St. John the Baptist- 24 June- Luke 1

The feast of St. John the Baptist is significant on the calendar. In the secular context, it is associated with San Juan in Puerto Rico, with St. John's in Newfoundland, and with the holiday of Quebec Province. On the church calendar, the feast is six months before Christmas Eve, a deliberate arrangement that points to the coming of Christ. The Gospel from St. Luke 1 recounts the birth of the prophet, the naming of John, and his father Zacharias' hymn, the Benedictus. 

The meaning of the day's Gospel is nicely summarized in Cranmer's 1549 collect. John was sent to prepare the way for the Savior by preaching repentance. John is also an example of speaking the truth, rebuking sin, and holy suffering. So, on this day, we recall a saintly biblical example. Yet, there is more to this commemoration. John points beyond himself to Christ. This celebration of John's life and ministry also looks ahead to Christmas and reminds us of Christ's Incarnation for our salvation. 

Easter IV- James 1:18; John 16:13-14

The traditional Epistle and Gospel for this Fourth Sunday after Easter are distinctive texts that may seem to be about different topics. James 1 has some very practical everyday advice for faithful living. John 16 contains high theological thoughts about Christ's departure and the coming of the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. Yet, there is a theme in common in these two passages. That theme is "the truth."  

In James 1:18, we are told that as believers, God has begotten "us with the word of truth." In John 16:13-14, Jesus says, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

What is the truth referred to in our readings? It applies to several things. First, the truth is the Bible, God's inspired written document. Secondly, the truth is also a person; it is Jesus Christ, God the Son, the eternal Word made flesh. Thirdly, for us, the truth is the Gospel of salvation through faith in our crucified and risen Lord. The Gospel message is the greatest truth of the universe, and as James 1:21 indicates, when received in humble faith, "the engrafted word" is able to save our souls! Thanks be to God for His living and life-giving truth! Alleluia!

The Annunciation- 25 March- Luke 1:26-38

 The feast of the Annunciation is often neglected. Such neglect occurs because it is a weekday, because it falls during Lent, and perhaps also because the event receives attention during Advent. The 25th of March was first mentioned as a possible date for the Annunciation in the third century, and its observance developed and spread over several centuries. In medieval England it was known as "Lady Day," and until the mid-eighteenth century in England, it was the beginning of the New Year. 

Of course, the basis for the observance of the Annunciation is in St. Luke 1:26, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin esposed to a man whose name was Joseph , of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." The rest of the story should be familiar. Mary was humble and obedient to God, and although she was fearful and amazed, she accepted that she was to bear the one who was both Messiah and Son of God. The blessed Virgin is certainly a great example of holiness and faith. 

The the traditional collect of the day admirably ties the significance of the Annunciation to the other events of redemption: We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought into the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

This Annunciation collect brings together multiple aspects of the message of Christ's Gospel. The One announced to the Virgin is the same One who suffered, died, and rose again to save us. Through divine grace, may we believe this Gospel and apply it to our lives in faith, hope, and charity. Thanks and praise be to God!

Epiphany I- Luke 2:52

 One of the liturgical/lectionary idiosyncrasies of traditional Anglicanism is evident on the First Sunday after Epiphany. On this Sunday, many calendars and lectionaries, ancient and modern, commemorate the manifestation of Christ at His Baptism. However, Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1928 and 1962 focus on the visit of the Holy Family, including twelve-year-old Jesus, to the Temple. The 1928 American BCP provides for the Baptism on Epiphany II, and the 1962 Canadian BCP provides for the Baptism with optional propers to be used on Epiphany or later.

The epiphany or manifestation of the youthful Jesus in St. Luke 2:41-52 shows forth both His true humanity and His divine Sonship. The reality of His human development is summarized in Luke 2:52, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

Throughout His life on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ was both unique and ordinary. He sensed His unique relationship with God the heavenly Father, and He knew that He was called to live as a real but perfect human being. Unlike fallen humans, He always put the Father first. He grew and developed without sin. Although we are sinners who repeatedly fall short of Christ's perfection, His example should elicit our humble and faithful response. As Christians, we affirm the unique manifestation of God in Christ while we also seek the grace to follow Him and grow in wisdom and holiness. 

