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Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted[a] by the devil.
Matthew 4:1-11 When I was young my family would regularly gather around the T.V. on Sunday afternoons to watch the great epics that used to so regularly air. At this time of year, it was "The Greatest Story Ever Told." A Cecil B. Demille masterpiece with a “cast of thousands” and stars like Charleton Heston, Carroll Baker, Max von Sydow, Pat Boone, Angela Lansbury and so many others. I can clearly recall the “led into the desert” scene and the solitary wandering over sand and stone until the appearance of Satan. Here, the camera zoomed in on a hungry, pasty-faced Jesus as he rounded the corner of a rock cliff, only to be confronted by a content and over-satisfied Lucifer gorging himself on meat and bread. It is in that context, looking first from the food to Lucifer, that Jesus hears the tempting words, “Here, you look hungry. Change these rocks to bread so you too can be full.” Again, a bit later on, Jesus is again confronted by a reclining and comfortable Lucifer, who tempts Jesus to manipulate God into proving his power and love. Lastly, as Jesus reaches the summit of his climb, he finds Satan there, eager to give him the whole world; all Jesus has to do is a bit of worship. Looking back, I know that much of my initial understanding of the Christian story came from this movie and others like it. This was the intention of the movies—beyond pure entertainment, they were a witness. I had other instructors in my faith, my Mom and Dad, Sunday School, and the worship service, but there was a power in those images that excited and humbled the heart. It took me years and quite a bit of study to realize that, despite the great acting, I had misunderstood the temptation event. Food or personal comfort, self-importance or vanity, and easy results with minimum effort to achieve power—those were the temptations that Lucifer offered. Why would Lucifer do such a thing? He had to know what the outcome would be, or would he? What Lucifer did know was that they had worked in the past, and Jesus was in every way human as we are, so it was worth a try. Every day, we are tempted in some way or another. Sometimes the temptation is easy to identify. Finding some money on the floor, do we turn it in or pocket it? But other times, the temptation can be much subtler, preying on our weaknesses or our best intentions. Often, temptation is not about what is what is right or what is wrong, but about what is harder or easier. This seems to be the one we struggle with the most, and it has perhaps the most long-lasting and far-reaching repercussions. We say with disdain in the vernacular, "he took the easy way out." We read in church news, "rather than face the difficult task of telling everyone, they sought to hide the truth." We hear in the world press—“the building was constructed with substandard materials; it simply couldn't withstand the tremor." Or how about in our own lives? When was the last time you heard yourself say this one: "I didn't want to hurt his feelings, so I didn't say anything"? Lucifer knew Jesus would be king, but he also knew the pain and difficulty of the task ahead. Lucifer offered a much easier road. Jesus would still be king, sort of, and able to avoid all those pesky trials. Lucifer did not count on Jesus’ devotion to the Father’s will. In reality, doing the right thing often means doing the harder thing; therefore, the temptation will always contain the easy way out. As we began our Lenten journey, our lectionary presented us with the Transfiguration. Jesus was Transfigured to reflect the will of the Father and the obedience of the Son. Now it’s our turn. Lent is the period the church has set aside to help us with our transfiguration. This is the heart of Lent, when we look inside ourselves and see who we truly are, recognize our true nature, and face the temptations we overcome and the ones we give into. Jesus went into the desert for forty days, a spiritual desert as well as a physical one, to strip away the distractions of life. Lent for us must be a spiritual desert. A time when we focus and draw close to God. This is a time when we face the Devil and, relying on the Holy Spirit, change our lives in thought and word and deed. In turning, growing, and knowing, we are spiritually transfigured into the likeness of love and devotion for Jesus. Tempted, Fr. Bill+
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"…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace, was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5
