Weekly essays inspired by Anglican themes and theology.
Vol. 57 No. 16 The Fourth Sunday in Lent March 15, 2026 In a period of history from which few written records survive, Saint Patrick speaks in his own voice in two short writings: the Confession and the Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus. These are not polished theological treatises but deeply personal documents—defensive, reflective, and…
Vol. 57 No. 15 The Third Sunday in Lent March 8, 2026 Our country is at war—and as with all wars, there is no telling where that will take us. In the aftermath of “forever wars” in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is vigorous debate about its justification and its aims. Given the tribalized state of our…
Vol. 57 No. 14 The Second Sunday in Lent March 1, 2026 “Lenten array” refers to the old custom of veiling the splendor of the sacred images of the church in penitential garb of unbleached linen adorned with symbols of the passion in red and black. Last year, thanks to memorial donations, we were able to…
Vol. 57 No. 13 The First Sunday in Lent February 22, 2026 Organizing conferences is not a task I especially enjoy. But the secret of a good conference is not hard to grasp: choose a topic with real substance, invite speakers who have wisdom to share, gather people who care, and give them opportunities not only…
Vol. 57 No. 12 The Last Sunday before Lent (Quinquagesima) February 15, 2026 I trust you have all had this experience, or one like it. Maybe it’s a word game, or a work of art, or a poem, or a mathematical problem: you look at it, and you are perplexed. But you kept looking at it,…
Vol. 57 No. 11 The Second Sunday before Lent (Sexagesima) February 8, 2026 Of late there has been a lot of talk about loneliness and the loss of community—and it’s well-founded. Even when we are busy and connected, something can feel insubstantial. Fewer people marry than once did. Friendships are often mediated through screens. Work fills…
Vol. 57 No. 10 The Third Sunday Before Lent (Septuagesima) February 1, 2026 Weather Update for This Sunday, February 1stDue to uncertainty about the timing and impact of this weekend’s winter storm, we are cancelling this Sunday’s 5 p.m. Choral Evensong, as well as Fr. Andrew Mead’s guest preaching and Nancy Mead’s 10 a.m. Anglican Pilgrimage…
Vol. 57 No. 9 The Conversion of St. Paul (Epiphany 3) January 25, 2026 In the season of Epiphany the Church celebrates the manifestations of God’s glory in Christ—manifestations not confined to Israel, but extended to the Gentile world. It is fitting that within this season we commemorate the Conversion of Saint Paul. Paul’s conversion is…
Vol. 57 No. 8 The Second Sunday after Epiphany January 18, 2026 By the word Epiphany we refer both to a particular day (January 6th) and to the season that follows it. (This season varies in length – from two to six Sundays – depending on Easter’s falling early or late.) But what is Epiphany? “We…
Vol. 57 No. 7 The First Sunday after Epiphany January 11, 2026 Epiphany means manifestation, or appearing— specifically the manifestation of deity. Scripture records many epiphanies: God descending upon Sinai in cloud and fire; even the created order itself is theophanic, revealing the hand of its Maker. Yet these are manifestations of God to human nature.…
Vol. 57 No. 6 The Second Sunday after Christmas January 4, 2026 The fourth century was dominated by controversy over the deity and humanity of Christ. Was it God himself who came to save the world in Christ, or merely someone like God? And if Christ was truly God, was he also truly man—or only something…
Vol. 57 No. 5 Holy Innocents (The Sunday after Christmas ) December 28, 2025 The beauty of St. John’s this Christmas was enhanced by the poinsettias, wreaths and garland given to the glory of God and as follows: Christmas poinsettias given in loving memory of: Christmas poinsettias given in thanksgiving for, in honor of, in celebration of:…