Epiphany- 6 January- Matthew 2

 Epiphany on January 6 is probably the oldest Christian feast besides Easter and Pentecost. In the early Greek-speaking Church, the day was about several of Christ's manifestations- His birth, His Baptism, and the beginning of His public ministry. Later, especially in the Latin churches, the day of Epiphany itself became associated with the coming of the Magi. In modern times, although Epiphany remains on church calendars, it is often neglected. For many Christians, even many Anglicans, it is anticipated, postponed, or ignored. In many cases, all that remains of the traditional observance may be wise men in a pre-Christmas children's December pageant, a carol, or a reading from Matthew 2 in a service of lessons.

However, Epiphany deserves our attention because it embodies significant Christian themes. The Wise Men or Magi represent the coming of the Gentiles or nations to Christ. Their natural human search for wisdom led them to respond to God's sign in nature and follow the star. Yet, before they could complete their journey, they also needed the guidance of Holy Scripture. Finally, they came to the Holy Child, and they did what every person should do. They fell down in adoration or worship, and they offered Him precious gifts.

At Epiphany, let us still seek Christ and follow the guidance of Scripture. Let us worship Him and offer Him our best gifts. Now that the worldly Yule and New Year have passed, Epiphany is an opportunity for Christians to pursue quieter and deeper devotion. So let us reflect on the coming of our Savior to save all nations!

Christmas II- Matthew 2: 19-23

This year, there is a Second Sunday after Christmas, a Sunday that does not occur every year and lacks a notable liturgical identity. Many service books, including some Books of Common Prayer, do not provide propers for the day, but the 1928 BCP does contain a collect and lessons. The Gospel from Matthew 2:19-23 refers to the sojourn of the Holy Family in Egypt and their return to the Holy Land, to Nazareth. 

It has been observed that here we see the Holy Family, and the Christ Child in particular, reliving the history of Israel. In re-reading this account, I was struck by the association of the names of the Holy Family with the Exodus. Saint Joseph bears the name of the patriarch who provided for the survival of Israel. The Virgin Mary's name is derived from the name of Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophetess. And of course, the name Jesus is a version of Joshua, the assistant and successor of Moses. His name means "the Lord saves."

So, the journey of the Holy Family and their names allude to a great new divine act of redemption. Christ's Birth, early life, ministry, death, and resurrection are parts of the same story. The Lord God saved and freed His people in Egypt, during the Exodus, and in their return to the Promised Land.  Through Jesus, who is the Christ, God is doing something that is both similar and much greater. The Incarnation is rooted in Israel's past, but it transcends that past. Jesus is the one who embodies eternal salvation. The true joy of Christmas is based on God's redemptive work in Jesus!

The Circumcision and Holy Name of our Lord- 1 January- Luke 2:21

 On the traditional church calendar, the first day of January is not observed as New Year's Day. In fact, for much of church history, even the secular or civil new year was not observed in January. When the early Books of Common Prayer were published, the civil new year was still observed on 25 March (and continued this way until the new British calendar in 1752). On the church calendar, January 1 is the eighth day of Christmas (the liturgical Octave), and this day recalls the circumcision and naming of the Holy Child in accord with Jewish tradition.

One finds an emphasis on the name in the traditional Gospel assigned on this day. Luke 2:21 states that at the circumcision, the child "was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."  Jesus (Greek IESOU, Aramaic YESHUA) was a common Jewish name of the time, meaning "The LORD saves." In the case of this child, the common name has a special significance. This child born in Bethlehem is the divine Word incarnate who has come to save His people. Thus, the most appropriate way for us to begin a new year is to praise the holy name of Jesus and give thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!