Here we are heading into the second week of Lent. Soon we will be hearing, once again, about the events in the final week of Jesus' life. Soon we will, again, follow Christ to the cross. Soon, if we let it, the impact of this primary reality of the Christian life will lead us to our own crosses and - ultimately - to redemption. The Gospel will tell the story of the Transfiguration, the temptations, the terror, the trial, the betrayal, the torture, and the death of Jesus. In those pages, we will have the opportunity to walk the road to Jerusalem again, entering victoriously into the Holy City with Jesus, only to stand by helplessly as he is nailed to a tree. All of this lies ahead, Holy Week beckons us. Until then, make an extra effort to think and feel each day, really feel the day as a gift from God. Read Holy Scripture, a pamphlet, a reflection, the entire Bible! The call of Lent is to read the Word of God. Listen to the Sunday Gospel and find yourself in the story. Which one are you? Reflect on your heart and spirit and the pain your mind tries to mediate. How have you been tempted? How have you been betrayed by friends, loved ones? Have you forgiven them? How are you living now in response to the ministry (life) you have been given by God? Where is God, where is Jesus, included in the regular work, rest, and play of your day? With Jesus' Crucifixion fast approaching, collect your things, THOSE things, and allow Jesus to accept them, nailed to Cross along with Him. Jesus is taking that deliberate and difficult walk to Jerusalem and to Golgotha, specifically to take your burdens on himself. Will you walk with him? Will you give Him that which He commanded you to give? Your pain? Your fears? Your regrets? Your secrets? "…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace, was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 Giving as commanded, Fr. Bill+ “Unto ashes…”
Ash Wednesday is upon us, as is the command for reflection and the gift of grace. Most of us know the words by heart, Thou art dust O mortal, and unto dust thou shalt return, and in them resides the sobering reality of finitude and the divine opportunity of new life. The ashes are more than just the liturgical mark reflecting the beginning of our Lenten journey. There is another dimension prepared for us. There is something mysterious and mystical about the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday. That dark smudge on our foreheads connects us to something deep within us and beyond us. We are reminded that we are dust, but not just any dust. The dust of our human-ness is blessed by the holiness of our Maker. The ashes we receive are like a divine magnet drawing us toward the earth from which we’re made and to the eternal to which we long. Counter the doom-and-gloom often associated with Ash Wednesday and Lent, we must remember that when Jesus preached repentance, it was because the Kingdom of Heaven had come near. The indwelling person of the Holy Spirit has made that an intimate reality of our lives. God has come close to us. The ashes are an invitation to joyfully and intentionally adjust our lives to God’s indwelling presence. The act of receiving the ashes is the mark of a heart and spirit inclining to God in the prayerful hope of living a life more fully marked by God. When God created all things, life happened because God breathed the divine will into dust, and the convergence of dust and divinity became you and me. When God became flesh and dwelt among us, the Word was wrapped in human flesh—dust—and completed the circle: as we are, God is. Dust and divinity are wrapped together; Spirit and dust collide in us. Ash Wednesday draws us inside to the divine center, the place of the Holy Spirit in us. We burn through our lives, and the Palms burn to ash. Have the ashes of our lives settled on our souls? Do we carry within us ashes of loss or regret? As water washes away the ashes imposed on Wednesday night, so the Water of Life washes away the ashes that dull and distort the Holy Spirit. Ash Wednesday is the first step on the journey to resurrection and new life. While it is true that “you are dust and to dust you shall return,” it is also true that God’s final word is resurrection. Ash Wednesday points us not to a despairing of death, but to the death of despair. We are not celebrating the Easter Resurrection yet, but are given the opportunity to receive resurrection from the burdens that bear us down to the dust. The ashes are more than ashes; we are more than dust. We seek to be washed clean, that our life hereafter may be pure and holy, so that at the last we may come to his eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 269 ) From the ashes, Fr. Bill+ “How do I talk with people I don’t agree with?”
