It’s Spring, and many of you are outside working in your gardens, gathering up the few piles of dried leaves, pulling weeds, and planting new flowers and bushes. The process of planting and nurturing and growing can be challenging and incredibly rewarding. Click here for a link to the lectionary reading for the day. When … Continue reading Are You a Liar?
Author: The Rev. Janie Koch
Episcopal Priest. "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" ~John Lewis
Who, or What, Is the ”Hired Man”?
As I worked through the lectionary readings for Sunday’s sermon, the most significant image that reverberated throughout the passages (click here for a link to the Lectionary Readings for the day) was that of the Shepherd. The Shepherd who was the chief cornerstone that the builders rejected. The Shepherd who leads us beside still waters … Continue reading Who, or What, Is the ”Hired Man”?
Who Is the Bummer Sheep
Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. If the lamb is returned to the ewe, the mother may even kick the poor babe away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind. These little lambs will hang their heads so … Continue reading Who Is the Bummer Sheep
Advent 3
To say that 2020 has been tension-filled is an understatement! But, as we continue in our Advent Season, we are reminded even more acutely the push/pull dynamic that exists both within and without us! Our passage from the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) encourages, “He has cast down the mighty…, and haslifted up the lowly…He has filled the hungry…and the rich … Continue reading Advent 3
Saint Clement of Alexandria
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
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
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