In the Philadelphia Museum…, Proper 23 (B) – 2000
In the Philadelphia Museum of Art there’s a striking painting by Russian Marc Chagall. As Chagall’s often complexly allergorical or symbolic paintings go, it’s very simple. It has a large white figure of a man, several smaller white figures of houses and a church, and two words in Russian on a black background. The striking […]
A Commentary On…, Proper 8 (B) – 2000
A commentary on our Gospel lesson, the story of Jesus’ raising of Jairus’ daughter, suggests that “stories like this one seem to promise too much.” (New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. VIII, page 590.) One is tempted to ask, “How much is too much?” In John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and […]
Ordinations in Singapore
For all bishops of the Episcopal Church Dear brothers and sisters: I have just learned this morning, as perhaps you have as well, that on Saturday in Singapore two primates of the Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Emmanuel Kolini, Archbishop of the Province of Rwanda, and the Most Rev. Moses Tay, Archbishop of the Province […]
Reflections on Jubilee
The concept of jubilee has caught on in the popular imagination – or at least is taking root in the consciousness of faith communities. It brings with it the notion of jubilation — joy — letting go — all of which have an easily understood appeal. Jubilee 2000 in much of Christendom refers to the […]
Imago Dei, Proper 21 (A) – 1999
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. It is a delicate to talk about things […]
Sermon by the Presiding Bishop at the Washington National Cathedral
A year ago today, I stood in this pulpit in the course of the Liturgy during which I was invested as your new Presiding Bishop, Primate and Chief Pastor. The time since then has sped by, and as I look back over the past months, I am overwhelmed by all that has happened. Indeed this […]
Jesus Was Always Confronted…, Proper 27 (C) – 1998
Jesus was always confronted with those who wanted to trip him up. The folk with the trick questions were trying to get him to identify himself with the Saddusees. The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. The Pharisees did. If he agreed with the logic of the Sadducees, then the Pharisees could condemn him. […]
All Throughout Scripture…, Proper 20 (C) – 1998
All throughout scripture there is attention paid, and tension within, the relationship between money and piety. Money and possessions signal God’s blessing in many stories. God’s blessing follows those who live an upright and righteous life. There almost seems to be a quid pro quo equation between having money and possessions and the assumed goodness […]
A Father Knocks…, Proper 28 (B) – 1997
A father knocks on his son’s door. “Jaime,” he says, “Wake up!” Jaime answers, “I don’t want to get up, Papa.” The father shouts, “Get up, you have to go to school.” Jaime says, “I don’t want to go to school.” “Why not?” asks the father. “Three reasons,” says Jaime. “First, because it’s so dull; […]
Have You Ever Thought…, Proper 8 (B) – 1997
Have you ever thought about holy temples? A temple is usually understood to be a place where religious services are held. The Bible is full of references to the temple in Jerusalem. Most of us know of synagogues today that are called temples. Some Protestant churches are occasionally called temples. The Mormons use the term […]
Bible Study Is Something…, Proper 23 (A) – 1996
Note: Biblical quotations are from the NRSV except for the Psalm quotations which are from BCP. Bible study is something we Episcopalians think is good for us, but oftentimes we avoid it like Cod Liver Oil. I want to begin this morning describing a Bible study format being used in this great church of ours. […]