It’s not easy, but the answer is love. I say it’s not easy because when we hear the word “love,” we associate it with how we love or know love. In truth, even loving as we know love isn’t easy. How much more difficult in times of disagreement. Let's make it simple: Someone you love and care about makes a statement you disagree with. The anger bubbles in your chest (and sometimes on your keyboard, as you frantically craft the perfect counterstatement), and your next reaction is to cringe or hide. Was there a better option? How do we do it? Is there a formula for responding to others (especially those we “love”) in times of conflict, with love? … the Lᴏʀᴅ has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) Not an expected reference, is it? You see, you don’t need to depend upon your love or your idea of your love to respond with love. God says you need to Love mercy, and the mercy of love for God can be had at any time, even in a conflict. Do what is right Not what’s easy. Not what’s popular. This may vary depending on the situation, but you can always pause, take a breath, and ask the Holy Spirit what your right next move is. Doing what’s right may mean you actually have an honest, empathetic conversation with someone you disagree with—not to change his or her mind, but to hear a different perspective. It may mean postponing the conversation to a later date, or adjourning to a less public place. It means sticking up for your principles, but never at the expense of hurting people. Doing what is right may mean seeking justice, responding to God’s call to Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9) This is never easy, but if it is right, God will direct your heart. You can show and know love even in this case, because it is given from God. Love mercy To love mercy is to love the God of mercy. Jesus calls those who love mercy blessed (that’s Bless-id). These are those who try to live beyond personal affront and seek the will of God in every moment. In action, this is extending grace to someone else, even if you don’t think they deserve it. It’s giving someone the benefit of the doubt, assuming that they didn’t mean to be hurtful with their comments or opinions, and recognizing their humanity even in the midst of disagreement. It’s showing real empathy and compassion and overlooking any offenses for the sake of restoration in your relationship. Walk humbly Humility may not always fix your problems, but it makes sure you’re not the problem. When we assume we don’t have all the answers, we have a much better chance of learning something new and keeping our relationships. Jesus often used questions during His ministry, because being curious invites conversation, whereas bringing all of the answers tends to shut it down. We are curious creatures. God made us this way; allowing someone else to express his or herself is honoring that trait in the self. Walking humbly with God is an exercise in perspective. I am certainly not God’s equal, and all my great ideas are as a child’s hopeful aspirations to God. Knowing this and accepting that this is okay brings the humble acknowledgement that I must honor others who are created even as I am. As St. Paul tells us, “… while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church." We are going to disagree, that’s okay. It is also okay to advocate for your perspective, and as long as your perspective is based on and in line with God’s, then sharing our knowledge and conversing with love isn’t just possible, it is guaranteed. Let us pray. Gracious God, when divisive conversations come up, give me Your attitude. Help me to love like You in every situation. Help me seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Show me how to express my love more than my opinion, and give me the right words to love people and recognize their right to exist in every conversation today. In Jesus’ name, amen. I agree. Fr. Bill+ A “Deep Dive”
or “How do I move beyond my self-concern in order to reach out towards others in lovingkindness and compassion as exemplified by Jesus?” Often referred to as “Christ consciousness," the ability to act outwardly with the mind of Christ begins with the inward search for self. It is often referred to as “Christian mysticism,” the practice of discerning God in the innermost places of the self, but that designation can be unhelpful. Many people shy away from anything incorporating the word “mystic” out of fear, misunderstanding, or disbelief. Mysticism smacks of horror movies and palm readers, those things (and the like) that many of us avoid. Sadly, in this case, the baby goes with the bathwater. It is the goal of every Christian to draw closer to Jesus, and people who have taken that on as a life’s work or life goal are often referred to as mystics. The term is meant to describe a person inwardly searching for a deeper awareness and understanding of God. In reality, the process to know Christ better is not an option, but an obligation and necessity. Early Christians called it theosis, drawing closer in union to God. Alongside the usual Christian activities such as worship, prayer, study, social action, and others, the Christian uses methods of introspection to further the relationship with Jesus. The deepening of understanding produces a change in perspective and behavior, in the same way when, learning that the dog running towards us is friendly, there is a change not only in our outer action, but in our inward feeling. Drawing closer in union to God (theosis) is an active process–a decided-upon endeavor, which requires some effort. Over the centuries, Christians have catalogued methods and suggested practices to help everyone draw closer to God. No need to reinvent the wheel, right? Contemplative prayer and meditation are used to calm the mind and better apprehend/experience the divine presence of Christ. These practices not only make God more available, but also make sharing the reality of God easier. Christian contemplative practices typically fall into an easily accessible framework. You may proceed through these as stages or attend to them as the Spirit moves you. 1. Discursive meditation: Reflecting on an idea or thought or concept. It might just be something you want to explore, or align yourself with, or even something you are struggling with. It could be scripture or another reading, a song, an image, or an experience. Discursive meditation is primarily mental, essentially focused self-reflection, inviting the companionship of Christ. 