As we continue our internal journey in Lent -- our journey of penitence, of turning toward God -- it is essential we wrestle with the question of sin, of the devil's persistence in pursuing us and how we're taught to overcome temptation. I write this as a sinner, constantly tempted and often failing in the … Continue reading Sweatin’ in the desert of temptation
Anglican
The yoke that still hangs heavy
This lay sermon was delivered for Noonday Prayers at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Enid, Oklahoma, Wednesday, March 13, 2019, the feast day of The Right Reverend James Theodore Holly. Today we remember Bishop and Missionary James Theodore Holly. The first black bishop in The Episcopal Church, Anglican missionary to Haiti and first bishop of the … Continue reading The yoke that still hangs heavy
The paths we choose: Finding divinity in drudgery
A reflection for the feast day of George Herbert, 17th century Anglican priest and poet. Almighty God, you called your servant George Herbert from the pursuit of worldly honors to be a pastor of souls and a poet: Give us grace, we pray, joyfully to dedicate all our powers to your service; through Jesus Christ … Continue reading The paths we choose: Finding divinity in drudgery
Finding your mission field — hint, it’s right now, right where you are
This lay sermon originally was delivered at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Enid, Oklahoma, for the Service of Noonday Prayers, Wednesday, 09 January, 2019. “You have one business on earth – to save souls.” That quote from the well-known Anglican priest, John Wesley, captures the essence of today's message. We're here to talk about missions, our … Continue reading Finding your mission field — hint, it’s right now, right where you are
Carrying the Light: A reflection on St. Lucy and Thomas Merton
The following was delivered as a sermon for Noonday Prayers, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Enid, Oklahoma. What do a 4th Century Italian maiden and a 20th Century Trappist monk from Kentucky have in common? That is an odd question. But, since today falls between feast days, I found myself going … Continue reading Carrying the Light: A reflection on St. Lucy and Thomas Merton
Grace that won’t be shaken
“'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 Ancient peoples often attributed natural disasters, including earthquakes, to the power of angry gods. Anger the gods, the … Continue reading Grace that won’t be shaken
A taste sweeter than honey
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:103-104 “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!” That quote from the 1958 film “Auntie Mame” could apply to the state of Christianity today. Faith … Continue reading A taste sweeter than honey
The way of the cross — The way of Love
Today is the Feast of the Holy Cross, Triumph of the Cross or Exaltation of the Holy Cross — recognized respectively in the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox (Sept. 27) traditions as a day to reflect on the meaning of the cross. As Christians, regardless of denomination, the cross carries easily-recognized significance. It is our … Continue reading The way of the cross — The way of Love
The light of life
Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness. Whoever loves a brother or sister lives in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates another believer is in the darkness, walks in the darkness, and does not know the way to go, because … Continue reading The light of life
Ascension: bringing the Incarnation full-circle
Thursday was Ascension Day, one of the most important and yet least celebrated events in the broader Church calendar. We’ve just had Easter — the celebration of our Lord’s bodily Resurrection. The grave and sin were conquered. Then, we had 40 days to walk with the risen Lord through the Easter season, until the Gospel … Continue reading Ascension: bringing the Incarnation full-circle