Christmas 2025

The Christian tradition is marked by two great periods based on events in the life of Jesus. The central commemorations are related to the redemptive acts at Holy Week and Easter; the second period centers on Christmas. Christmas and Holy Week/Easter Sunday bring the same Gospel message in different ways.

The church calendar associates many meaningful and beautiful passages of Scripture with the birth of Jesus, the eternal Son of God, who came to earth as a human infant. There are numerous Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others. There are epistle readings such as Hebrews 1, Titus 2, and Galatians 4. And of course, there are the Gospel accounts from Matthew, Luke, and John. Each of these Gospels has its own beauty and deep significance. One can say that Matthew 1& 2 focus on Joseph's perspective, that Luke 1& 2 reflect the point of view of the Virgin Mary, and that John 1 emphasizes the timeless theological meaning. 

All these Scriptures complement one another and provide believers with a broad vista for meditating on the meaning of Christ's Birth. They help us move beyond the beautiful but simplistic imagery of a childhood pageant, and they provide deep nourishment for heart, mind, and soul. They teach us the truth that Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, "came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man" for us and for our salvation (Nicene Creed). In other words, Scripture teaches us that Christmas is about more than a family festival or the birth of a great man; it is about our eternal salvation. That spiritual reality is where we need to put our emphasis, not merely for a few moments on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, but for twelve days and more!

Alleluia. Unto us a child is born; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia. (Christmas Antiphon for Morning Prayer, 1928 Book of Common Prayer.)

St. Thomas the Apostle

The traditional feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is on December 21, but because the 21st is the Fourth Sunday in Advent  this year, many transfer the commemoration to Monday, December 22. We tend to associate St. Thomas with the Resurrection since he confessed his faith in the risen Christ on the Sunday after Easter. Nevertheless, it is also fitting to remember Thomas before Christmas since he was a great witness to Christ's Incarnation. After doubting the Resurrection, in St. John 20:28, Thomas affirmed his faith in Jesus the Christ as "my Lord and my God." Thus, Thomas proclaimed the great truth that the man Jesus is divine. As Advent draws toward a close, let us focus on such faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who came to earth as a human babe.

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 2 July- Luke 1:39-45

 The second day of July is a lesser feast or on traditional Anglican calendars, a "black letter day."  The day is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Some calendars since the 1970's observe the Visitation on 31 May.)  Although in certain aspects a minor observance, the Visitation is a significant biblical commemoration. This significance is seen in the Gospel from St. Luke 1:39-45:

"And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

This Gospel account contains several points. It shows the kinship of Mary and Elizabeth, as well as the devotional and theological ties between them and their sons. Elizabeth also points to the blessedness of Mary and the fruit of her womb. Note that even this early in the Christian story, Mary is called "the mother of my Lord." Mary's pregnancy is unique from the beginning; it is the Incarnation of our Lord, the Christ, God the Son. So it is certainly appropriate to recall this event and to meditate on the importance of the Incarnation and Mary's role in God's redeeming work.

Annunciation- 25 March- Luke 1:26-38

 Many contemporary Christians probably only think of the Annunciation of Christ to the blessed Virgin Mary during Advent, but March 25 has been the traditional observance since the early centuries of Christianity. This observance remains a fitting time for reflection on the Gospel from Luke 1. On this day, we think of many things: the redemptive purpose of God the Father, the splendor of the messenger Gabriel, the gracious humility and faithful obedience of the Virgin Mary, and the mystery of the Incarnation. Since this celebration occurs during Lent, we also realize that all these wondrous aspects of the story receive their meaning through the Cross, Passion, and Resurrection of the One whose Birth is announced.

The story of the Gospel is a meaningful whole. From the Annunciation to Christmas, from Christ's Baptism to His Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension, the message is about God's amazing and saving grace uniquely expressed through His only-begotten Son Jesus. Every Sunday, every special season, every special day, and every ordinary day are times for us to think about salvation and faithful responses. We always need to hear the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ again and again!