2. Affective meditation: When thinking stops and spirit ascends. This is a practice well assisted by the use of implements such as rosaries, prayer ropes, or prayer beads. The use of these sacred tools is accompanied by short prayers such as the Jesus Prayer, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. The practice is one of repetition where you are not thinking about things, but set free from active thought. 3. Contemplation: This is the deepest state of meditation and contemplative prayer, when you allow yourself to just be with God in silence and stillness to experience the divine presence. During contemplation, the primary focus is on the soul/being, and while it is an immensely peaceful, beautiful, and restorative state on its own, it's also when you are most open to the sublime presence of Christ. This is the state of which many have written, having experiences of religious ecstasy (feeling the close presence of God), visions (seeing through the Holy Spirit), and hearing the voice of God. However, these kinds of powerful experiences are not an action you produce, but rather the response to your action by God. So there you have it. As you respond to the call of Christ to grow in the depth of your relationship and understanding, avail yourself of these methods. They bear the test of time. Reflectively in Christ Jesus, Fr. Bill+ The Book of Common Prayer, Worship, and Me
The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer has a rich and inspiring history. Thomas Cranmer, theologian and first Archbishop of Canterbury, who served King Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Queen Mary I (and by whom he was martyred), undertook the task of writing a distinct Book of Worship for the Anglican Church. Published in 1549, the first Book of Common Prayer was written in English, not Latin, the common language of the people. Cranmer’s intention was to write a Book of Worship that would serve to teach and unite all people. In drafting it, he liberally quoted from the Bible, the “tool of our salvation,” as he put it, in the collects, prayers, and intercessions, ensuring that worship mirrored Holy Scripture. Further, Cranmer designed the flow of the service to follow the model of praise, supplication, and devotion experienced in the individual life experience. Most of all, he envisioned a worship service that would be memorable and recognizable all over the world. Since 1549, through seven revisions, we have tried to stay true to Cranmer's vision. Perhaps the 1928 version most closely represents the early 1662 printing, which is still used in England, but our 1979 version remained true–if a bit thin–to its historical roots. The Prayer Book removes the worry of “what do I do next” by providing the text and response for everyone. Gone is the “mystery worship” spoken in a different language, which isolated the worshiper. With the BCP in hand, or the full service bulletin, you are free to relax and contemplate the will of God as you participate in the service. There is a great comfort in being thoroughly and intimately involved in the humble worship of our Lord. The BCP makes possible the expression of heartfelt needs and desires before God by providing the words through which the Holy Spirit can be manifest in your life as you join in the “great cloud of witnesses.” Come Sunday, join in the dream that Cranmer had and be a part of the worship that has united the Anglican Church for 576 years. If you haven’t memorized the service, no worries! Look to your bulletin or the BCP and boldly respond with devotion and the assurance that what you are saying is what needs to be said. Proclaim the words of Scripture nestled in the responses and open yourself to the Holy Spirit, who will manifest the divine presence in you. Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us the increase of faith, hope, and charity, that we may obtain that which thou dost promise, make us to love that which thou does command; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen T. +Cranmer 1547 Let us bless the Lord! Thanks be to God! Fr. Bill+ This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 The Psalmist is not alone in this declaration. We hear of God’s sovereignty over everything throughout Holy Scripture, starting with “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1:1). God created and it was good—and it still is even after the fall and the breaking of God’s holy plan. Every day is God’s day. Every day is a day GOD has made. Every day is a GOOD day. But in times of trial, sickness, debilitation, fear and the like, it just doesn’t feel like it. When our trials and struggles define our days, when we focus on those awful life-sapping events and occurrences big and small, then our days are not “good.” We are faced with a life conundrum: If God has made the day and is found in it, regardless of our maladies, how can it be anything other than good? Long ago the church rejected the proposition that the spirit and the body are two different things, that the body was one concern and the spirit, separately, another. Yet, a degree of this separation is needed to answer the conundrum. When we are in a state, whatever state that may be—sickness, trial, tribulation—our concern must transcend our condition so our spirit can soar to God. The spiritual focus on God’s sovereignty, love, presence and concern will break through our debilitation, and the day, with all that it brings, can be nothing other than good. This spiritual focus requires our body, our mind, to reach out beyond ourselves. Our