision of the hope of our own. That somehow, by God's grace, this fragile and broken humanity of ours is called upward in Christ "from glory to glory" (II Cor. 3:18), until finally "we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is" (I John 3:2). 

A friend of mine, Jack Korbel, wrote a song that beautifully spirals around on this theme. As Pope St. Leo exhorts us in a homily on the Incarnation: "O Christian, remember your nobility, you who share in the nature of God."

"Earth and Stars Hymn" by the Jack Korbel Confluence

Closing Prayer
Holy God, help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, confident of the glory that shall be revealed. And may our lives ever more fully reflect the brightness of the same. Amen.

Saint James the Apostle

The Collect
O Gracious God, we remember before you today your servant and apostle James, first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the Name of Jesus Christ; and we pray that you will pour out upon the leaders of your Church that spirit of self-denying service by which alone they may have true authority among your people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
7:1-10

The Readings
Jeremiah 45:1-5     +     Acts 11:27-12:3     +     Matthew 20:20-28

The mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, "We are able."

~ Matthew 20:20-23

I wonder how many times I have prayed for something, either for myself or for someone else, to which God has said, "You do not know what you are asking." 

In today's Gospel, the mother of James and John wants to assure her sons a place of authority and honor in Jesus' coming kingdom. And Jesus' response is that she, and they, don't understand what authority in that kingdom means. I don't know what the brothers thought Jesus was asking when he asked them if they could drink of his cup--perhaps they didn't know either, and simply wanted to appear confident and worthy of the honor. But Jesus then remarks in a way that may be read in hindsight as a hint at James' future martyrdom. In any event, Jesus gathers the Twelve to clarify this crucial point: the Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. In the Kingdom of God, to be great is to be a servant. In other words, it is to be like Jesus, who offered himself, poured himself out even to death, for the sake of others. 

Perhaps we in the church have heard this language often enough that it loses its edge for some of us. But it is radical language; it is a direct reversal of what we expect in the world--a cut-throat world of constant competition, of winners and losers. And because of that, it poses a challenge, even in the church, and one which we need to hold up continually before us. As the collect puts it, any exercise of authority in the church must look like the authority of Jesus: an authority that exists for the good of others, even when it hurts.    

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us to love others as you love them, and to serve others as you came to serve. Give us grace to stay close to you, even when it is difficult, even when it means a kind of dying--to our false selves, and to the false values of this world. Help us know you, the true Life. Amen.

The Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), a popular pilgrims' route that ends at the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela  in northwest Spain, where tradition says the remains of the martyred James were laid to rest.  

Saint Mary Magdalene

(Transferred from July 22)

The Collect

Almighty God, whose blessed Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of body and of mind, and called her to be a witness of his resurrection: Mercifully grant that by your grace we may be healed from all our infirmities and know you in the power of his unending life; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm

42:1-7

The Readings

Judith 9:1,11-14     +     II Corinthians 5:14-18     +     John 20:11-18

Mary Magdalen went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord"; and she told them that he had said these things to her.
~John 20:18

Mary Magdalene has experienced something of a popular revival in recent years. In part, this has been very good, in that it has exposed as speculative and unfounded the image of Mary as repentant prostitute (a centuries old, often prurient, image based on conflating several different scriptural passages). But the popular image that has replaced it often simply veers into more extreme speculation, based more in imaginative best-selling novels than in the record of the Gospels.

What we learn of Mary from the Gospels is that she was healed by Jesus, who delivered her from "seven demons," and that she became both his follower and patron, along with others "who supported him out of their private means" (Luke 8:1-3). All four Gospels attest that she was among the women who, unlike the twelve, did not abandon Jesus even as he hung upon the cross, and that she went to the tomb early that Sunday morning to prepare the Lord's body.

In the passage from John's Gospel appointed for her feast, we see Mary's great love for Jesus, as she weeps at his tomb, crying out to the angels and then to the man she supposes to be the gardener, begging to know where his body has been taken. When Jesus speaks her name, we share in her joy as she recognizes her beloved Teacher and Risen Lord. And it is from this passage that Mary's title of "Apostle to the Apostles" is derived: she is the first to whom the risen Jesus appears, and to her is entrusted the glorious Easter tidings. Mary Magdalene, who loved Jesus so well, with sacrifice and courageous loyalty, is the first in all the world to declare the greatest news of all: He is risen!

Closing Prayer
Almighty God, inspire in us great love for Jesus, that, like Mary, we may be devoted to him above all things, and compelled by the love of Christ to be joyful witnesses to the power of the Resurrection. Amen.

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

The Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
87

The Readings
Ezekiel 34:11-16     +     II Timothy 4:1-8     +     John 21:15-19

Of Zion it shall be said, "Everyone was born in her,
     and the Most High himself shall sustain her."
The LORD will record as he enrolls the peoples,
     "These also were born there."
The singers and the dancers will say,
     "All my fresh springs are in you."