Epiphany IV/ Presentation of Christ- Luke 2:22-40

Several different names can be applied to this coming Sunday. It is the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, but this year, Epiphany IV falls on 2 February. So the day is also the Feast commemorating the Presentation of Christ in the Temple on the fortieth day after His Birth. Another name is the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin because she also underwent certain rites at this time. In the Middle Ages, the day also became known as Candlemas because of the custom of blessing ecclesiastical candles on this date.

Luke 2:22-40 reminds us that the Holy Family chose to fulfill all righteousness; they followed the Law perfectly. In doing so, they pointed to the general human need for both purification and redemption. In the words of the Prayer Book Collect for the Day, the divine "Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto [God] with pure and clean hearts ... by Jesus Christ our Lord." Through Christ, may we all be purified and presented to God on a daily basis!

Epiphany I- Luke 2: 41-52

 On the First Sunday after Epiphany, traditional Books of Common Prayer from 1549 through 1928 focus on the visit of the twelve-year-old Jesus to the Temple. The epiphany or manifestation of the youthful Jesus in St. Luke 2:41-52 shows forth both His true humanity and His divine Sonship. In this contexr.  Luke 2:52 concludes, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."

As a youth and throughout His life on earth, our Lord Jesus Christ embodied both unique and ordinary characteristics. He had a unique relationship with God the heavenly Father, but He knew that He was called to live as a real (and ideal) human being. As Luke indicates, Jesus experienced normal but perfected human growth and development. 

This mystery of the Incarnation calls for our faithful response. As Christians, we affirm the manifestation of God in Christ. The eternal Word has become flesh and lived among us as true man. While we are far from His perfection, we are called to follow Him. We seek divine grace to follow Him and grow in wisdom and holiness. 

Christmas II

 The Second Sunday after Christmas does not occur every year, and some years such as this year, Christmas II is the Eve of Epiphany. So this Sunday has not developed a clear liturgical identity. Medieval service books and the 1549 Book of Common Prayer did not have any propers for the day. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer simply directed the continued use of the propers from the Circumcision of Christ. The 1928 American BCP, like some others of that decade, provided a collect and lessons. This lovely collect is from a medieval Christmas liturgy, and the lessons are from older services for the Eve of Epiphany. The Gospel from Matthew 2 looks to the return of the Holy Family to Nazareth. In any case, on this day, we continue to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and look forward to His manifestation to the Gentiles.

The Collect for Christmas II:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast poured upon us the new light of thine incarnate Word; Grant that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

January 1- Octave of the Nativity- Luke 2:21

 Over the centuries, Christians have been uncomfortable with the celebrations of the new year on the first of January.  In order to avoid pagan associations, January 1 was not observed as New Year's Day in many parts of Europe between the fall of Rome and early modern times. On church calendars, this date has been associated with several liturgical observances over time. When Christ's Birth started being commemorated on 25 December, this eighth day of Christmas marked the end of Christmas week. There seems to have been an ancient Roman custom of emphasizing the role of Mary on this day, and in other parts of the Church, the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus were commemorated on this day. Since the 1970s, most Christians have focused on the Holy Name of Jesus. These associations are related to Luke 2:21 where we read. "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

Whatever Christian tradition we emphasize, the primary importance of the first of January is not some neo-pagan indulgence; it is a day to continue thinking about the Incarnation of the eternal divine Word as Mary's Son Jesus. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself, come to save His people. God's plan for human salvation is what gives this day and every day their true significance. So let us begin the New Year by praising God and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!

Holy Innocents- 28 December- Jeremiah 31:15-17; Matthew 2: 16-18

 On the fourth day of Christmas (28 December), the traditional calendar of the Church tempers our naive tendencies in celebrating the Nativity of Christ. Matthew 2 tells us about the cruel act of Herod, so-called the Great. Fearing the threat of Christ to his worldly power, the king ordered the execution of male children in Bethlehem under two years of age.