mind focused on God elevates our spirit and opens the door to redemption. Embracing each day thinking of the abundance of blessings in our lives cultivates a spirit of gratitude and reverence toward God. A sense of appreciation for the blessings and opportunities that come from God has the ability to change everything, as it changes the way we see and encounter the world. Remember your January challenge for our 60th Anniversary Observance! It’s printed in the bulletin inserts all month: make a list of 60 blessings. By starting each day with a heartfelt "Thank you, God," we acknowledge the abundance and beauty that surrounds us, recognizing the gift of life and the wonders of God’s creation. Expressing gratitude towards God is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the presence of divine grace in our lives. It instills a sense of humility, wonder, and appreciation for the miracles that unfold in each and every moment. When we express gratitude for the gift of each new day, we open our hearts to the divine presence to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us. This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 If asked, most of us would identify “worship” with Sunday morning. Worship is prayer and praise, singing and confessing, hearing the Word of God and receiving the Holy Eucharist; this is how we worship God. However, biblically, worshipping God is a lot more than just gathering on Sunday; worship is a way of being and a lifestyle of acknowledgement. We are called—given the opportunity—to live our devotion to God through every day, even, every-moment worship. Worshipping God Everyday One of my favorite simple devotional books is The Practice and Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. Br. Lawrence was a French Carmelite monk who lived in the seventeenth century. In the monastery in which he lived, he worked in the kitchen washing dishes, preparing meals, and tending to the overall cleanliness of the refectory. Any of us who have done this type of work for a length of time can testify that the mundane repetition can be mind-numbing and emotionally debilitating. Not so for Br. Lawrence. In this seemingly lowliest of assignments, Br. Lawrence found a closeness with God and lived a life of constant worship. He found God present in every task, through the cleaning and scouring, God spoke to his heart, enlightened his spirit, and opened his mind. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) For Br. Lawrence, worshipping the Lord was simpler than we make it sometimes, and he found more of his devotion to God throughout his daily activities, such as washing dishes, than he did in the regular prayer times that marked his monastic life. Worshipping God, for Br. Lawrence, was something that could be done both in & through his regular work – even washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. He did these things to glorify God, and he regularly practiced an awareness of God in everything, constantly drawing his mind back to God’s presence amid the busyness of life. How would it change your life today, and your work, if you practiced a regular recognition of God’s presence in all you do? In the chores of laundry, dishes, and cooking dinner? What if you could be worshipping God in all that you did today? “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Collosians 3:16-17). Worshipping God in our everyday life and work Lord of all pots and pans and things, Since I've no time to be A saint by doing lovely things, Or watching late with Thee, Or dreaming in the dawnlight, Or storming heaven's gates, Make me a saint by getting meals, And washing up the plates! It is said that this well known twentieth century poem (often incorrectly attributed to Br. Lawrence because of the likeness of sentiment), was written by a nineteen year old domestic servant girl of a large home. Being found, it was copied and made its way through London’s kitchens and washrooms and now into volumes of literature. That young woman, and those who followed, sought to find enlightenment in the everyday routine. Where do we start? When you do anything, do it to the glory of God. Be a good representative of Jesus, with the goal of bringing glory & praise to Him. This is just how simple it is to worship God in our everyday life and work. When you take out the trash, praise God for the provision God has provided. When you're writing another email to the same person explaining the same idea for the fourth time, thank God for technology and a mind to interact. While meeting with the boss, honor God in how you respond. While driving, thank God for places to go and the beauty along the way. While fixing a meal—or eating one, praise God for the bounty of the earth and for those who till the ground. While taking a shower, marvel at the ability to be clean and give thanks to God for those who made this gift a priority for you. When dealing with a less-than-pleasant person, ask for Christ’s presence and pray for peace and patience for you both, praising God for the opportunity to witness. You get the idea, everywhere and at all times there is an opportunity for prayer and praise. Worshipping God in our everyday lives can be simple. It begins with turning your heart toward God amidst the busyness of life and choosing to direct your thoughts towards Him. And that begins with a simple prayer, inviting God into your work and asking the Holy Spirit to help you honor God in all that you do – just like the Scriptures say! When we invite God into our lives, and into our life and work, things begin to change for the better. Feeling burnt out? Feeling like you’re not making a difference? Pray to God for sight to see your purpose as you seek to worship through your actions. Make every stapled paper, sent email, lunch break, trash run, and wash load an act of worshipping God. You will surely be blessed! Worshipping God in your daily life and work begins with your desire to transcend the monotony and live in joy. Br. Lawrence and that young lady have helped show the way. May the Lord remind you today of the value of your work, your role, and your life as you begin worshipping through your everyday life and work. Praising God in all things, Fr. Bill+ Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for the 1st Sunday after Christmas