~Psalm 87:4-6

The collect, psalm, and readings for this day emphasize both the universality of the gospel--the gathering in of God's people from all nations--and the cost of that proclamation for these two great apostles, who gave their lives in martyrdom for the sake of the gospel.

In several places in the New Testament, we see Paul and Peter in disagreement. Sometimes it's explicit and sometimes only hinted at. Mostly, it has to do with the very question of the universality of the gospel, and how the gentiles, "the nations," are to be incorporated into the People of God. The apostles and the communities they led had to grapple with the practical implications of proclaiming Jesus as both the long-awaited Messiah of the Jews and the Lord of lords and King of kings, who is to judge the living and the dead. The culturally diverse world of the first-century Roman Empire meant that such a confession led to all sorts of questions about the Jewish law and morality, the old religions, and the identity and life of the People of God. We see these discussion played out especially in Paul's letters. But for all the debates and disagreements, some of which are still with us today, the place where both Paul and Peter were one was in their love for Jesus. For love of Jesus, Paul was willing to be poured out as a libation. For love of Jesus, Peter willingly followed him, knowing that it would lead to being stretched out in the agony of a death like his Lord's.

As the Episcopal Church approaches the General Convention next week, and the inevitable and passionate debates about how to best and most faithfully carry out the work of the gospel, may we look to Peter and Paul as examples. For to do so will mean that above all else we look in love and longing to Jesus. Come what may, he is the one foundation, upon which we may ever stand firm.

Closing Prayer

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.

~A prayer For the Mission of the Church, BCP p. 816

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

(transferred from June 24)

The Collect
Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
85

The Readings
Isaiah 40:1-11     +     Acts 13:14b-26     +     Luke 1:57-80

... and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God.

~ Luke 1:59-64

From a sermon for this feast, by St. Augustine:

"John marks the frontier between the Old and the New Testaments. The Lord speaks of him as a boundary line: 'The law and the prophets are valid until John the Baptist.' He represents the Old Testament and at the same time introduces the New. His parents were old, in keeping with his first role: while yet in his mother's womb he was saluted as a prophet, in recognition of his second. Although he was not yet born at the time of Mary's visitation, he leaped in his mother's womb. His mission was made clear, even before he was born. He was revealed as Christ's precursor, before he so much as saw him. This divine mysteries transcend man's feeble understanding. When at last he was born and received his name, his father's tongue was loosened . . . Zachary's tongue was loosened, because a voice was born."

Closing Prayer
Lord God of the prophets, we praise you for sending John as the Forerunner of your promised Christ. Help us to heed his voice, and the voice of everyone who cries out to point us back to you; help us to be open to your Spirit, that our voices also may proclaim the coming of the One who is our hope, even Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Saint Barnabas the Apostle

The Collect
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
112

The Readings
Isaiah 42:5-12     +     Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3     +     Matthew 10:7-16

Thus says God, the LORD,
     who created the heavens and stretched them out,

     who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
     and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
     I have taken you by the hand and kept you ...

~Isaiah 42:5-6a

These verses form part of one of the "servant songs" in the book of Isaiah--songs about a suffering, righteous servant appointed by God. Christians have understood these songs to point to Jesus, the Messiah, and in several places the gospels draw on the words and images of these songs to show Jesus as the fulfilment of the prophet's words. But as we read in today's Gospel, when Jesus sends out the Twelve, he instructs them: "Proclaim the good news . . . cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons" (Matt. 10:7-8). Those called and sent by Jesus are to do the very things that Jesus does; our ministry is his ministry, in which we participate. 

So, today receive these words as spoken to you: the God who creates all that is, who stretched out the heavens and the earth and gives life to all who move upon it--this God has called you, will hold you, and will keep you.  

Closing Prayer
Thank you, God, for calling us and empowering us for the ministry of your gospel. Help us, like your servant Barnabas, to be good, joyful, and faithful. And may we remember that you hold us always; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Collect
Father in heaven, by your grace the virgin mother of your incarnate Son was blessed in bearing him, but still more blessed in keeping your word: Grant us who honor the exaltation of her lowliness to follow the example of her devotion to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
113

The Readings
I Samuel 2:1-10     +     Romans 12:9-16b     +     Luke 1:39-57

And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior ..."
~Luke 1:46-47

Mary's visit to her relative Elizabeth, following close after Gabriel's annunciation, is the occasion for this remarkable meeting. These two women, pregnant with God's Messiah and his forerunner, John, are caught up in an exuberant, Holy Spirit-filled outpouring of thanksgiving and praise to God. Elizabeth's astonished and humbled joy confirm Gabriel's message, and Mary responds with one of the greatest hymns of praise in all of Scripture. Mary's song, the Magnificat, has for centuries been taken up by the church, especially at the close of the day, as a hymn to the God who upends the injustices of this world (see Evening Prayer in the BCP, pp. 65 and 119). That God is present and faithful to do this is seen in Mary herself--by the world's standards an obscure, poor, and powerless girl, who becomes ever-blessed, the very bearer of God into the world.

