Category Archives: Uncategorized

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. TODAY, IN THE DAILY OFFICE, THE CHURCH BEGINS READING ST PAUL’S magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans. I thought I’d take this opportunity … Continue reading →

THE FAMILIAR INFANCY STORIES in Luke’s Gospel — the Circumcision and naming of Jesus, the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple, the encounters with Simeon and Anna — these are very human stories, very lovely and poignant stories that … Continue reading →

As one so often does just before sleep, I was thinking again of death last night — neither morbidly nor morosely, but theologically and liturgically. Earlier in the day, standing at the altar with angels and archangels and all the … Continue reading →

Collect: Confession of Saint Peter Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, that in unity and … Continue reading →

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. JUST TWO WEEKS AGO we celebrated Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus in Bethlehem: stable and manger, shepherds and angels, carols and candles. … Continue reading →

Alleluia, to us a child is born: O come, let us adore him. Alleluia. A FEW YEARS AGO, I decided to re-read The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, a classic trilogy that I had read several … Continue reading →

Collect Almighty God, who gave to Lucy the grace of complete devotion in body, mind, and spirit and the courage to proclaim her faith in the day of persecution: Grant to us, your servants, that same resolute holiness and unshakable … Continue reading →

The Eve of Thanksgiving (Deut 8 / Ps 65:1-8 / James 1:17-27 / Matt 6:25-33) Collect for Thanksgiving Day Most merciful Father, we humbly thank you for all your gifts so freely bestowed upon us: for life and health and … Continue reading →

TODAY WE BEGIN reading the Acts of the Apostles in Morning Prayer. I hope these few reflections on today’s reading will provide a context for the readings to follow. Luke 1:1–4 (ESV): 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a … Continue reading →

Holy Michael and All Angels (Rev 12:7-12 / Pss 75, 76 / Matt 20:17-end) Collect 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 … Continue reading →