In the age of Gnosticism, Clement’s diligence to his studies and his passion for writing powerful texts covering philosophy and theology help to pave the way for another Great of the Church: Origen. It is understood that Saint Mark traveled to Egypt’s Alexandria and established the Christian Church in that region. In the 2nd and … Continue reading Saint Clement of Alexandria
Author: The Rev. Janie Koch
My Shadow…again
The Daemon never sleeps. Rests, perhaps. I should be so lucky for it to actually fall into deep slumber. Or even better, a coma. Alas, not this gnarled Beast with its fingers clutched around my brain, my heart, my stomach. Days roll, soundless, effortless. Good ones. Strong ones. Thoughts, clear and crisp and full of … Continue reading My Shadow…again
Saint John of Damascus
“John was know as chrysorrhoas or gold-pourer for the elegance of his writing.” One of the last Greek Fathers of the Church, John aligned with much of Aristotle for his theological foundation. Born in Damascus when it was under Muslim rule, he grew to be a leader and chief representative of the local Christians to the Caliph. … Continue reading Saint John of Damascus
Saint Francis Xavier
More than ten weeks after his death, the body of Francis Xavier was found uncorrupted, flesh colored, and had no odor of death. To this day, his body remains without blemish or sign of decay. Xavier was born in Spain’s Basque country in 1506, and before he was 24, he was a Master of Arts … Continue reading Saint Francis Xavier
Blessed Nicholas Ferrar
Drawn to religious life and devotion to family, Nicholas established an extended Rule of Life at Little Gidding just outside London in 1626. Born in a time of significant travel amongst countries in Europe as well as the push into the New World of America, Nicholas also participated in travel that helped to shape his inward devotion … Continue reading Blessed Nicholas Ferrar
Blessed Charles de Foucauld
Born in France to an aristocratic family, Charles was orphaned at 6 years old. He rejected the Catholic faith of his grandfather and joined the army as a teen. While in the army, he desired to travel to Morocco for scientific research but was denied his petition. He subsequently resigned his position from the army … Continue reading Blessed Charles de Foucauld
First Sunday of Advent
Often we focus our attention on the Gospel readings for Sundays and perhaps using the Epistle and Old Testament readings as periphery or context. As we all know and are probably tired or frustrated of hearing this: 2020 has been a challenging year. And, given the vast array of emotions we have experienced, I would … Continue reading First Sunday of Advent
It Doesn’t Matter What They’re Doing
We “title” this text as the parable of the talents, and we view it as the one worker who squanders his gift. But, I want to highlight a different player in the game: the landowner. The Gospel text tells us that the landowner was “a harsh man, reaping where [he] did not sow, and gathering … Continue reading It Doesn’t Matter What They’re Doing
Saint Martin of Tours
It is said that years after the passing of Saint Martin, the part of the cloak was preserved in an oratory that came to be called “The Little Cloak.” In Latin: cappella. In Old French: chapelle. So, the place we now call a chapel originated from the story of Saint Martin. So, what is this story of … Continue reading Saint Martin of Tours
My Shadow
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain, “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart is broken.’ “ Sleep whispers … Continue reading My Shadow
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