Perhaps that role justifies the remarkable claim with which Mary's song opens: that her "soul  magnifies the Lord"--that Mary herself enlarges God, makes God greater. In one sense, of course, no one can make God greater than God already is. But in another sense she does indeed do this, in that her bringing Jesus to birth makes God more present, more accessible, and, yes, greater, to us in our world.

When the people of God take up Mary's song of praise to God, we honor her and we remember this remarkable meeting of women that confirms God's saving love and faithfulness. But that is not all--we also claim the song as our own. We ourselves proclaim that our souls magnify the Lord. We can do this in confidence, because the power and privilege to make God more present in this world is not confined to the actual birthing of Jesus in time. As today's collect reminds us, drawing on Luke 11:27-28, even Mary's greatest joy was to be a disciple of her Son. As a prayer attributed to St. Augustine also attests:

Thou, O Mary, hast perfectly fulfilled the will of the heavenly Father; thy greatest honor and blessedness is not to have been the mother only, but also the disciple of Christ. Blessed art thou to have heard the Word of God and to have kept it within thy heart. Thou didst harbor the truth of Christ in thine understanding, even more than his human flesh in thy womb. Thou art the beauty and dignity of earth, O Blessed Virgin Mary.* 

And such are we, also. We, the disciples of Jesus, called and empowered by the Spirit to magnify the Lord in all the world.

Closing Prayer
Blessed God, thank you for saving us, in faithfulness to your promise and your great mercy. Help us, like Mary, to be faithful to you. As we seek to follow and obey Jesus our Lord, may the joy of your Spirit overflow into the world. And may all our lives proclaim and make present your greatness, today and always. Amen.

The Visitation, by Janet McKenzie

A setting of the Magnificat, by William Harris.

Sung by the Anglican Chorale of Southeast Florida, at Trinity Cathedral, Miami.

* from Saint Augustine's Prayer Book, p. 391

Ascension Day

The Collect
Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

or

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
93

The Readings
Acts 1:1-11     +     Ephesians 1:15-23     +     Luke 24:44-53

I pray that . . . you may know what is the hope to which he has called you . . . and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places . . .
~Ephesians 1:18-20

I don't pretend to know exactly what to make of this feast. And apparently that's okay, for even the Prayer Book provides two options for the collect of the day, emphasizing differing themes. There is not simply one way of understanding what is meant by that phrase in the creed, "he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father."

But however it is understood, and whatever is meant, there is in this mystery a demonstration of God's power that extends beyond our easy grasp--indeed, the greatness of that power is immeasurable. But it is not intended to be a power we grasp. Rather, it is a power which catches us up in its sweep, carries us along like the mighty waters of the sea. It is the very same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him on high, him who fills all in all. I will gladly accept the prayer, and pray also, that we may be ever more coming to understand and see ourselves as called to, and even now carried in, that glory.

Closing Prayer
God of all that is, thank you for calling us to yourself in Jesus. Help us to come to know you more and more, until all things are restored in him who fills all in all. Amen.

Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles

The Collect
Almighty God, who gave to your apostles Philip and James grace and strength to bear witness to the truth: Grant that we, being mindful of their victory of faith, may glorify in life and death the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Psalm
119:33-40

The Readings
Isaiah 30:18-21     +     II Corinthians 4:1-6     +     John 14:6-14

For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves, for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who said, "Let the light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
~II Cor. 4:5-6

In today's Gospel, during the last supper, Philip pipes up and says, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." To which Jesus answers, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you do not know me?" John's Gospel asserts that no one has ever seen God (John 1:18)--and yet it also asserts that to see Jesus is to see God. Even the twelve, those who lived and worked with him, his closest companions and friends, were slow to accept this astounding truth. But when that truth had fully shone on them in the resurrection, they gave their lives, even to death, to spreading the good news.

For all who have followed after them, we whose faith is based on the testimony handed down, we have not seen and yet believe (John 20:29). We who have not actually seen the face of Jesus--do we also see God? Jesus says, "If you know me, you will know my Father also; from now on you do know him and have seen him" (John 14:7). We come to know Jesus as we meet him in the loving relationship of those who today are his closest companions and friends; we meet him when we come in faith to read and hear the holy scriptures, and hear a word behind us say, This is the way--walk in it (Isaiah 30:21); we meet him through the gracious and grace-giving Spirit of God, who shines into our inmost being to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 4:6).    

Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming among us in love and revealing the Father to us. Help us this day to know you better, that we might see God. Amen.