The Christmas “hoopla” is over. The lights will soon come down (or already have), and the new “toys” will soon be yesterday’s news. Our culture has done such a great job of commercializing Christmas that other countries have banned the appearance of Santa Claus for fear of the same fate we now suffer. For many people, Christmas is not a time of joy and satisfaction, but of loneliness and fear. Statistically, suicides and nervous breakdowns increase each year at Christmas, and law enforcement is stretched to keep up with the increased demand. For many, Christmas is a time of darkness. It is no wonder—our television and radio and internet proclaim family and fun, but for many, that is nothing but an illusion, a bad joke of what might have been. The holiday has a beginning and an end, a crescendo of joy breaking into a valley of despair, a roller coaster ride of emotion to match the screaming dervish of activity we cram into the little time we have—sounds great, huh? For some, Christmas leaves behind disillusionment and disappointment. And yet, there is good news for you! Whether you found joy at Christmas this year or did a fair job of faking it, or if it was a time you would rather forget, there is something here for you! God has poured upon us the new light…Jesus Christ our Lord! I know, I’m not saying anything new, but I’m not saying anything boring either. I’m not talking about Jesus with Santa in the background, and I’m not saying “believe now and you will suddenly be joyous” (although that is possible). What I am saying is that God has done something for you. For after the shock of the incarnation, the bold, sin-saving move of our audacious God, comes the enduring light. It is the light of Christ. It’s hard to look into that light. We have to squint and sometimes close our eyes or turn away. It takes time for our eyes to grow accustomed to the light, but we have to keep trying, squinting and straining to see where we are going. We all know that after a while, we do get used to whatever light there is, and we are lost and immobile when it is gone. God has poured a new light upon us so we can see where we are going, so we won’t trip or fall. It’s that light we celebrate, that gift of sight and companionship. It’s that illumination and warmth that sustains us; all the rest is illusion. So pack away those icicle lights and Christmas tree bulbs, all in a tangle that will have you muttering next Christmas, too. Put away the tinsel and tree decorations. And with it put away darkness, put aside despair. For Emmanuel, our God is with us. And put on the armor of light. God has poured upon us the new light…Jesus Christ our Lord, not so we can rise and fall on seasonal celebrations, but so we can live in the constant light of God’s love. Christmas, Easter, Lent, Advent are purposeful bumps in the road with only one intention: to help us remember the road. They are not an end in themselves; quite the contrary, they are reminders of something greater than themselves. The Light that shines in the heart of God is the light of love for you. I pray that for all of us, this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. In His Light! Fr. Bill+ Epiphany
As the Christmas season draws to a close, we enter the blessed season of Epiphany. Epiphany is one of the church’s most ancient and joyful celebrations, which even predates the celebration of Christmas. Originating in the late third century Egypt (the first Christmas celebration was some forty years later around 336 A.D.), the Feast of the Epiphany was a multi-focus event. The celebration of Epiphany, which means manifestation or appearance, was just what the word means, the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God, and Savior of the world. The Feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, and his first miracle (showing that he was the Messiah) at the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee. Shortly after the feast of Christmas was initiated (in 336 under Emperor Constantine), the season after Christmas into Epiphany was referred to as the twelve nights. The twelve nights, known as Smoke Nights because they were filled with incense, were nights of special devotion and prayer. Beginning on Christmas Eve, Christians would burn incense each evening, moving through their homes and barns in a ritual of protection and blessing for twelve nights. Each night may have had a special emphasis or focus with opportunities for teaching and devotion. Prayers for divine protection, guidance, forgiveness, and praising God's light—the manifestation of Jesus, the light that overcomes the darkness— were filled with Psalms, biblical prophesies and traditional liturgies reflecting universal themes of seeking shelter in darkness and awaiting divine dawn. The eastern churches still celebrate Epiphany this way, with the emphasis on the multi-faceted manifestation of Christ throughout scripture. For us, Epiphany is all about the Magi or Kings or Wise Men. The three or two or eight (as have been depicted through the centuries) are representatives of the neighboring pagan religions who have come to find a divine manifestation proclaimed by the stars. They first go to Jerusalem to honor the King of the Jews, Herod the Great, who surely must know of this birth or may even be the father. Their journey, dangerous and long, is worth the risks because of the gravity of the event: a king has been born who will be the King of not only Israel, but of all nations. These sage visitors from around the (then) world carried the story of their devotion—their journey and the child they found— back to their people. Their seeking and finding Jesus means that pagans and people of all religions can discover Jesus and worship him