So the Birth of Jesus was not all filled with kindly sentimentality. Despite divine intervention in human history, the forces of evil, destruction, and death were still at work. The Christ Child became the object of hatred, and an attempt to eliminate Him killed His innocent contemporaries. Although God has done much to redeem human beings, our world is still the same. Many people still oppose God and still destroy the innocent to preserve personal power, wealth, comfort, convenience, etc.

Nevertheless, the evil acts of Herod and his family did not succeed in destroying God's truth, love, and grace incarnate in Jesus Christ. Herod's kingdom faded away, but the work of redemption in Jesus Christ continued. And so it is to our day. There is much evil and innocent suffering in the world, but the Redeemer and His work are not destroyed. Christ lives and His work continues and will continue to the end of the age and beyond!

Christmas

Merry Christmas! "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger" (Luke 2:7). Christmas is about the Birth of Jesus. The appropriate reaction to His Birth is briefly but admirably summarized in the antiphon for Morning Prayer from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:

 Alleluia. Unto us a child is born; * O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.

May the Christ Child (the eternal Word of God become flesh- John 1:14)) always be at the center of our Christmas celebrations! He has come to us and He keeps coming to us to be our Savior. A blessed Feast of the Nativity to all!

St. Thomas the Apostle- 21 December

The traditional feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is the 21st of December. Because Thomas had doubts about the Resurrection of Jesus (John 20), we often associate St. Thomas with the Easter season, but he is also an appropriate example for contemplating Christ's Incarnation. Despite his initial doubts, Thomas encounters the risen Christ, and he makes a powerful confession of faith. In John 20:28, Thomas affirms his faith that Jesus the Christ is "my Lord and my God."  In other words, Thomas confesses that Jesus is God incarnate. 

So as Advent draws toward a close, let us focus on the truth of the Incarnation proclaimed by Thomas. The holy Child born in Bethlehem is our Lord and God, Immanuel, God the eternal Son and Word, come to us in human flesh. Thanks be to God for Thomas and his faith in Jesus Christ!

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 8 December- Luke 1

Yesterday, December 8, is listed as a "Black Letter Day" or minor commemoration on the calendar of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. The eighth of December is a day traditionally called "The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary." Since it is not directly based on a specific Scripture event, the BCP does not provide it with liturgical propers, and some Anglicans have been hesitant to commemorate this day because we do not accept certain papal interpretations of her conception.

Nevertheless, the day is part of the Prayer Book tradition, and it is certainly appropriate for us to remember the blessed Virgin and honor her, especially during the season of Advent. The greeting of the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation echoes in our minds. As St. Luke 1. 26-28 says, AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women.

While Anglicans have differing views about some traditions regarding Mary, we all agree that she was "highly favoured" and "blessed among women." Her role in God's plan of salvation and the Incarnation of God the Son was important and unique. The blessed Virgin should be respected, and she should inspire us to deeper devotion.

St. Nicholas of Myra- 6 December- John 1:1

December 6 is the real traditional feast day of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from Asia Minor (or modern Turkey). Bishop Nicholas was noted for several things such as caring for the poor, especially the young. Even more importantly in church history, this bishop was noted for being a defender of orthodox views of Christ at the First Ecumenical Council at Nicea in 325 AD. He really believed the words of John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

So Nicholas' feast day is a good time to contemplate two points as we prepare for Christmas. 1) Advent and Christmas are about the identity of the Christ Child. Christmas is about the Incarnation; Mary's Child is God the Son who comes into the world as a human to save sinners. 2) Nicholas reminds us about the true Christian significance of giving gifts. As God gives us His Son and many other blessings, we give to those around us, especially those weak or in need. Just as St. Nicholas focused on faith in Christ, we should do likewise in our Advent preparations.