as Son of God and Savior of the world. St. Leo the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, wrote concerning Epiphany, A promise had been made to the holy Patriarch Abraham in regard to these nations. He was to have a countless progeny, born not from his body but from the seed of faith. Let the full number of the nations now take their place in the family of the patriarchs... let all people adore the Creator of the universe; let God be known, not only in Judaea, but in the whole world” (Sermon 3 in Epiphania Domini, 1: PL 54, 240). The promise made to Abraham is fulfilled through the womb of Blessed Mary. The birth of Jesus is the immutable plan of God first received by the Magi from the East and made available to all. The Star, once a beacon to the Magi, is supplanted by the light of Christ so clear and strong that all those who search for life and truth can come to contemplate the Savior of the world. Epiphany is our joyful celebration that God’s will is being done and that all people everywhere are invited into the household of God, in the blessed company of our Lord Jesus Christ. By His light, in His light, Fr. Bill+ Dear Creator Family,
It is so cliché to say things like, “Here we are again at the break of a new year,” and yet we are (at least the secular celebration of such). The new year brings new opportunities, possibilities and availabilities. For people of faith, this newness cannot be overrated. As we live out our lives of faith in Christ Jesus, God has made many promises of help and aid along the way. God’s promises of healing and wholeness are a proclamation of hope in which we return from desperate times or events, back to being ourselves. Our faith in God’s provision is strong, but our language is flawed, for God does not promise us a return, but a newness. Holy Scripture repeatedly uses the language of newness as God leads us through life. God gives us a new birth (John 3:3), a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), a new life (2 Cor. 5:17), a new hope (Rom. 5:2), and a new task (Matt. 28:19-20). Finally, when our heart has beat its last, He will give us a new body in a new home called heaven. In fact, God says “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:5). Still, knowing this truth and living the promises are two different things. Our lives also bring new challenges and burdens, new disappointments and failures. There is often a disconnect of the promises of God from the daily lives we live. It’s not hard, when surveying the world around us and the difficulties of life, to go from “How can that be?” to “How can He be?” God knows (just read Scripture) that we need concrete reminders of God’s presence. It is amazing to me that we can ever forget or overlook the constant love and promises of God as we mark time, day to day, year to year. No subtle reminder this; we literally mark our lives by it and often record it ourselves. 2026 Or more accurately, Anno domini nostri Iesu Christi' duo milia viginti sex-- The year of our Lord Jesus Christ two thousand and twenty-six Sixth-century Scythian monk Dionysius Exiguus introduced "Anno domini nostri Iesu Christi'" (the year of our Lord Jesus Christ) in his Easter tables calendar, thus marking years by Christ's Incarnation. By the time of Charlemagne in the ninth century, his calendar and this basis for delineating the days (A.D. and B.C) was universally accepted. Sadly today, the actual meaning of this phrase has been lost to many who believe it is only “The year of our Lord,” but people of faith know better. Every day we mark and repeat, perhaps dozens of times, the awesome truth that even time itself is marked with the victory of our Jesus Christ at Calvary. Every year belongs to Jesus as we make our proclamation that he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Our calendar is a proclamation of the Gospel itself! You remember that when Jesus burst onto the scene in public ministry in Nazareth, he quoted the words of the prophet Isaiah when he announced, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me. He has sent me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. – Luke 4:18–19 In these words, Jesus was referring to the Old Testament “Year of Jubilee,” in which every seven years, wonderful things happened! Debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and everything returned to the rightful owners. It was a huge year of celebration! When Jesus quoted Isaiah, he was saying that he had come to bring one massive Year of Jubilee to this world, and that because of what he would do at Calvary, we would live every year as a Year of Jubilee. Because of his victory over sin and death, today Jesus Christ is the Lord of time, the Lord of space, the Lord of every relationship, the Lord of every good thing, and the Lord of us. This year will certainly bring blessings to you, and it may also bring apparent evil. Whatever the Lord may allow to come to you in this new year, trust in him. Commit yourself to him. Never let go of Christ’s hand of love, because he will never let go of you. Take hold of this bold concrete reminder that God’s promises are present and true. Start each day, prompted by your calendar, with the certainty that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and that, come what may, he is with you always. Look for God’s grace, love, peace, and companionship in all things at all times, and may 2026 truly be “The year of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Heavenly Father, Thank You for making all things new! As another new year begins, help me live each day for You. May I continually have a new song in my heart to sing to You, no matter what comes my way. I trust in You because I know that Your mercies are new every morning, and nothing ahead of me will take You by surprise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. —Joan Walker Hahn Happy New Year in nostri Iesu Christi', Fr. Bill+ |
AuthorFather Bill Burk† Archives
March 2026
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